Apply for a License (Drivers 18+) in South Carolina

Applying for a New Driver's License in South Carolina

You must obtain a South Carolina driver's license from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to drive on public roads. Below, we've outlined how you can apply for a new South Carolina driver's license, whether you're a long-time resident, new to the state, or a non-citizen.

New South Carolina Residents

South Carolina allows new residents to transfer both out-of-state driver's licenses and beginner permits.

Just Moved to South Carolina?

As a new resident, you've got a lot on to transfer and update to your new home state! Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.

License Eligibility Requirements

To drive legally in South Carolina, you need a SC driver's license UNLESS:

  • You're a military member or dependent with a valid out-of-state license.
  • You're a student at an SC school, college, or university and you hold a valid out-of-state license.

Eventually, minors obtain a Class D license, too; however, they must first work their way through the state's GDL process. Visit our Teen Drivers section for more details.

Getting Your SC Learner's Permit

Regardless of age, you must obtain an SC driver's permit before applying for a new driver's license.

We explain how to apply for your learner's permit below under Apply for Your SC Driver's License but understand that:

  • You must hold your permit for a full 180 days.
    • You can apply for your license on the 181st day (or anytime after).
  • You'll use the permit to practice driving with a licensed driver who's 21 years old or older. The driver must:
    • Have at least 1 year of driving experience.
    • Sit in the front passenger seat.

Read the full driver license application process below to find out how to get your driver's permit and then your license.

Apply for Your SC Driver's License

In accordance with the Real ID Act of 2005, the SC DMV began requiring what it calls additional credentials. These credentials make driver licenses and ID cards more tamper-resistant and help prevent fraud and identity theft.

REAL ID License: What's Changed?

Before outlining the license application process, take note of the following facts:

  • There are 3 levels of security:
    • Level 1—You can see the new features with your own eyes.
    • Level 2—You need a magnifying glass or ultraviolet (UV) light to see the new features.
    • Level 3—Only forensics specialists can see the new features.
  • Your driver's license appearance has changed.
  • Your ID requirements and fees have NOT changed.
  • Drivers don't need to replace current driver's licenses until they expire.
  • You cannot revert back to an old driver's license once you have a new credential license.

The SC DMV provides a thorough New Credential FAQ section, as well as visual examples of the state's new driver's licenses.

To apply for your Class D driver's license, you must first obtain a learner's permit. Visit your local SC DMV office and:

Pass the Written Test on Your First Try

To prep for the written test the DMV suggest studying the South Carolina Driver Manual, but who has time for all that reading, and how would you comprehend the material? We suggest preparing for the exam with an online practice test. These study assistants are designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

  • Pass the:
    • Vision exam.
      • Bring any required corrective lenses.
    • Written exam.
      • You DO NOT have to take the written exam if you're from a country that has established a formal reciprocity agreement with SC. See below for details.
  • Pay the:
    • $2 written exam fee.
    • $2.50 permit fee.

Once you obtain your beginner permit and hold it for 180 days, you can apply for your full Class D driver's license, which means passing the driving test (see below).

Passing the Driving Test

You can either schedule an appointment for your behind-the-wheel skills test, OR take a walk-in test between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m ONLY*.

At your road test, you'll need to:

  • Bring your beginner permit and a licensed driver.
  • Be prepared to pass your vision test again.
  • Provide a properly titled, registered, insured and safety compliant vehicle.
  • Take and pass your road skills exam.
    • You DO NOT have to take the driving exam if you're from a country that has established a formal reciprocity agreement with SC. See below for details.
  • Pay the $25 license fee.

Congratulations—you're now a licensed South Carolina driver! New licenses stay valid for 8 years, after which you'll need to renew.

*NOTE: Some third-party programs are authorized to administer DMV tests; however, applicants must understand that even if these programs are authorized, the DMV still reserves the right to require its own examiners to administer tests, as well. Learn more at the One Stop Driver Training and Testing Programs website.

What If I Fail the Exam?

If you fail the driving test:

  • On your 1st attempt, you must wait 2 days before trying again.
  • On your 2nd attempt, you must wait 7 days before trying again.
  • On your 3rd attempt or subsequent attempt, you must wait 30 days before the next attempt.

Once you pass your driving test, your DMV examiner will inform you when you'll receive your new SC driver's license.

Non-Citizens & New SC Driver's Licenses

South Carolina uses the label "international customer" for non-citizens, and considers the following applicants as such:

  • U.S. protectorate citizens.
  • Immigrants.
  • Asylees.
  • Refugees.
  • Any non-immigrant granted temporary entry into the United States.

Certain SC DMV locations handle non-citizen SC driver licenses. Check the SC DMV's list of International Customer Offices.

As an international customer, you'll follow the same application process as U.S. citizens (including possibly obtaining a beginner permit; see below), except you'll have some different document requirements. There are some countries that have a reciprocity agreement with South Carolina.

The South Carolina DMV provides an International Customer Checklist (Form MV-94) to download from its website, which explains requirements for both immigrants and non-immigrants applying for a new SC driver's license.

Your new South Carolina driver's license expiration date depends on:

  • How long you're authorized to be in the United States.
    OR
  • The expiration date on your employment authorization document.

Driver's License Driving Test

You DO have to take the knowledge and driving tests and obtain and hold a beginner permit for 180 days IF one of the following applies to you:

  • You cannot present a valid driver license from your home country.
  • Your home country does not have formally established reciprocity with the United States (see the list below).
  • Your license expired and you didn't renew it within 9 months.

You DO NOT have to take the knowledge exam or driving tests if:

  • Your out-of-country license credential is valid (unexpired).
  • Your country meets the knowledge and skills test based on the type of license you are applying - driver's license, motorcycle license, or CDL.

You must meet the same ID document requirements as those listed above.

Forms

447-NC
Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Non-Commercial Credential)
Use this DMV form to apply for a South Carolina learner's permit, driver's license, identification card, OR moped/motorcycle license. Can be used to request an original, renewal, duplicate, or correction.
RG-004A
Application for People Who Have a Hearing Impairment
Department of Motor Vehicle's application for a SC placard, learner's permit, AND/OR driver's license for the hearing impaired.
MV-94
International Customers' Checklist
The DMV's checklist of required items for people from out-of-country who are applying for a SC identification card, learner's permit, or driver's license.
412-NC
Report of Vision Screening for Non Commercial Beginner's Permit or Driver's License
You must complete this form if you don't pass the Department of Motor Vehicle's vision screening for a South Carolina driver's license. A licensed eye doctor must complete the form.
DL-127
Route Restricted Driver's License Application
Apply for a route-restricted SC driver's license to drive to work OR school if your driving privileges were revoked.
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