The Transportation Security Administration's South Carolina office is urging travelers to apply for a Real ID if they're planning to board a commercial airplane soon.
The deadline is fast-approaching for global jet setters and the occasional leisure flier alike.
They now have less than 60 days to swap out their drivers licenses or other official identification cards to one with a gold star. Short of showing a valid passport, proof of Real ID will be required to board a domestic flight, enter a secure federal building or visit a military installation.
The designation is available at S.C. Department of Motor Vehicle offices across the state.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it will start to enforce the use of Real ID at airports and some government sites on May 7.
The S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles provides Real ID drivers licenses that will be required to fly on commercial airplanes starting May 7.
TSA regional spokesman Mark Howell said travelers shouldn't wait until they need it.
"If you don't have the Real ID already, now is the time to start thinking about it," Howell said. "The closer you wait to April and May, the busier the lines will be at the DMV. Don't wait until the last minute, especially if you have travel plans this year."
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government set standards for issuing official IDs, such as drivers licenses. The rollout has been pushed back multiple times over the past two decades, including four resets during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, the TSA proposed a phased-in enforcement approach to give federal agencies "necessary flexibility ... in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact."
FILE - The Department of Homeland Security logo is seen during a news conference in Washington, Feb. 25, 2015.
"The proposed rule does not extend the Real ID deadline," the agency said.
The TSA also warned that travelers without an approved form of ID after May 7 "could face delays at airport security checkpoints."
The process requires a trip to the DMV. Applicants need proof of identity, legal name and two documents showing their residency, such as a utility bill or a bank statement. The cost in South Carolina is $25 in most instances.
Military IDs and valid passports are among the acceptable alternatives. So are "enhanced" driver's licenses" issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont.
While travelers can use the other approved IDs to board planes, not all are foolproof. Howell said it's not uncommon for passengers to get to an airport security checkpoint and learn their passport is expired.
"Even if you don't travel often, it's something everyone should consider," he said. "When there's an emergency and you book that last-minute flight, it is one less thing to worry about."
Another initiative designed to make international travel easier is Global Entry. The five-year membership program that speeds up customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. costs $120.
The hitch for thousands of South Carolina residents who are preapproved for the upgrade is a scheduling backlog for the mandatory in-person interview. The step is required for final approval. But for now, it requires a trip to a major city with a processing outpost.
That's expected to change for local travelers. Interview slots will be available in a new Global Entry office expected to open this year inside Charleston International's police station at 5550 Porsche Blvd. Officials expect the renovation work to be completed in the spring.
Airport officials have previously tried to ease the interview backlog. Charleston International and Myrtle Beach International have held several pop-ups events, including one last week, that quickly filled up.
Documents required for the interview include a valid passport, proof of residency and a "Trusted Traveler" number from the government.
A recent change waives fees for applicants under the age of 18 when a parent or legal guardian has already joined Global Entry or is applying with them.
Global Entry also covers offers streamlined airport security screenings in the U.S. through automatic enrollment in the government's widely used five-year Pre Check program.
Another offering is TSA Cares, which is for special circumstances. Travelers can send an email through a link on the agency's website or call a hotline at least three days in advance of a flight. The TSA will then assign a support specialist to meet the passenger at the security checkpoint to help during the screening process.
Howell, the agency spokesman, said the Care program is available but underutilized at Charleston International.
"This is a great option for someone traveling with ... medical devices and oversized liquid medications, and those with medical implants, prosthetics, or other physical or medical needs that can typically slow down the security line," he said.