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South Carolina permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the South Carolina permit test

Who this checklist covers: 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.

Bring originals unless the official list says copies are accepted. Items marked Under 18 apply only to minors.

Application

Complete Form 447-NCSelect beginner permit and standard or REAL ID; complete the identification, eligibility and certification sections.Source: official South Carolina page for Complete Form 447-NC

Identity

Bring original identity, birth and citizenship documentsU.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.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring original identity, birth and citizenship documents
Bring your legal name-change history if applicableBring 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.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring your legal name-change history if applicable

Lawful presence

Noncitizens: use the MV-94 status-specific checklistBring 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.Source: official South Carolina page for Noncitizens: use the MV-94 status-specific checklist

Social Security number

Provide your SSN, or the noncitizen denial letterSCDMV verifies SSN, name and birth date with SSA. Lawfully present noncitizens without an SSN must bring an SSA denial letter.Source: official South Carolina page for Provide your SSN, or the noncitizen denial letter

Residency

Bring one address proof for standard; two for REAL IDDocuments 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.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring one address proof for standard; two for REAL ID

Parent or guardian

Bring an authorized adult with photo IDUnder 18The 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.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring an authorized adult with photo ID
Document emancipation if using that exceptionUnder 18An emancipated minor must show a court order, marriage certificate or active military orders.Source: official South Carolina page for Document emancipation if using that exception

Fees

Bring $2 for testing and $2.50 for the permitThe permit fee is due after passing the knowledge test.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring $2 for testing and $2.50 for the permit

Vision test

Pass the vision and knowledge testsBring your corrective lenses if needed for screening.Source: official South Carolina page for Pass the vision and knowledge tests

Also on test day

Bring any permit, license or ID from another stateSurrender 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.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring any permit, license or ID from another state
Bring approved translations for non-English documentsUse SCDMV Form 4030 completed by a qualified or certified translator, with the required translator credentials.Source: official South Carolina page for Bring approved translations for non-English documents

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Official list: https://dmv.sc.gov/driver-services/drivers-license/beginner-permits

Where to go and how to book

Visit an SCDMV branch before 4 p.m. for the knowledge test. Noncitizens must select a branch offering international services listed in MV-94.

Find an officehttps://dmv.sc.gov/locations

AppointmentsWe did not find an official online scheduler. Check the office finder for how your office works.

Source: dmv.sc.gov

Test languages and ID

Test languages

Confirm available test languages with your office or the official South Carolina DMV (SCDMV) site before you book.

REAL ID

REAL ID is optional for driving. It requires two address proofs instead of one; the permit price is the same.

Source: dmv.sc.gov

Good to know

Automobile liability insurance information is not required for the beginner permit.

Source: dmv.sc.gov

Ready for the test itself?

The documents get you in the door; the questions are what you pass. Take the free South Carolina practice test, or see the South Carolina DMV facts page for fees, age rules, and the question count.

Sources

Each checklist item quotes its official page. We fetched and checked these pages on 2026-10-05:

Rules change. If your office asks for something not listed here, the office is right. Spot a mistake? Tell us through the contact page.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-10-05

South Carolina permit test day: what to bring and where to go

South Carolina permit test: what to bring

What to bring to the South Carolina permit test

Where to go and how to book

Test languages and ID

Test languages

REAL ID

Good to know

Ready for the test itself?

Sources