Welcome to the relocated SCDMV website, now at dmv.sc.gov.
If you're not a US citizen, you may apply for a South Carolina driver's license or identification (ID) card only at specific branches. Only US Citizens and Green Card holders are eligible for a commercial license. There are 30 branches that issue licenses and IDs for lawfully present non-US Citizens.
When searching for an SCDMV branch that serves lawfully present non-US Citizens, be sure to filter the results to International Customers.
You must bring certain identity documents with you. A complete list of accepted documents can be found on the lawfully present non-US Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94).
If you are not a US citizen, you must renew your driver’s license at one of the SCDMV branches that process applications for lawfully present non-US Citizens.
To renew your license, you must do all of the following:
In addition to the above requirements, if you received five or more points against your driving record in the last two years, you must take a knowledge test to renew your license.
South Carolina waives the requirement for knowledge and skills testing if you're a first-time applicant from a country, US territory, or a freely associated state that has a formal reciprocity agreement with this state as long as your out-of-country driving credential has not expired.
For a country to establish reciprocity with SC, the SCDMV must receive a formal request from the country or consulate for the country. The reciprocity agreements covering knowledge and skills testing do not change the requirements to show appropriate documentation. If you're not a US citizen, you will follow the same application process. Individuals from freely associated states are not US citizens but individuals from US territories are US citizens.
The lawfully present non-US Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94) lists the documentation requirements for the most common immigration and visa statuses.
*South Korea and Taiwan require their citizens to get certification letters from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea or the Consulate General of the Republic of China (Taiwan) before they come into an SCDMV branch for a driver’s license or ID. You must provide the letter from the appropriate consulate certifying that your South Korean or Taiwanese license is valid. This letter is only valid for 30 days from the date on the letter. This letter will be accepted in lieu of the translation document that is generally required for a license in a foreign language. If you have a birth certificate that needs to be translated, complete the Translation Document (SCDMV Form 4030).
