How to renew 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 to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office — but if your license has been expired for more than a year, you will have to go in person.
South Carolina licenses are valid for eight years. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50; you can renew up to one year early.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice the DMV sends you, takes two to three weeks, and costs $24.50.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need a new photo.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (online and mail) or cash/card (in person).
- South Carolina does not require a vision test or written test for standard renewals unless you are over 65 or renewing after a long expiration.
Renewing online through the South Carolina DMV website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. Go to the South Carolina DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the current information on file.
Review your address, name, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice from the DMV in the mail, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice along with your payment of $24.50. You can pay by check or money order.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. If you do not have your renewal notice, you can request one by calling the DMV at 803-896-5000 or visiting a local office.
Mail renewal works only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year. If your license has been expired longer, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a South Carolina DMV office
Visit a local DMV office if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want a new photo, or if you need to update your address or other information. Bring your current license, proof of your 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 the last 60 days). You will also need to bring cash or a debit or credit card to pay the $24.50 renewal fee.
At the office, you will have your photo taken and answer a few questions about your vision and driving history. The DMV will process your renewal on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license to drive home. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the wait time for your local office on the South Carolina DMV website before you go. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save time.
What happens if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your South Carolina license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV treats this as a new license process rather than a renewal, so you will need to provide more documents and may have to take a written test and vision test.
Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed). You will also need to bring cash or a card to pay the $24.50 fee. The DMV will take a new photo, and you may be asked to read a vision chart or answer questions about traffic laws, depending on your age and how long your license has been expired.
If you are over 65, the DMV may require a vision test or a medical report from your doctor. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to ask what documents and tests you will need.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in South Carolina
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and your medical certification form (MCSA-5875) if your CDL involves hazardous materials or if you drive a vehicle over 26,000 pounds. The fee is $24.50.
At the office, you will take a written test covering commercial driving rules and safety. You will also have your photo taken and your vision checked. The DMV will issue you a temporary CDL on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my South Carolina license if I have moved out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is still valid or expired less than one year. You do not need to update your address to renew. If you have moved and want to update your address on your license, you will need to visit a DMV office in person or request an address change through the mail renewal process.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online if your license is still valid or expired less than one year — you do not need the notice. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the DMV at 803-896-5000 to request a new renewal notice, or visit a local office to pick one up.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, not unless you want one. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Drivers over 65 may be required to provide a new photo depending on the time since their last one was taken.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your request. In-person renewals are faster — you receive a temporary paper license at the office and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you are renewing online or by mail and your name has not changed, you do not need to do anything. If your name has changed, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.