How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

South Carolina License Renewal: The Basic Process

South Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the SCDMV website — but which method you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. If your license is current or expired less than one year, you can renew online or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal follows the same fee structure but takes longer — typically two to three weeks from the time SCDMV receives your process. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your license when ready, though you will need to schedule an appointment online first.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available only if your license is current or expired less than one year, and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Mail renewal costs the same as online but takes two to three weeks and requires you to mail in your current license.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, and you must pass a vision test.
All renewal methods require you to schedule an appointment through the SCDMV website before visiting an office in person.
South Carolina licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the license type you hold.

Online Renewal: What You Need and How to Start

To renew online through the SCDMV website, go to scdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against SCDMV records.

Once verified, you will answer questions about whether your address, name, or other personal information has changed. If nothing has changed, you can proceed to payment. SCDMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewal, you must do so in person at a DMV office or through a separate address-change transaction on the SCDMV website. Do not attempt to change your address during the renewal process itself, as this may delay your new license.

Mail Renewal: Documents to Send and Timeline

To renew by mail, you must first read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the SCDMV website (Form DL-43). Print it, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — $24.50 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license. Do not send cash.

Mail your process to SCDMV, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. SCDMV recommends using certified mail with return receipt so you can track your package. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date SCDMV receives your process, not from the date you mail it. Your new license will be returned to you by mail at the address on your process.

If your process is incomplete or SCDMV cannot verify your information, they will contact you by mail. This adds time to the process. For this reason, mail renewal is best used when you have at least three weeks before you need your license.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must visit a DMV office. South Carolina has 38 DMV locations statewide. To find the office nearest you and check hours, go to scdmv.org and use the office locator tool.

Before you go, schedule an appointment online through the SCDMV website. Walk-ins are accepted but may face long wait times, especially during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Appointments can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days).

At the office, you will pass a vision test and have your photo taken. The new license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready. There is no additional fee for in-person renewal beyond the standard renewal cost.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Regardless of which renewal method you choose, have the following information ready:

Your current South Carolina driver's license number
Your date of birth
Your Social Security number (last four digits for online renewal; full number for in-person renewal)
Your current mailing address
A valid payment method (credit or debit card for online; check or money order for mail)

For in-person renewal, you must also bring physical documents: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work as proof of address. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form will work as proof of Social Security number.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must bring a certified copy of the document that reflects the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This is required for all renewal methods.

Fees and License Validity Periods

South Carolina driver's licenses are issued for either four or eight years depending on your age. Drivers under 65 years old can choose a four-year license for $24.50 or an eight-year license for $37.50. Drivers 65 and older receive a four-year license for $24.50 and cannot choose the eight-year option.

The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. No additional fees explore. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged to your payment method at the time of submission. If you renew in person, you pay at the DMV office.

Your renewal fee is non-refundable once your process has been submitted or processed. If you change your mind about renewing, contact SCDMV when ready — if your process has not yet been processed, they may be able to cancel it and refund your payment.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is attempting online renewal when your license has been expired for more than one year. The SCDMV website will reject your process if it detects an expiration date beyond one year. If this happens, you must renew in person. Do not resubmit the same process multiple times — each submission is charged as a separate transaction.

Another frequent mistake is mailing your renewal process without including your current license. SCDMV needs the physical license to process mail renewals. If you forget to include it, your process will be returned to you, and processing will be delayed. Similarly, do not send cash by mail — send a check or money order only.

For in-person renewal, the most common issue is arriving at a DMV office without an appointment and facing a long wait. Even though walk-ins are accepted, scheduling an appointment online takes five minutes and saves you time. Also, bring all required documents in one trip. If you forget proof of address or Social Security number, the DMV will not process your renewal and you will have to return another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test. Online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than one year. You will need to schedule an appointment on the SCDMV website before visiting.

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

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date SCDMV receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your license at the office on the day you renew.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address through the SCDMV website before you renew, or you can provide your new address during the renewal process itself. For mail renewal, write your new address on the process form. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV staff your new address and bring proof of it (utility bill or lease dated within 30 days).

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the DMV office at no additional cost.

What happens if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact SCDMV when ready and request a replacement. You can report your license lost or stolen on the SCDMV website or by calling the DMV. A replacement license costs $10 and can be issued in person at a DMV office or by mail.

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.