A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Whether you're moving in, moving out, living here temporarily or just visiting, your license status depends on whether South Carolina is your permanent home.
45 days
Deadline to apply for an SC license or ID after moving here permanently
Temporary residents (military members, students or others) and their dependents don't need an SC license, but must have a valid out-of-state license to drive here.
If you register your vehicle in another state, transfer your liability insurance there, and turn in your SC plate to SCDMV before you cancel your SC insurance.
A translation of your valid foreign license into English so officers can read it. It is not a license. Strongly advised for visitors from non-English speaking countries.
SC waives knowledge and skills tests for a first SC license if your out-of-country credential is from a country with a formal reciprocity agreement with SC and hasn't been expired more than nine months.
You move from Georgia to Columbia for a new job. Within 45 days you apply for an SC license and hand in your Georgia license. If you're here only for a college semester instead, you can keep driving on your valid Georgia license.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If you move to SC permanently and hold a valid out-of-state license, within how many days must you apply for an SC license?
30 days
45 days
60 days
90 days
Answer: 45 days
You must apply for an SC license or ID within 45 days of moving to SC, unless you are active-duty military or a US government employee.