South Carolina and Taiwan Sign a Drivers’ License Reciprocity Agreement
On March 26, 2015, South Carolina and Taiwan signed a drivers' license reciprocity agreement. South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) Executive Director Kevin Shwedo and Director General Steven Tai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta signed a Memorandum of Understanding at SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood, SC.
The memorandum will allow residents with Taiwanese drivers' licenses to forgo written and driving tests to receive a South Carolina driver's license. South Carolina drivers will be able to exchange their licenses for those issued by Taiwan. The agreement will facilitate business and tourist travel.
DG Tai noted that the agreement is another manifestation of the longstanding friendship between the great state of South Carolina and Taiwan, sister states since 1981. In addition to many sister-city relationships, South Carolina and Taiwan enjoy educational exchanges that include the privilege of Taiwanese students being allowed to pay in-state tuition status at South Carolina universities. Currently, 45 Taiwanese students are enrolled in Masters' and Doctoral programs at the University of South Carolina.
Approximately 1,000 Taiwanese citizens live in South Carolina. The Taiwanese company Nan-Ya Plastics Corporation has its largest overseas plant in Lake City, SC.
