How to Renew Your Driver's License in South Carolina

Renewing Your South Carolina Driver's License

You can renew your South Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but if your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to update your address or name, you will have to go in person.

South Carolina issues licenses that expire on your birthday, five years after you turn 21. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website takes about 10 minutes and costs $12.50 if your license is not yet expired and you do not need a new photo.
Mail renewal is available if your license is current; you send your license and a check to the DMV and receive your new one in about two weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than a year ago, or if you are changing your address, name, or organ donor status.
You will need your Social Security number, current address, and payment method (credit card for online, check or money order for mail) to complete renewal.
South Carolina does not require a new photo for standard renewals unless your license is more than 10 years old or you request one.

Online Renewal Through the DMV Website

The fastest and cheapest way to renew is through the South Carolina DMV's online portal at scdmvonline.com. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The system verifies your identity using information from your DMV record, and the whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Online renewal costs $12.50 and works only if your license has not yet expired. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving without interruption. Online renewal does not include a new photo — your existing photo stays on file.

If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will see a message telling you to renew by mail or in person instead. This sometimes happens if your address or name has changed recently, or if there is a mismatch between your DMV record and other state databases.

Mail Renewal by Sending Your License and Payment

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid. Fill out Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $12.50 to the South Carolina DMV. You can read the form from the DMV website or request one by phone at 803-896-5000.

Mail your packet to: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order received; expect your new license to arrive in 10 to 14 business days. During busy periods, processing may take longer. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you are changing your address or legal name, if you want a new photo, or if you need to update your organ donor status. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been more than a year), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $12.50.

Visit any DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for most renewals, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website lists all office locations and hours at scdmvonline.com.

At the office, you will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to update your record, and pay the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Bring a credit card, check, or money order — not all offices accept cash.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. The cost remains $12.50. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, the DMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person, bring proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address.

The fee for a new license after expiration is $12.50, the same as renewal, but the process takes longer because the office must verify your identity documents. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you are moving or have legally changed your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and, for a name change, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is still $12.50.

The office will update your record, take a new photo, and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are changing your address but not your name, some DMV offices may allow you to update your address online through scdmvonline.com without renewing your license — call 803-896-5000 to ask whether your office offers this option.

Fees and Payment Methods

South Carolina charges $12.50 to renew a driver's license, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders made payable to "SCDMV". In-person renewal accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders at most offices, though some locations may not accept cash — call ahead if you want to confirm.

There are no additional fees for a standard renewal. If you want a new photo or need to replace a lost or damaged license, the cost is the same. If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than a year, the fee is still $12.50, though the process is longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. If your license expired less than a year ago, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If it expired more than a year ago, you must visit a South Carolina DMV office in person to renew, even if you now live out of state. You can renew at any DMV office in South Carolina.

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

You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving. If you need your license sooner, you can visit a DMV office in person and receive a temporary paper license when ready.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license is more than 10 years old or you request a new photo. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or damaged, you must visit a DMV office in person to replace it. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The replacement fee is $12.50, the same as renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date using any method — online, mail, or in person. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew.

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.