How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

Renewing your South Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person

South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail in some cases, or in person at a DMV office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but only works if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical suspensions, and your address on file is current. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person, bring required documents, and pay the renewal fee.

The cost of renewal in South Carolina is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You choose the term when you renew. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process, whether you renew online or in person.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes minutes and works only if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical holds, and your address is current with the DMV.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
South Carolina charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal, paid at the time of renewal.
Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete renewal, whether online or in person.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing online through the South Carolina DMV website

To renew online, go to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records and confirm whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical suspensions or other holds on your license, your address on file with the DMV is correct, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of these do not explore to you, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at a South Carolina DMV office

Visit your local DMV office to renew in person. Bring a valid photo ID (your expired driver's license counts), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof of address must match the name on your ID.

You will fill out an process form (Form DL-43) at the DMV office. The staff will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay the renewal fee ($24 or $48, depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license) by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and you may be required to retake the written knowledge test. The DMV will tell you whether this applies when you arrive. If you need to take the test, you can schedule it during your visit or at a separate appointment.

What to do if your license is expired by more than one year

If your South Carolina driver's license has been expired for longer than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you will need to retake the written test and the road test (driving test). You must visit a DMV office in person to begin this process.

Bring the same documents you would bring for an in-person renewal: a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The DMV will schedule you for the written test, which you can often take the same day. Once you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for the road test. After you pass both tests, your new license will be issued and mailed to you.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in South Carolina

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online in South Carolina. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number or ITIN, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5871 form) if your CDL requires one.

The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal. You will not need to retake the written or road test unless your CDL has been expired for more than one year or you are adding or removing endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger). The renewal fee for a CDL is the same as for a regular license: $24 for four years or $48 for eight years.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask you to confirm or update your address before you complete the process. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV staff about your address change when you arrive, and they will update it in the system.

Bring proof of your new address to your in-person appointment — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof must match the name on your ID. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Finding a DMV office and checking wait times

South Carolina has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check online before you visit to confirm the office's hours and whether you need to schedule an appointment.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter waits than visiting during lunch or on Fridays. If an office is very busy, you can visit a different location or schedule an appointment for a less crowded time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my South Carolina license if I have a medical suspension?

No. If you have a medical suspension or any other hold on your license, you cannot renew online or in person until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV to find out why the suspension is in place and what you need to do to have it removed. Once it is cleared, you can renew.

What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my new one?

You can legally drive on your expired license while your new one is in the mail, as long as you have proof that you renewed (your confirmation number or receipt). Keep this proof with you when you drive. Once your new license arrives, you should stop driving on the expired one.

Do I have to retake the written test when I renew?

No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you are renewing a CDL with new endorsements. For a regular renewal, the DMV will just take a new photo and issue your new license.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a proof of address?

For in-person renewal, you need proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or bank statement, ask the DMV what other documents they accept. Some offices may accept a government letter, insurance policy, or other official mail with your name and address. Call ahead to ask what your local office will take.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete renewal, whether you renew online or in person. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your renewal.

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.