Renew Your SC License Online, by Mail, or In Person
South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. If you fit those requirements, the online renewal through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website takes about 15 minutes and costs $24.50. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is too old, you need a new photo, or you have a medical flag—you can renew by mail or visit a SCDMV office in person. By mail, you send your current license, a completed Form DL-43 (the renewal process), and a check or money order to the SCDMV. In person, you bring those same documents plus proof of residency and go to your nearest SCDMV office. In-person renewal takes a few minutes and you leave with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
- You need Form DL-43 and your current license for mail or in-person renewal, plus proof of residency if renewing in person.
- In-person renewal at a SCDMV office gives you a temporary license when ready; your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
- SC driver's licenses are valid for five years, so you can renew up to six months before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard five-year license; commercial licenses cost more.
When You Can Renew Your SC License
South Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license up to six months before it expires. This means if your license expires on December 15, you can start the renewal process on June 15. Renewing early is useful if you travel or need a valid license for a job process, because the new license will arrive before your current one runs out.
Your SC license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew—you must explore for a new license, which requires a vision test, a new photo, and a trip to a SCDMV office.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
To renew online, go to the SCDMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information. You review the details, update your address if needed, and pay the $24.50 fee with a debit or credit card.
Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you have any medical suspensions or restrictions, or if your name has changed since your last license was issued. You also cannot renew online if you want to change your address to an out-of-state address or if you need to add or remove a commercial endorsement. In any of those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
To renew by mail, read or print Form DL-43 from the SCDMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current address. Attach your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 made out to "SCDMV." Mail the package to the address listed on the form—it varies by county, so check the SCDMV website for your county's mailing address.
Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal. The SCDMV typically processes mail renewals within 10 to 15 business days after they receive your package, though processing time can stretch during busy periods. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person instead. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, because it remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
In-Person Renewal at a SCDMV Office
Visit your nearest SCDMV office with your current driver's license, a completed Form DL-43, and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy—a photo of the document is not accepted.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The SCDMV employee will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a temporary license printed on paper that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the SCDMV to check the status.
What to Bring and How Much It Costs
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Receive License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, SSN last 4 digits, date of birth | $24.50 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Form DL-43, current license, check or money order | $24.50 | 10–15 business days |
| In Person | Current license, Form DL-43, proof of residency | $24.50 | Temporary same day; permanent 7–10 business days |
The standard renewal fee for a five-year driver's license is $24.50. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the renewal fee is higher—typically $48 or more depending on the endorsements you carry. If you are renewing a license with a Real ID designation, there is no additional fee, but you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and proof of residency.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit or credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a SCDMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to track your renewal status later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my SC license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires a vision test, a new photo, and an in-person visit to a SCDMV office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, citizenship, and residency.
What if my name changed since my last license was issued?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person or by mail and provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy to a SCDMV office, or mail it with your renewal form.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo or if your current photo is more than 10 years old, you must renew in person at a SCDMV office. A new photo is taken during the in-person visit at no extra charge.
How long is my temporary license valid?
A temporary license issued in person at a SCDMV office is valid for 30 days. During that time, you can drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
What if I move out of state after renewing my SC license?
Your SC license remains valid for the full five-year period, even if you move. You do not need to renew it early. However, if you establish residency in a new state, that state's laws may require you to get a license there within a certain time frame. Check your new state's requirements.