These guidelines establish standards for accepting documents submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles by all applicants applying for a first time SC BEGINNER’S PERMIT, DRIVER’S LICENSE or ID card and all applicants previously licensed in SC who are returning to SC after having been licensed in another state. It is DMV’s responsibility as a licensing state to verify the accuracy and authenticity of any document furnished to us by any applicant applying for a credential.

There are several laws that require the department to collect personal information from an applicant:

  • Name and Date of Birth (Section 56-1-80 and 56-1-90)
  • Social Security Number (Section 56-1-90)
  • Citizenship (Section 56-1-40(7) and 56-1-80)
  • Residency (Section 56-1-40(7) and Section 56-1-80(c)

Our goal as an agency is to ensure that the customer is provided with as much information to assist him/her when applying for a credential. It is not the department’s intent to refuse to issue a credential to a customer who possesses acceptable documents. However, when a person applies for one of our credentials, it is DMV’s responsibility to verify that the applicant is who he or she claims to be. With all of this in mind, the attached lists of documents have been expanded to ensure our customers have been provided every opportunity to comply with South Carolina laws and procedures.

United States Citizen

If you are a United States citizen applying for a first time beginner's permit, driver's license or identification card, you must provide documentation showing proof of your identity and citizenship, proof of your social security number and proof of residency in South Carolina. If you are applying for an ID or beginner’s permit, you do not need to provide proof of insurance. If you are applying for a driver’s license, you must provide automobile insurance information from an insurance company licensed to do business in South Carolina.

For a checklist of the US citizen requirements, click here for Form MV-93

If you are a new resident moving to South Carolina from another state, you also have to meet these same requirements.

Proof of Identity and Citizenship

To prove your identity and citizenship, you must provide one the following original documents:

  • Birth Certificate with birth/file number and registrar signature issued by the county or Bureau of Vital Statistics.
  • Delayed birth certificate (if birth certificate was not issued at time of birth) from the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
  • Birth Certificate from US Territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, US Samoa) translated if not in English.
  • US Passport (current or expired no longer than 10 years)
  • Original Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS Form N-550 or N-570)
  • US government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS Form N-560 or N-561)

If your name has changed and the new name is not reflected on your identification document, you must also provide court documents, your marriage certificate or adoption records indicating your legal name change.

If your birth certificate indicates that you were not born in the United States, you must also provide an additional document listed above proving US citizenship.

If you were born before 1918 and do not have a birth record, you must provide two documents from the following list:

  • Social Security Check
  • Social Security Card
  • Military ID
  • Marriage License
  • Letter from the Social Security Administration
  • Medicaid or Medicare Card
  • Life insurance policy at least 5 years old
  • Out of state driver license or identification card

If your original birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated. The translated version of the birth certificate must be an original document. Citizens from the United States Territories are US citizens. Citizens from the Protected Territories, while not US citizens are not required to have a visa and are treated as US citizens.

If you were born in the US and need to get a copy of your birth certificate, you may contact the National Center of Health Statistics to get contact information for your birth state.

Social Security Number

You must provide proof of your Social Security number and, if possible, your original social security card. The name on your social security card must match the name on your identity documents. All Social Security Cards will be checked for authenticity under a black light in the DMV office. If you do not have your original social security card, you may substitute one of the following, provided that the document includes your social security number:

  • Social Security Check
  • Social Security Form SSA-1099, Survivor Benefit Form
  • United States Military Identification Card (DOD, ID, DD-2)
  • Current (non-expired) military dependent ID card
  • US Uniform Services Identification and Privilege Card (DD1173) that contains a photograph and social security number
  • Voter Registration card

The following documents will be accepted in lieu of a Social Security Card provided the information can be verified through an online social security check:

  • Letter from the Social Security Administration
  • Payroll stub with employer’s name, your name and your social security number
  • Original W-2 Form with employer’s name and address and your name, address and social security number

Proof of Residency

To prove you are a resident of South Carolina, you must provide documentation that contains both your name and physical address. The following documents will be accepted by DMV:

  • Current Employment records
    • Letter on employer letterhead (records must be from SC employer or have SC address for applicant on records from an out of state employer)
    • Pay stub showing SC withholding
    • Letter on employer letterhead indicating intent to hire
  • Current utility bill (no more than 30 days old)
    • Gas, water, electric, cable, landline telephone only. Cell phone bill not acceptable
  • Current school records from a SC school
    • Student ID
    • Report Card
    • Letter of contract from home school association
    • Official letter from the student’s school or school district on school or district letterhead
    • Certified transcript
    • Diploma from SC school for student who graduated during the last school year
    • Record from an out of state school with student’s name and SC address
  • SC Welfare/Social Services Card
  • SC Medicaid cards
  • Parolee Cards or letter from parole officer
  • Mortgage documents
  • SC Weapons Permit – not expired
  • County tax notice or receipt for home ONLY
  • State or Federal Tax records
    • Income tax returns for current or prior year are acceptable
    • If applicant is listed as dependent on SC tax return that is presented as proof of residency, proof applies to dependent also.
  • Current Military Orders detailing active duty assignment in SC
  • Current letter from Military Base Commander verifying duty station in SC
  • Bank statement showing name of applicant and SC physical address
  • Original social security check, showing name and SC physical address of applicant
  • Insurance documentation
    • Letter (no more than 30 days old) from insurance company or agent licensed to do business in SC stating name of applicant and indicating SC address of applicant
    • Insurance policy, showing name of applicant and SC address.
  • Letter from director of a South Carolina social welfare institution (homeless shelter, battered women’s shelter, halfway house, group home, orphanage, etc.) stating applicant is resident of facility.
    • Some residents from these facilities may have their ID card fees waived, provided the facility appears on the list approved by the DMV Executive Director, as distributed with Policy No. 97-104.
  • Voter Registration (for US citizens only)
  • Current Vehicle Insurance Card – if the customer’s name and physical address appears on the insurance card
Insurance Information

Before a driver’s license can be issued or renewed, you must furnish current insurance information. You must provide the company name of your automobile insurance company, which must be authorized to do business in South Carolina. If you or any relative in your household does not own a vehicle, you must indicate that fact on your application.

Applicants Under 18 Years of Age

If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign your application to accept responsibility for you.  If you are an emancipated minor, you must submit proof of emancipation with a court order, marriage certificate or active military orders. Only an original document or certified copy will be accepted.

United States Citizen With Credentials From Other States

If you are a new resident to South Carolina, you must meet the same requirements as any other United States citizen. In addition to your out-of-state driver’s license or ID card, you must provide proof of identity, proof of your social security number, proof of residency and, if applying for a driver’s license, your insurance information. Once you obtain your SC credential, you must surrender your out-of-state license. If you have lost your out-of-state beginner permit, driver’s license or identification card, you must also complete an affidavit of lost permit or license along with your South Carolina application.

Applicants with a valid license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and your documents have been verified, you may be issued a South Carolina driver’s license by passing the vision test and surrendering your out-of-state license. If your out-of-state license has expired by 9 months or more, you must successfully complete the knowledge, skills and vision tests.

Applicants with a valid beginner permit from another state

Beginner's permits issued in other states cannot be used to drive in South Carolina. To drive on South Carolina roads and highways, you must have a South Carolina beginner's permit. If you have had your out-of-state beginner's permit for at least 180 days, you may take the skills test to apply for your South Carolina driver's license. If you fail the skills test, you may return the next day and try again unless the driver's license examiner recommends that you wait until you have had more practice. If you are issued a South Carolina beginner's permit, you must have held it for 180 days before you can apply for a driver's license. The time that you held an out-of-state beginner's permit counts toward the 180-day period. For more information about beginner’s permits, please refer to the Beginner Permit section of this website.

Applicants from United States Territories

If you are an applicant from a United States Territory (Puerto Rico-PR, Virgin Islands-VI, American Samoa-AS, Guam-GU), you must meet the same requirements as any other United States citizen. If your original birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated and the translated birth certificate document presented must be an original. A driver’s license must also be translated unless an international driving permit accompanies it. The translated driver’s license document presented must be also an original.

If your birth certificate or driver’s license must be translated, Form DL-4030 Translation Document is available online or at any of our DMV Branch Offices.

Applicants from United States Protected Territories

If you are an applicant from a United States Protected Territory (Northern Mariana Islands-MP, Federated States of Micronesia-FM, Republic of Marshall Island-MH, Republic of Palau-PW), you must meet the same requirements as a United States citizen. However, your application must be processed in one of the 16 offices designated for processing International citizens.

If your original birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated and the translated birth certificate document presented must be an original. A Driver’s license must also be translated unless an international driving permit accompanies it. The translated driver’s license document presented must be also an original.

If your birth certificate or driver’s license must be translated, Form DL-4030 Translation Document is available online or at any of our DMV Branch Offices.

International Customers Who are Not US Citizens

International customers are citizens of US protectorates, immigrants, refugees, asylees, and other non-immigrants who are granted temporary entry into the United States. International customers who are not US citizens can only obtain a SC driving credential or ID at one of the following service centers:

Bluffton Lancaster
Charleston - Leeds Ave. Orangeburg
Myrtle Beach - 21st Ave. North Florence
Conway Greenwood
Irmo Laurens
Columbia - Shop Rd. North Augusta
Greenville - Saluda Dam Rd. Rock Hill - Hand Mill Rd.
Spartanburg - Southport Rd. Seneca

All persons authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, or the U.S. Department of State to live, work, or study in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis will be eligible to apply for a beginner's permit, driver's license or identification card.

The expiration date of the driver’s license will be determined by the applicant's authorized period of stay in the United States or the expiration date of the applicant's employment authorization document. Applications for beginner permits, driver’s licenses and identification cards for International customer will be accepted at sixteen of our DMV offices across the state. To apply for a South Carolina credential, all International customers that are not US citizens must provide the following:

  • Proof of Identity
  • Proof of birthplace
  • Proof of SC residency
  • Social Security Card or Letter from the Social Security Administration stating that the applicant is not allowed to work in the United States
  • Automobile insurance information (if applying for a license)

For a checklist of the International customer requirements, click here for Form MV-94

All applicants must provide proper documentation to prove that the US Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizes them to live, work or study in the United States on a temporary or permanent basis, and that they are within their current authorized period of stay. If the applicant is applying for a driver’s license, they must also submit a valid driver’s license from their country of origin as proof of prior driving experience. The driver’s license information must be translated into English or be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Applicants who cannot show proof of prior driving experience must first obtain a beginner’s permit and hold it for 180 days before applying for a driver’s license.

Immigrants (Green Card Holders)

Immigrants, permanent residents and resident aliens must provide the following documents to obtain a SC credential:

  • Form I-551 (green card) or a valid passport stamped “I-551 Approved” or “Processed for I-551”
  • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance
  • Proof of SC residency
  • Automobile insurance information (not required for ID card or beginner’s permit)
Non-Immigrants

>Non-immigrants are foreign nationals who are permitted to enter and reside in the United States for a temporary period of time and for a specific purpose.

  • B1 and B2 Visa Holders
    To obtain a SC credential, B1 and B2 visa holders must provide the following to obtain a SC credential:
    • Passport with unexpired visa
    • I-94 or I-94W
    • Letter from the Social Security Administration stating that the applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Automobile insurance information (not required for ID card or beginner’s permit)
  • Refugees
    Refugees are International customers who are granted entry to the United States into the US Amnesty Program.

    Refugees with a sponsoring organization require the following documents:
    • I-94 stamped "Refugee"
    • Reception and Placement Program Assurance Form from sponsoring organization
    • Written verification of identity on letterhead presented by an employee of a sponsoring organization approved by the United States Department of State to resettle refugees in South Carolina.
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or, if not eligible for a Social Security Number, a letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
    Refugees without a sponsoring organization require the following documents: Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) I-688B and
    • Documentation verifying place of birth
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-688B as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
    OR
    Form I-766 Employment Card and
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-766 as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
  • Asylees
    Asylees are International customers who are seeking political asylum in the US because of political persecution, civil unrest, or military conflict in their home nation. Asylees generally do not return to their home nations after the conflict is over. Asylees have “ASYLEE” stamped on their documentation. Asylees require the following documentation:

    I-94W and
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or, if not eligible for a Social Security Number, a Letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency (LINK TO RESIDENCY DOCUMENTS)
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    OR
    Unexpired Employment authorization Document (EAD) I-688B and
    • Passport
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-688B as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    OR
    Form I-766 and
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-766 as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
  • Other Non-Immigrants
    OTHER NON-IMMIGRANTS GRANTED TEMPORARY ENTRY INTO THE US require the following documentation:
    • Passport with unexpired visa and
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance OR
    • Letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • I-94 or I-94W
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    OR
    Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Form I-688B and
    • Passport
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-688B as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    OR
    Form I-766 and
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance. Applicants presenting a form I-766 as documentation must obtain social security card, because their authorized stay in US is contingent on their work authorization. Letters from Social Security Administration are NOT acceptable.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
  • Additional Documentation required for Non-Immigrants if change or expiration on original entry documents

    Applicants with status F1 or F2 (students and their families) must provide ALL of the following:
    • Form I-20
    • Written verification on the school’s letterhead showing enrollment or good standing. The appropriate school authority must sign the letter.
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or, if the applicant is not eligible for a social security card, a letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)
    Applicants with status H1-A, H1-B, H2-A, H-3 or H-4 (Temporary workers and their families) must provide ALL of the following:
    • Notice of Action Form I-797
    • Written verification on the employer’s letterhead showing employment. The appropriate authority must sign the letter.
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    Applicants with status J-1 or J-2 (Exchange visitors and their families) must provide ALL of the following:
    • Form DS-2019 (IAP-66)
    • Written verification on the institution’s letterhead showing enrollment or employment. The appropriate authority from the institution must sign the letter.
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

    Applicants with a Fiancé Status must provide ALL of the following:
    • Marriage License
    • Form I-94
    • Notice of Action Form
    • Social Security Card indicating reason for issuance or letter from Social Security Administration stating that applicant is an alien not allowed to work in the United States.
    • Proof of SC residency
    • Insurance information for insurance company licensed to do business in SC (not required for ID Card or Beginner’s Permit)

Countries and Territories that have Reciprocity with South Carolina

South Carolina waives the requirement for knowledge and skills testing for first time applicants from those countries that have established a formal reciprocity agreement with South Carolina, as long as the applicant’s out-of-country driving credential has not expired.

For a country to establish reciprocity with South Carolina, the Department must receive a formal request from that country or the consulate for that country. At the present time, ONLY the following countries have formal reciprocity agreements with South Carolina.

Commercial Vehicles and Non-Commercial Vehicles
   Canada
Non-Commercial Vehicles Only
   American Samoa
   France
   Germany
   Guam
   Puerto Rico
   Virgin Islands
   Federated State of Micronesia
   Republic of Marshall Islands
   Republic of Palau
   Northern Mariana Islands
Commercial Vehicles Only
   Mexico with CDLIS connection


PLEASE NOTE: The reciprocity agreements covering knowledge and skills testing DO NOT change the requirements to show appropriate documentation. International customers from Canada, France, Germany and Mexico, as well as from the Protected Territories, must follow the same application process as other International customers.

For a checklist of the International customer requirements, click here for Form MV-94

Adult Consent For Minors Applying For Beginner’s Permit and Driver’s License

If you are under the age of 18, you must have an adult sign the application for a beginner’s permit or driver’s license, unless you have been declared an emancipated minor and can provide court documents, a marriage license or military orders showing emancipated minor status. The adult must sign the application in the presence of a DMV employee. DMV employees MAY ONLY accept applications that are not signed in the presence of a DMV employee if the application is submitted by driver training schools.

Unless you can prove you are an emancipated minor, a parent or guardian must sign your application. Responsible adults other than a parent or guardian may sign for a minor applicant ONLY IF they complete and sign DMV form 447CM, Consent for Minor.

Exchange students under the age of 18 must have the signature of the member of the host family that signed the contract accepting responsibility for the exchange student. It is the responsibility of that person to determine if the contract allows the person to sign the application for a beginner’s permit or driver’s license.

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