DMV to Offer Rides to Voters Who Don't Have ID

South Carolina residents who don't have a state ID can get free transportation to and from the DMV on Sept. 28. 

S.C. DMV officials and Gov. Nikki Haley announced Wednesday "State Identification Card Day," an effort to get S.C. residents the identification they need to comply with the new voter ID law.

The General Assembly passed the measure that requires voters to show a state-issued ID in order to cast their ballots. The U.S. Justice Department is reviewing the law to determine whether it meets federal civil rights guidelines. 

Citizens who need a ride to the DMV on Sept. 28 should call 1-855-STATE ID (1-855-782-8343) toll-free before Sept. 22 to request transportation. 

DMV representatives will ask citizens for their name, address, contact information and preferred DMV office. Citizens will not receive an appointment at that time.

The DMV will call citizens by Sept. 26 to confirm the request for transportation and provide an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled for a two-hour window of time when a driver will arrive to pick up the citizen.

To obtain an identification card, citizens must have a birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of residency. If they have had a name change since birth, they must also have legal documentation (marriage license, divorce decree or adoption records) to support the name change. DMV encourages those that want to participate to call ahead of time to ensure they have all the appropriate documents.

“The most important thing citizens need to remember is that we cannot issue any type of credential without the proper documents to back it up. That’s the hurdle most people face when trying to get an identification card,” said DMV Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “For many people, the real problem is getting a birth certificate.”

People who don't have birth certificates should start by contacting the Division of Vital Records at the Department of Health and Environmental Control. 

DMV offices will not offer any road tests on Sept. 28. Other activities may also be unavailable based on service demands.