South Carolina driver license guide

The basics for South Carolina, in plain English. Every fact links to the official page it came from, so you can confirm it yourself. SCDMV's website could not be reached, so every fact here comes from the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 Chapter 1 (scstatehouse.gov). Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

Getting a South Carolina beginner's permitSteps and official links →Getting your first South Carolina driver licenseSteps and official links →Renewing a South Carolina driver licenseSteps and official links →Getting a REAL ID in South CarolinaSteps and official links →Moving to South Carolina: transferring your licenseSteps and official links →Replacing a lost South Carolina driver licenseSteps and official links →

Facts

South Carolina at a glance

Rules and fees change. Use the source link to confirm before you go.

Minimum age for a beginner's permit: 15, after passing the knowledge exam.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Beginner's permit fee: $2.50 for each beginner's or renewal permit (set by law).Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Permit validity: Up to 12 months; it can be renewed or reissued for more 12-month periods.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Permit driving rules: Drive only 6 a.m. to midnight with a licensed driver 21+ who has at least 1 year of experience, seated beside you. Midnight to 6 a.m. only with a parent, guardian or other listed adult.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Parental signature (under 18): A parent, guardian or other authorized adult must sign the minor's application in person in front of an SCDMV employee.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Permit holding period: New drivers must hold the permit at least 180 days before full licensure; applicants 18+ may take the road test after holding the permit 30 days.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Road test wait for adults (18+): Adults 18 and older may try the driving test after holding a beginner's permit for at least 30 days.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Supervised driving (teens): At least 40 hours of practice, including 10 at night, plus a driver's education course, for a conditional or special restricted license.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Teen license stages: Ages 15-16: conditional license; ages 16-17: special restricted license. Both need 180 days with a permit, driver's ed, 40 practice hours, a road test and school attendance. Daylight driving only; a licensed adult 21+ is required after 6 p.m. (8 p.m. in daylight saving time).Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Passenger limit (conditional license): No more than 2 passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult 21+ is along; family members and students going to or from school are exempt.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
School attendance requirement: A conditional or special restricted license requires a diploma/GED or enrollment in school or home school.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Age for a full license: 17, or 16 after one year on a conditional license with no traffic convictions or at-fault crashes.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
What the exam covers: Eyesight, reading and understanding highway signs, knowledge of SC traffic laws, and a driving demonstration.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Vision screening: Required for an initial license and at renewal; waived with an eye doctor's certificate from the last 36 months. Standard is no stricter than 20/40 corrected in one eye.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Documents to prove: Date of birth, place of birth, gender, Social Security number, principal residential address, full legal name, any legal name change, and (if applicable) authorized length of stay.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Driver's license fee: $25 for a license valid for 8 years.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
License term: A license expires 8 years from the date of issue.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewing an expired license: Renew on or before the expiration date; within 9 months after expiration you can still renew without the written or road test.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal by mail or online: The law allows SCDMV to renew a resident's digitized license by mail or electronically.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
REAL ID: SCDMV issues REAL ID-compliant or noncompliant cards; you may hold a REAL ID driver's license or a REAL ID identification card, but not both. A compliant card needs all required documents.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
New residents: Surrender your out-of-state license(s) to SCDMV within 45 days of becoming a resident.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Replacement fee: $10 for a duplicate of a lost or destroyed license, with proof it was lost or destroyed.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Address or name change: Notify SCDMV in writing within 10 days of moving or changing your name.Source: scstatehouse.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Official links

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

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