{"state":"South Carolina","code":"SC","slug":"south-carolina","questionCount":201,"manual":"South Carolina Driver's Manual","manualUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-04/Driver's%20Manual.pdf","examFormat":null,"keyFacts":[{"id":"test-fee","label":"Knowledge test fee","value":"Knowledge test fee is $2.00; beginner's permit issuance fee is $2.50","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"}],"documents":{"applicantScope":"First regular Class D beginner permit for South Carolina residents age 15 or older, minors and adults; standard or REAL ID, U.S. citizens and lawfully present noncitizens. Excludes motorcycles and commercial/large-vehicle permits.","items":[{"label":"Complete Form 447-NC","detail":"Select beginner permit and standard or REAL ID; complete the identification, eligibility and certification sections.","who":"all","group":"application","sourceUrl":"https://www.dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-01/447-NC_0.pdf"},{"label":"Bring original identity, birth and citizenship documents","detail":"U.S. citizens need one listed original, such as a certified government birth certificate or unexpired U.S. passport. Photocopies and scans of identity documents are not accepted.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-93%20US%20Citizens%E2%80%99%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Bring your legal name-change history if applicable","detail":"Bring linking marriage, divorce or court documents. U.S. citizens may use an unexpired U.S. passport in the current legal name; noncitizens must also have the current name on their U.S. immigration document.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-93%20US%20Citizens%E2%80%99%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Noncitizens: use the MV-94 status-specific checklist","detail":"Bring original identity, birth/place-of-birth and authorized-stay documents. Requirements vary for permanent residents, refugees, asylees and visa holders; work/student status may require an employer or school letter and I-20 or DS-2019.","who":"all","group":"lawful-presence","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-94%20Lawfully%20Present%20Non-US%20Citizens%27%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Provide your SSN, or the noncitizen denial letter","detail":"SCDMV verifies SSN, name and birth date with SSA. Lawfully present noncitizens without an SSN must bring an SSA denial letter.","who":"all","group":"ssn","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-94%20Lawfully%20Present%20Non-US%20Citizens%27%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Bring one address proof for standard; two for REAL ID","detail":"Documents must show your name and current physical SC address and be no more than nine months old. REAL ID proofs must come from different organizations and show the same address.","who":"all","group":"residency","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-93%20US%20Citizens%E2%80%99%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Bring an authorized adult with photo ID","detail":"The adult signs at the branch, unless a driver-training representative signs and submits the consent. Emancipated minors instead bring court, marriage or active-duty proof.","who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits"},{"label":"Document emancipation if using that exception","detail":"An emancipated minor must show a court order, marriage certificate or active military orders.","who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-01/447-NC_0.pdf"},{"label":"Bring $2 for testing and $2.50 for the permit","detail":"The permit fee is due after passing the knowledge test.","who":"all","group":"fee","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits"},{"label":"Pass the vision and knowledge tests","detail":"Bring your corrective lenses if needed for screening.","who":"all","group":"vision","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits"},{"label":"Bring any permit, license or ID from another state","detail":"Surrender it; if lost or stolen, bring a certified driving record from the issuing state. Foreign credentials may need to be shown as evidence of experience.","who":"all","group":"other","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-93%20US%20Citizens%E2%80%99%20Checklist.pdf"},{"label":"Bring approved translations for non-English documents","detail":"Use SCDMV Form 4030 completed by a qualified or certified translator, with the required translator credentials.","who":"all","group":"other","sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/sites/scdmv/files/2026-06/MV-93%20US%20Citizens%E2%80%99%20Checklist.pdf"}],"sourceUrl":"https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"},"lastReviewed":"2026-10-05","urls":{"hub":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-carolina","practiceTest":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-carolina/practice-test","handbook":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-carolina/handbook","factsJson":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/south-carolina/facts.json"}}