South Carolina driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

South Carolina requires proof of identity, lawful presence, residency, and a Social Security number (or an SSA denial letter) for a driver license or state ID, and it has no program for undocumented residents. But lawfully-present non-citizens — whom the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) calls “International customers” — can get a South Carolina license or ID using a separate document checklist (Form MV-94), and they receive a credential tied to how long their lawful status lasts.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — lawful presence required for every applicant
  • Lawfully-present non-citizens: YES — apply as an “International customer” using the MV-94 checklist
  • Non-citizen credential: a license valid 4 years or less, matched to your lawful-presence end date, for $12.50
  • Standard driver license fee: $25 (8-year license)
  • State ID fee: a separate age-based fee — confirm the current amount on the SCDMV ID-card page (a replacement ID card is $10)
  • SSN rule: provide your SSN (electronically verified with SSA) or an SSA letter stating you were denied a number
  • CDL / commercial learner’s permit: U.S. citizens and green-card holders only
  • REAL ID: issued by South Carolina (federal enforcement since May 7, 2025)
  • Agency: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
  • Website: scdmvonline.com
  • Phone: (803) 896-5000

Which immigration statuses qualify in South Carolina

South Carolina sorts applicants into two document checklists: U.S. citizens use the U.S. Citizens’ Checklist (Form MV-93), and non-citizens use the International Customers’ Checklist (Form MV-94), which lists every accepted document by category. Lawfully-present non-citizens — permanent residents (green card) and other non-citizens who can document valid immigration status — qualify as International customers. There is no credential for undocumented residents. One important limit: commercial learner’s permits and CDLs are issued only to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, so temporary-status holders cannot get a commercial license even though they can get a regular one.

The “International customers” credential — South Carolina’s non-citizen rule

When you apply as an International customer, South Carolina issues a license valid for four years or less, set to match the length of your authorized stay, rather than the standard 8-year term. The fee for this limited-validity license is $12.50 (versus $25 for a standard 8-year license). The shorter term simply mirrors your immigration documents — when your lawful presence is verified for a shorter window, the card is dated to that window. One practical limitation to plan around: non-citizens cannot renew an ID card online in South Carolina — you must renew in person at an SCDMV branch with current documents.

The Social Security number rule

South Carolina verifies your Social Security number electronically with the Social Security Administration, so your SSN, date of birth, and name on the application must match the SSA’s file. If you are lawfully present but not eligible for an SSN, you must instead provide a letter from the SSA stating that you were denied a Social Security number. That denial letter is the documented path for non-citizens who cannot be issued an SSN, and it is presented in place of an SSN card.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star in the corner) can be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access secure federal facilities — federal enforcement at airport security has been in effect since May 7, 2025. South Carolina issues REAL ID credentials. To get one you must present proof of identity, proof of lawful presence, your SSN (or the SSA denial letter), and proof of your South Carolina address; if you do not provide REAL ID-grade documents, the card is still valid for driving but is marked as not acceptable for federal identification.

How to apply in South Carolina

  1. Pick the right checklist — U.S. citizens use Form MV-93; lawfully-present non-citizens use the International Customers’ Checklist (Form MV-94). Gather the documents that checklist requires.
  2. Bring originals — proof of identity and lawful presence, your SSN card or the SSA denial letter, and proof of South Carolina residency.
  3. Visit an SCDMV branch — non-citizens cannot complete an ID-card renewal online, so plan an in-person visit.
  4. Pass the tests (vision, knowledge, and road test) for a first-time driver license.
  5. Pay the fee — $25 for a standard 8-year license, $12.50 for an International customer’s 4-year-or-less license, or the age-based fee for an ID card (replacement $10).

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

South Carolina has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in South Carolina).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-29. Sources: SCDMV — Moving to SC, SCDMV Fees, and SCDMV — Identification Cards.

General procedural information. SCDMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.