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How to get a driver's license in South Carolina as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in South Carolina needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
8 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN (verified with SSA); if not eligible, bring an SSA letter stating you were denied an SSN.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Marshall Islands
  • Palau
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Knowledge and skills tests are waived for first-time applicants whose out-of-country credential has not expired; document requirements still apply. South Korea and Taiwan need a consulate letter certifying the license (valid 30 days). The SC list also includes U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands). Motorcycle reciprocity excludes South Korea and Taiwan.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of licenses from other countries must pass vision, knowledge and skills tests (beginner's permit after the knowledge test, then the skills test).

South Carolina waives the requirement for knowledge and skills testing if you're a first-time applicant ... Only the following countries, US territories, and freely associated states have formal reciprocity agreements with SC: dmv.sc.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • Passport with unexpired visa plus I-94
  • Form I-20 (F1/F2 students)
  • Form DS-2019 or IAP-66 (J1/J2 exchange visitors)

License validity: License for a lawfully present non-citizen is issued for no less than one year and no more than eight years, based on authorized stay; apply only at designated branches.

The SCDMV will not issue a license to a lawfully present non-US citizen for less than one year or more than eight years. dmv.sc.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN (verified with SSA); if not eligible, bring an SSA letter stating you were denied an SSN.

You must provide your social security number (SSN) ... letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you were denied an SSN dmv.sc.gov

Proof of residency

One proof of SC address for a non-REAL ID card, two from different organizations for REAL ID; no older than 9 months (e.g., utility or phone bill, lease, bank statement, mortgage, employment letter).

Two proofs of address are required if you are interested in getting a REAL ID ... Documents used for proof of SC address cannot be more than 9 months old. dmv.sc.gov

Step by step

  1. Collect documents from the MV-94 Lawfully Present Non-US Citizens' Checklist: immigration documents showing your current authorized stay, SSN (or SSA denial letter) and SC address proof.
  2. Go to one of the SCDMV branches designated for non-US citizens (filter for international customers in the branch locator).
  3. If you hold an unexpired license from a reciprocity country (e.g., Germany, France, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan), present it to skip the knowledge and skills tests; South Korea and Taiwan need a consulate letter.
  4. Otherwise pass the vision test and the knowledge test to receive a beginner's permit.
  5. Practice, then pass the skills (road) test to upgrade to a license.
  6. Receive a license valid between one and eight years depending on your authorized stay.

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.