Few South Carolinians Sign Up for Free DMV Ride

Fewer than 30 South Carolinians have signed up for a free ride to the Department of Motor Vehicles on Wednesday to get a photo ID card, according to the DMV.

The agency reports that it received more than 675 calls to its toll-free line. The majority of people just called for information about the law. Less than 50 of those people requested rides, and only 25 rides are scheduled. 

The S.C. DMV and Gov. Nikki Haley  in an effort to help citizens get the ID required for the state's new voter law. The law is awaiting approval by the U.S. Justice Department. 

Some citizens who called were able to get their ID through the mail if they had the proper documentation already, according to agency officials. 

“Every situation is different and we made every effort to help each person that called,” said DMV Contact Center Chief Melissa Cisson. “For many people, the real problem was getting a birth certificate. Some people had no idea where to begin."

To get a photo ID card, residents 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 to support it.

Others made the trip to the DMV on their own after making the call to find out what documents they needed, officials said. 

S.C. residents had until Sept. 22 to schedule their ride to the DMV. The 25 confirmed appointments will be served at 20 DMV offices across the state.