What to Bring to the South Carolina DMV

South Carolina requires original documents proving U.S. citizenship, identity, and date and place of birth when you apply for a first-time beginner's permit, driver's license, or identification card. The U.S. Citizen's Checklist (SCDMV form MV-93) lists the acceptable documents. Non-citizens use the International Customers' Checklist (form MV-94) and must apply at a branch office that processes international applications. Bring originals, not photocopies.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-4

Provide proof of your South Carolina address alongside your identity and Social Security documents. The SCDMV's U.S. Citizen's Checklist (form MV-93) and International Customers' Checklist (form MV-94), both available at dmv.sc.gov, list the acceptable residency documents. Bring originals.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-4

Provide proof of your Social Security number when you apply for a first-time beginner's permit, driver's license, or identification card. The U.S. Citizen's Checklist (SCDMV form MV-93) lists the acceptable SSN-proof documents.

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-4

yes

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-15; Section 3, p. 3-1 to 3-2

The beginner's permit costs $2.50, paid after you pass the knowledge test.

Source: SC DMV, Beginner Permits ("It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test"); SC DMV, Fees ("Beginner's Permit (original, renewal, duplicate, and modified) $2.50")

The knowledge test costs $2 for each attempt, paid before you test.

Source: SC DMV, Beginner Permits ("It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test"); SC DMV, Fees ("Knowledge Test $2 each")

A driver's license is issued for eight years and costs $25.

Source: SC DMV, Fees ("8-year License $25")

$25

Source: South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 1: The Driver's License, p. 1-16 to 1-17

The SCDMV charges $2.00 each time you take the knowledge test; the $2.50 beginner's permit fee is paid only after you pass. SC Code 56-1-130(A) directs the department to charge a fee for each examination or reexamination.

Source: SCDMV web page 'Beginner's Permit' (dmv.sc.gov, accessed 2026-08-22): "It is $2.00 for a knowledge test and $2.50 for the beginner's permit after you pass the knowledge test."