How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License Online

What You Can and Cannot Do Online in South Carolina

South Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license online through the SCDMV website, but only if you meet specific conditions. You can renew online if your license is still valid (not expired more than one year ago), you have no medical suspensions, no address changes, and no name changes since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, you can print a temporary license from the SCDMV website to use as proof of a valid license if you are stopped by law enforcement.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online only if your current license is valid, you have no medical holds, and you have not changed your address or name since your last renewal.
Online renewal costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail.
You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or e-check) to complete the transaction.
You can print a temporary license when ready after completing your online renewal to use while you wait for your new card to arrive.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Renewal

Go to the official SCDMV website (scdmv.org) and select "Renew Your License" from the main menu. You will be directed to the online renewal portal. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to begin. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm or update your contact details.

Review all information on the screen carefully — your name, address, date of birth, and license class. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. If you see an error or if the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead. Do not attempt to correct information online; the DMV will reject the transaction.

Enter your payment information. South Carolina accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and e-check. A $1.50 convenience fee is added to credit and debit card payments; e-check has no additional fee. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number — you will need it to track your license or print your temporary license.

Printing Your Temporary License

when ready after your online renewal is approved, you can print a temporary license from the SCDMV website. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and serves as proof that you have a valid license while you wait for your new card. You do not have to print it, but it is useful if you plan to drive, fly, or need to show proof of a valid license before your new card arrives.

To print your temporary license, return to the SCDMV renewal portal and enter your confirmation number. The temporary license will appear as a PDF. Print it on standard white paper and carry it with you. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license. The temporary license expires 30 days after the date you completed your online renewal, so your new card should arrive before then.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office and may be required to retake the written test and vision test. If you have a medical suspension on your license, the online system will reject your renewal. You must contact the SCDMV directly to clear the suspension before you can renew.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The same applies if you have moved to a new address. The online system will not allow you to update your address during renewal; you must do this in person or by mail with supporting documentation.

If your license was suspended or revoked for any reason other than medical suspension, you cannot renew online. You must contact the SCDMV to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew your license.

What Happens After You Submit Your Online Renewal

The SCDMV processes online renewals within 2 to 3 business days. Your new license is then printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the license is mailed. If you do not receive your license within 14 business days, contact the SCDMV with your confirmation number to check the status.

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. You do not need to return your old license to the DMV. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license or keep it as a record. If your new license is damaged or does not arrive, contact the SCDMV to request a replacement. Replacement licenses cost the same as a renewal and take the same amount of time to arrive.

Payment Methods and Fees

The SCDMV charges $24.50 for a four-year license renewal and $36.75 for an eight-year license renewal. These are the base fees. If you pay by credit card or debit card, an additional $1.50 convenience fee is charged. If you pay by e-check, there is no convenience fee. The total amount due will be shown on screen before you confirm payment, so you will know the exact cost before your card is charged.

The SCDMV does not accept cash, checks by mail, or money orders for online renewal. You must use a credit card, debit card, or e-check. If you do not have any of these payment methods, you must renew in person at a DMV office, where you can pay by cash, check, or card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired last year?

No. South Carolina allows online renewal only if your license is still valid. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You may be required to retake the written test and vision test.

What if I moved to a new address since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if you have a new address. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. The online system will reject your renewal if it detects an address change.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?

The SCDMV processes your renewal within 2 to 3 business days, then mails your license. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days, so your new card should arrive before it expires. If it does not, contact the SCDMV with your confirmation number.

Can I use my temporary license to fly or cross state lines?

A temporary license is not a Real ID-compliant document and will not be accepted for federal purposes such as flying or entering federal buildings. If you need to fly before your new license arrives, you will need a passport or other federal ID. Check with your airline before your trip.

What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?

If you submitted your renewal and realized you made an error, contact the SCDMV when ready with your confirmation number. Depending on what was entered incorrectly, the DMV may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the error is discovered after your license is mailed, you can request a replacement license at no additional cost.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.