The fastest way to renew in South Carolina

You can renew your South Carolina driver's license online through the SCDMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your renewed license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though you'll wait in line.

Not everyone can renew online. You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and your license hasn't been lost or stolen. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the SCDMV website takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal.
  • You can renew by mail if you prefer not to go online, though it takes about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office gives you your new license the same day but requires a trip and a wait.
  • You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online; check or money order for mail).
  • Your renewed license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal.

Renewing online through the SCDMV website

Go to scdmv.org and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. You'll create an account or log in if you already have one. Have your current driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The site will ask you to verify your identity and confirm your address. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step.

Once you've completed the online form, you'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The fee for a five-year renewal is $24.50. After payment, you're done — your new license will arrive by mail. You don't need to visit an office or submit documents in person.

Renewing by mail

Request a mail renewal form from the SCDMV by calling 803-896-5000 or by visiting an office in person. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $24.50. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible.

Mail your renewal to the SCDMV office listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. If you need your license sooner, this method is slower than online renewal, so plan ahead.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any SCDMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Bring a valid form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $24.50. You'll fill out a form, have your photo taken, and receive your new license before you leave.

Find the office nearest you on the SCDMV website. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Arrive early or check wait times online if your office offers that information, because in-person renewal can mean a long wait during busy times.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and payment for the renewal fee. The office will check your driving record and tell you whether you're able to renew or whether you need to clear the suspension first.

If your license is suspended, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee, or you may need to complete a defensive driving course. The DMV office can tell you exactly what's required in your case.

If your license was lost or stolen

You cannot renew online if your license was lost or stolen. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your Social Security number and payment for the renewal fee ($24.50). You don't need to file a police report first, though you can if you want a record of the theft.

At the office, tell the staff member that your license was lost or stolen. They'll issue you a new one with a new number. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you'll leave with your new license.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

If you renew online, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow about two weeks. If you renew in person, you walk out with your license the same day. Your new license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the date you receive it.

You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your renewed one to arrive in the mail. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — South Carolina does not require you to return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license through any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and a road test instead of straightforward renewing. Contact the SCDMV to confirm what's required in your situation.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address during online renewal. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewed license?

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken. You cannot request a new photo for an online or mail renewal.

What if I don't have a credit card for online renewal?

You can renew by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card, so if you don't have either, choose mail or in-person renewal instead.

How long is my renewed license valid?

Your renewed South Carolina driver's license is valid for five years from the date of renewal. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You'll receive a notice in the mail when it's time to renew again.