South Carolina § 56-1-100 - Application by unemancipated minor.

Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-100 — Application by unemancipated minor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 56-1-100. Application by unemancipated minor.

(A) The application of an unemancipated minor for a beginner's permit or driver's license must be signed in the presence of a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles employee at the time of application by:

(1) the father of the minor;

(2) the mother of the minor;

(3) the guardian of the minor;

(4) an individual who has custody, care, and control of the minor;

(5) any person set forth in subsection (C)(3) below with written approval by the Department of Social Services;

(6) any person who has been standing in loco parentis of a minor for a continuous period of not less than sixty days; or

(7) any responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under this article and who has written permission, from a person listed in items (1)—(7) above, signed and verified before a person authorized to administer oaths.

(B) The application of an emancipated minor for a beginner's permit or driver's license must be signed in the presence of a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles employee at the time of application by a responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligation imposed under this article.

(C) If the Department of Social Services has guardianship or legal custody of a minor, the application may be signed by:

(1) the father of the minor;

(2) the mother of the minor; or

(3) the foster parent, preadoptive parent, or person responsible for the welfare of the child who resides in a childcare facility or residential group care home, upon written approval by the Department of Social Services. The disclosure of information by the Department of Social Services to the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to provide approval for the limited purpose of this code section shall not be a violation of Section 63-7-1990 or any other section of the Children's Code governing the dissemination of confidential information. The foster parent, preadoptive parent, or person responsible for the welfare of a child who resides in a childcare facility or residential group care home must obtain approval from the Department of Social Services prior to the request for an extension of a permit pursuant to Section 56-1-50.

(D) Except as set forth in subsection (C)(3) above, upon the extension of a permit pursuant to Section 56-1-50, authorization by the person who originally signed the application, under subsections (A), (B), or (C) above, is not required.

HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 46-159; 1952 Code SECTION 46-158; 1942 Code SECTION 5989; 1932 Code SECTION 5989; 1930 (36) 1057; 1933 (38) 214; 1949 (46) 271; 1956 (49) 1649; 1959 (51) 421; 1994 Act No. 497, Part II, SECTION 121G; 2017 Act No. 2 (S.198), SECTION 1, eff April 5, 2017.

Effect of Amendment

2017 Act No. 2, SECTION 1, amended the section by adding the paragraph designators, deleting the term "instruction permit", and revising the list of persons who must sign the application of an unemancipated minor.

Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 56-1-100

What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-100 cover?

Section 56-1-100 ("Application by unemancipated minor.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Carolina § 56-1-100?

A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-1-100" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.

How does South Carolina § 56-1-100 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.