COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – The South Carolina DMV is rolling out a new design for driver’s licenses and state IDs, along with some new security features.

The new IDs will begin the issuance process in August in two Midlands DMV locations, and will become statewide in the fall.

“We are always challenged with staying a step ahead of the bad guys,” said Lauren Phillips, the Director of Driver Services with the SCDMV.

Phillips added that security is one of the driving forces of these new IDs, but design and structure played a big role too.

“It will be very tamper resistant and very counterfeit resistant as far as the material itself, and we’re excited to offer a new, more secure, just material wise document to the people of the state,” she said.

She added these new designs include updated security features to protect against fraud and counterfeiting. Besides a cleaner layout, the cards have features to make them harder to duplicate.

Outside the DMV on Shop Road in Columbia, Paul Huff and Lekisha Davis were going inside to get new licenses, but said they will come back in late August to get the new version.

“I’m going to get a new one because if it’ll help me with my security any at all, it’s a benefit,” Huff said.
Davis added, “I think it’s a good thing that the DMV is making South Carolina safer.”

Phillips said the new license isn’t required, but it is recommended for those needing real IDs as they are real ID compliant.

“The good thing is, it [real IDs] was somewhat of a nonevent for South Carolina. It really wasn’t a thing, which I think speaks to the testament of a number of things. The DMV here in South Carolina started issuing real IDs in 2018, and by far the majority of our population already has one.”

The new licenses will cost the exact same as purchasing a new one, and the DMV said they have been in communication with law enforcement to keep them aware of these changes.