Graduate from a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by LCME (MD) or AOA (DO), or hold ECFMG certification if you attended a foreign medical school.
Successfully complete postgraduate residency training in a program acceptable to the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
Pass a Board-approved national examination such as:
USMLE Steps 1–3
COMLEX-USA for DOs
Or a previously accepted mix (FLEX / NBME) depending on historical exam route.
Complete a criminal background check (state + FBI fingerprinting) when applying.
Provide license verifications from all U.S. / Canadian boards where you held a medical license.
Submit an AMA or AOA Physician Profile (or equivalent) to the SC Board.
Pay the required application fee (for permanent license, US$ 580 as per SCBME).
Go to the South Carolina LLR – Medical Board site to begin your application.
Choose your license type:
Permanent MD or DO License
Limited License (for residency/fellowship)
14-Day Limited License (short-term supervised practice)
Academic License (if employed in a medical school)
Upload the required documentation:
Medical school transcripts and diploma
Residency / postgraduate training verification
Exam score reports (USMLE / COMLEX)
Physician Profile (AMA/AOA)
Proof of identity (state ID / passport), Social Security card
Complete the criminal background check as per instructions given after applying.
Wait for the Board to review your application. According to the application instructions, they typically process in about 15 business days to check for completeness and notify of deficiencies.
Once approved, your permanent license is issued.
Academic License: For full-time faculty in medical schools; restricted to educational settings / training programs.
14-Day Limited License: A short-term license for out-of-state physicians to practice under supervision (max 14 days, up to 4 times/year).
Volunteer Physician License: For uncompensated service in qualifying non-profit or community settings.
Licensees must meet continuing competency / CME requirements. (Specific hours/topics will depend on Board & regulation — check SC LLR for current CME policy.)
CME may include specialty-specific education or state law education depending on the Board’s renewal requirement.
After receiving your complete application (with all documents), the Board typically reviews in ~15 business days to identify any missing items.
Total processing (including background check, verifications) can take several weeks, depending on how quickly credentialing organizations respond.
SC LLR – Board of Medical Examiners (MD / DO Licensing): https://llr.sc.gov/med/licensure.aspx llr.sc.gov
Permanent License Application & Instructions: https://llr.sc.gov/med/mddo.aspx llr.sc.gov
Academic Physician License Info: https://llr.sc.gov/med/Pdf/ApplicationsForms/Academic_Application_to_Practice_Medicine.pdf llr.sc.gov
SC Law – Permanent License Requirements (Code of Laws): https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-40/chapter-47/section-40-47-32/ Justia Law
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