South Carolina driver's license fees by license type

A regular driver's license in South Carolina costs $24.50 and is valid for five years. If you're under 21, the fee is the same, but the license expires on your 21st birthday rather than five years out. A REAL ID-compliant license — the kind you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — costs $29.50 and is also valid for five years.

If you want a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost depends on what you're hauling. A CDL for non-hazardous materials is $50, while a CDL that allows you to carry hazardous materials is $75. Both are valid for four years. You'll also pay separately for the written test and the road test if you don't pass on your first try.

Motorcycle endorsements add $5.50 to any license type. If you're renewing rather than getting your first license, the fees are the same — South Carolina doesn't charge less for renewals.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year driver's license costs $24.50; a REAL ID version costs $29.50.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $50 for non-hazardous cargo or $75 if you'll carry hazardous materials.
  • Motorcycle endorsements cost $5.50 and can be added to any license type.
  • Written and road tests are paid separately and may have additional fees if you need to retake them.
  • Licenses for drivers under 21 cost the same as adult licenses but expire on your 21st birthday.

Written test and road test fees

The written knowledge test costs $7 and covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any South Carolina DMV office. If you don't pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — each attempt costs $7.

The road test costs $15 and is administered by a DMV examiner at a local office. You'll drive your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have permission to use) on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance. If you don't pass, you can schedule another road test, and each one costs $15. Most people schedule their road test weeks in advance because appointment slots fill up quickly.

Duplicate and replacement license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a duplicate license costs $10. You can order it in person at a DMV office or by mail. If you order by mail, you'll also pay for postage, and the process takes longer — usually one to two weeks.

If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you can update your license at the same time you renew it for no extra charge. If you need to change your name before your renewal date, you'll pay the $10 duplicate fee to get a new license with your updated name.

Address changes and other updates

Changing your address on your license is free if you do it when you renew. If you need to update your address before your renewal date, you can do it in person at a DMV office at no cost — you don't need to pay for a duplicate license just to change your address.

Correcting errors on your license — such as a misspelled name or wrong date of birth — is also free if you catch it within a certain timeframe. Bring your original documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residency) to the DMV office and ask them to correct the record.

Payment methods and where to pay

South Carolina DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference. You can also renew your license by mail, and the DMV will accept a check or money order sent with your process.

Online renewal is available for some drivers — specifically those renewing a standard license who haven't had a major change (like a new address or name change) since their last license. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and is faster, though you'll still need to visit an office to get your photo taken before your new license is mailed to you.

Learner's permit and intermediate license fees

A learner's permit costs $7 and is valid for one year. You'll take the written knowledge test (another $7) to get it. The permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you're ready for your road test.

South Carolina also issues an intermediate license for drivers aged 16 to 17, which has restrictions on when and where you can drive. The intermediate license costs $24.50, the same as a regular license, and is valid until you turn 18. You'll still need to pass the road test to get it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a REAL ID license, or can I stick with a regular license?

You can choose either one. A regular license costs $24.50 and works for driving and state ID purposes. A REAL ID costs $29.50 extra and is required if you want to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025. If you don't fly or need federal building access, a regular license is fine.

What if I fail my road test — do I have to pay $15 again?

Yes, each road test attempt costs $15. There's no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you'll pay the fee each time. Many people schedule their next attempt weeks in advance because appointment slots fill quickly.

Can I renew my license online to avoid going to the DMV?

Online renewal is available for some drivers renewing a standard license with no major changes since their last license. You'll still need to visit an office to have your photo taken before your new license is mailed. The fee is the same as in-person renewal.

How much does it cost to add a motorcycle endorsement to my existing license?

A motorcycle endorsement costs $5.50 and can be added when you renew your license or at any time by visiting a DMV office. You'll also need to pass a motorcycle-specific written test and road test, each with their own fees.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

No, changing your address is free if you do it in person at a DMV office. It's also free if you update it when you renew your license. You don't need to pay for a duplicate license just to change your address.