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Well Driller
Total cost: $250
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Yes
Exam Required
2 years
Experience
$500,000
Liability Insurance
$10,000
Surety Bond
$250
Total Initial Fees
Well Driller Licensing
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Minimum Age
18+
License Types Available
Water well driller licensing ensures that groundwater resources are protected during well construction. Most states require drillers to demonstrate experience, pass an exam, and maintain proper insurance to protect both public water supplies and private well owners.
Not sure if you need a well driller license? Check whether your state requires one.
Training & Apprenticeship
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
2 years
Apprenticeship
Required
CE Hours
8 hrs (annually)
NGWA Certification
Accepted
Well driller experience typically involves working under a licensed driller to learn proper drilling techniques, well construction standards, and groundwater protection practices. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) offers voluntary certifications that are recognized in many states.
Browse Well Driller study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Liability Insurance & Surety Bond
Mostly verifiedLiability Insurance
$500,000
Surety Bond
$10,000
Many states require water well drillers to carry liability insurance to protect property owners and surety bonds to guarantee proper well construction. Insurance requirements typically cover damage to property and contamination of groundwater resources.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
License Fee | $150 |
Exam Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees | $250 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified1 year
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$150
Regulatory Board
Well driller licenses must be renewed on schedule. States with continuing education requirements typically focus on well construction standards updates, groundwater protection, and state regulatory changes. NGWA also offers CE courses accepted by many states.
Standards & Reporting
Mostly verifiedConstruction Standards
South Carolina Regulation 61-71 (R.61-71), now administered by SCDES (formerly DHEC)
Well Reporting Required
Yes
Well Log Required
Yes
Well construction standards ensure groundwater quality and protect aquifers from contamination. Most states require well completion reports (well logs) to be filed with the state, documenting well depth, construction details, water levels, and geological formations encountered during drilling.
South Carolina DHEC requires both insurance and a surety bond for licensed well drillers.
South Carolina DHEC licenses well drillers. Exam, insurance, and bond required.
There is no interstate compact for well drillers.
Well Driller requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $1,850-$5,750 | 21–116 wks | |
| Georgia | $1,925-$5,825 | 21–116 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $1,900-$5,800 | 21–116 wks | → |
See how South Carolina compares: Well Driller License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare well driller requirements across all states →
Well Driller licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure well driller is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does South Carolina compare to other states for well driller? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your well driller license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
Well Driller Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Training manuals and reference guides for water well drilling professionals.
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Well Driller requirements in South Carolina verified against South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, March 2026.
Current as of date accessed
Accessed 2026-03-16
NGWA industry resource
Accessed 2026-03-16
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Well Driller license to South Carolina →
Transfer your Well Driller license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →
South Carolina requires a license for water well drillers. An exam is required. 2 years of experience needed. A surety bond of $10,000 is required. All licensing is managed through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority.