What to Bring to the South Carolina DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Call ahead or check online to see if you need an appointment (some offices require them)
- →Have your parent or guardian review the South Carolina Driver's Manual with you
- →Take a practice permit test online to get comfortable with the format
- →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not copies
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to handle any paperwork delays
- →Make sure your parent knows exactly what time you are going so they can be there to sign
- →Dress comfortably; you will be getting your photo taken
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (with raised seal)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with valid U.S. Visa and I-94
- ✓Military ID or Dependent ID
Bring the original document only; photocopies are not accepted. For a REAL ID, you must present one primary identity document.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card (original)
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Paystub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
If you don't have a card, bring a document showing your number. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible.
Proof of South Carolina Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas, trash) dated within 90 days
- ✓Bank statement or credit card statement
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage deed (if you live with them)
- ✓School report card or transcript with current address
- ✓Medical or dental record with current address
- ✓Official mail from a government agency
South Carolina requires two different documents to prove residency for a REAL ID. If you are under 18, one can be your parent's document showing your name and address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in front of the DMV examiner
- ✓Parent/guardian must bring their own valid photo ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign unless a court order states otherwise
- ✓Legal guardians must provide court documentation proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must provide documentation from the Department of Social Services
The parent or guardian MUST appear in person with you. They cannot sign the form at home and bring it in; they must sign it at the counter.
Proof of Driver's Education
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-approved Driver Education course
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a high school Driver Education program
Driver's Ed is NOT required to get a learner's permit in South Carolina, but it IS required to get your Provisional License (Class D) at age 16. However, taking it early is highly recommended to get your permit sooner.
Fees & Payment
$12.50
This fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. If you fail the test, there is a re-test fee. The fee is non-refundable even if you don't pass.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44)
Available at: Available at the DMV office or downloadable from the SC DMV website
Do not sign this form until you are in front of the DMV examiner. If you fill it out online, print it and bring it, but wait to sign.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car; no texting during the test)
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings waiting in the lobby (they can't help you pass)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating inside the testing area)
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided by the DMV)
- ✗Photocopies of documents (they will reject them)
- ✗Pets (unless it is a service animal)
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based; you get 30 questions and need 80% to pass
- →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee, but policies vary by office
- →Once you pass, you will get an interim paper permit immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail in a few weeks
- →Listen carefully to the examiner; they will tell you exactly where to sign and what to do next
- →Ask questions if you are confused about the rules or your documents before you leave the counter
Official South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles info: scdmvonline.com
Take the Free South Carolina Practice Quiz →