Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States

To qualify for a resident commercial freshwater fishing license, one must have been a resident of this state for the past 365 consecutive days and furnish proof to the SCDNR. If you have never purchased a commercial fishing license you must complete a one-time verification of lawful presence.

As required by S.C. Code Section 8-29-10, applicants for a commercial license or permit are required to complete an affidavit entitled "Verification of Lawful Presence in the United States" certifying that the applicant is lawfully in the United States. The affidavit must be completed, notarized and returned with the application.

If you are a US citizen, the properly filled out affidavit is all that is required. If you are not a US citizen, you will be required to provide documentation, which is subject to verification with the Department of Homeland Security. Specific types of documentation that may be provided can be found on Page 2 of the form, under "Accepted Immigration Documents." Your application for a commercial license or permit will be returned if the affidavit and documentation is not received and notarized.

Accepted Immigration Documents

• Unexpired Foreign passport with I-551 stamp or attached INS Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization
• Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (INS Form I-151 or I-551)
• Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (INS Form I-688)
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (INS Form I-688)
• Unexpired Reentry Permit (INS Form I-327)
• Unexpired Refugee Travel Document (INS Form I-571)
• Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the INS which contains a photograph (INS Form I-688B)

If your license/permit is in a company name the owner/responsible party for the company must complete the affidavit and indicate the business information on the bottom right of the form. The affidavit only needs to be completed once if you are a U.S. Citizen 18 years of age or older, all others will be required to resubmit the affidavit each time an individual applies for a commercial license or permit from the Department.

SCDNR Commercial Licenses and Permits

• Commercial Nongame Freshwater Fishing
• Commercial Saltwater Fishing License
• Trapping and Commercial Fur Harvest

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