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Accepted Forms of Identification

When you're getting a South Carolina beginner's permit, driver's license, or identification card for the first time, you must provide your social security number and present originals or government-issued copies of all of the following documents:

• Proof of identity, US Citizenship, and date of birth
• Proof of your current physical SC address (For a REAL ID beginner's permit, driver's license, or ID card, you will need two proofs of your current physical SC address)
• Proof of legal name change history (if applicable)
  If you've changed your name from what is printed on your birth certificate, you must bring in all supporting documents proving your legal name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order issued by your county's family court. You must bring in documents showing your complete name change history. If you have a US Passport or Passport Card with your legal name, you may use this in place of your name change document(s). The SCDMV will print the name that is on your passport on your license.

The United States Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93) outlines a complete list of accepted documents. If you're an international customer, the requirements are different.

If you're from a US Territory, you must meet the same documentation requirements as any other US citizen. If your birth certificate or license must be translated, use the Translation Document (SCDMV Form DL-4030).

SC Driver's License

Most driver's licenses that South Carolina issues are valid for eight years. All eight-year licenses are $25.

When you apply for a license, the SCDMV will check your driving history in other states. Upon being issued an SC identification card or driver's license, any driver's licenses and ID cards previously issued to you by another state or province will be cancelled. If you're moving to SC from another state, you must turn in your old license.

The SCDMV uses a centralized location to print permits and licenses. While you visit SCDMV branches in person to apply, test, and provide documentation, you will receive a temporary driving certificate on-site, instead of receiving a license or permit at the branch office. You will receive the permit or license in the mail in seven to 15 business days.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your new license — allow time for mail delivery.

Temporary certificates are valid for up to 30 days and can be used for driving, voting, and identification where accepted. Expiring cards will be returned with a hole punch and can still be used as photo ID, where accepted, until the new card arrives.

A QR code on the temporary certificate allows you to track the status of the new card through production and mailing. Please visit an SCDMV branch office if you do not receive a card in 30 days.

REAL ID

When applying for a South Carolina license, you may choose if you'd like to purchase a license that is a REAL ID with a star or a standard license that says "Not for Federal Identification."

You do not need a REAL ID driver's license or identification card to do any of the following:

• Drive
• Vote
• Apply for or receive federal benefits for which you’re entitled (Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, etc.)
• Enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (i.e. a post office)
• Access a hospital or receive life-saving services
• Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations (serve on a federal jury, testify in federal court, etc.).

If you have a valid US Passport, military ID, or another federal identification that's accepted to pass airport security, you may use it instead of changing your SC license or ID to a REAL ID. 

Documents needed for a REAL ID

If you have a valid US Passport/Passport Card with your current legal name that matches the information on file with the Social Security Administration and is also the name listed on your two proofs of physical South Carolina address, you have what is needed to purchase a REAL ID.  

You must have original or government-issued copies of all documents proving identity. The SCDMV will not accept copied or scanned versions of these documents. You can find a complete list of accepted documents on the United States Citizens’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93).

Here are examples of acceptable documents as well as what is needed if you have had a legal name change.  

Proof of Identity
Examples:  Government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US Passport      
Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
Examples:  Current, unexpired South Carolina driver's license or identification card and a utility bill with the same name and address
Proof of Legal Name
Examples:  Marriage license, divorce decree, or court order issued by your county's probate or family court

You must show a complete name change history that links your birth certificate name to your present-day name. If you have a valid US Passport or US Passport Card with your current, legal name, you may use that as your name change document. More information on how to change your name.
If you are moving to South Carolina from out-of-state and do not have your current license, you must provide a driving record from that state as proof of driving.  

Work Zones and Driving Safety

South Carolina is putting a renewed emphasis on safe driving in construction work zones. While vehicles continue to gain new safety features for drivers and passengers, vehicle-related injuries and fatalities are rising in work zones. Too often, that is a result of drivers not following the law and not heeding the designated signs that give drivers advance warning of road work ahead. 

Orange and black signs are set up to inform drivers in advance about the work zone. If asked to merge, drivers should do so as soon as they see the sign, which helps keep workers safe.

Speeding fines are increased in work zones in South Carolina, especially if the speeding contributes to an accident in which a worker is hurt or killed. 

Organ Donation

You may register to be an organ/tissue donor when you apply for or renew your South Carolina beginner’s permit, driver’s license, or identification card. If you choose to donate, your identity information will be added to the South Carolina Donor Registry and a red heart will be added to your beginner's permit, driver's license, or ID card. When you choose to be an organ donor, you're entering into a legally binding agreement as outlined under the South Carolina Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

If you choose to be an organ donor before your 18th birthday, your parent or legal guardian must consent to the donation. Every time you apply for a beginner's permit, driver's license,  or ID card, you may decide if you'd like to be an organ/tissue donor. If you change your decision for authorization in the future or wish to update your information on the registry, visit Donate Life South Carolina.

Medical Symbol on Beginner's Permits and Driver's Licenses

Customers may voluntarily choose up to three qualifying medical conditions that will be placed on their internal driving record for emergency personnel to view so that they may better assist customers in times of need.

Once a customer discloses a medical condition and applies for an original or renewed beginner's permit, driver's license, or identification card, the caduceus medical symbol will be printed on the back of the card.

To add the caduceus medical symbol on a card, customers must submit all of the following:

• A completed Voluntary Disclosure of a Medical Condition (SCDMV Form 447-CAD) signed by a SC-licensed physician.
• A completed Application for a Driver's License, Beginner's Permit, or ID (SCDMV Form 447-NC)
• The appropriate payment.
• Pass a vision examination

There is no additional charge to add the caduceus medical symbol to a card. However, the standard license renewal fees apply. 

SC Code Sections 56-1-80 (A)(6)