How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver License

What You Need to Renew in South Carolina

South Carolina renews driver licenses by mail or in person at a DMV branch. You do not have to renew in person unless your license has been expired for more than five years, you need to change your address, or you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license. Most people can mail in their renewal without visiting an office.

Your renewal window opens 180 days before your license expires and closes on the expiration date itself. South Carolina will not renew early or late — if you miss the important date, you must explore for a new license instead, which costs more and takes longer.

The state charges $24 for a four-year renewal or $48 for an eight-year renewal. REAL ID licenses cost an additional $15. Payment must be by check or money order; the DMV does not accept credit cards or cash by mail.

Key Takeaways

Mail renewal is available if your license is current and you do not need to change your address or photo.
You must renew within 180 days before your expiration date — South Carolina will not accept applications before or after that window.
Mail-in renewal requires Form DL-43, your current license, and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
REAL ID renewal requires proof of citizenship and a second form of ID, and must be done in person.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you need Form DL-43, which you can read from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website or request by phone at 803-896-5000. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and the renewal period you want (four or eight years).

Mail your completed form along with your current driver license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include the correct fee: $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. If you want a REAL ID license, add $15 to your payment.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

Visit any South Carolina DMV branch with your current license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days). Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website lists all branch locations and hours. Bring a check or money order for the renewal fee; some offices may accept debit or credit cards, but this varies by location, so call ahead to confirm.

In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. In this case, you must visit a DMV office and may be required to retake the written knowledge test. Bring all documents listed in the previous section, plus proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers).

You must also renew in person if you want to change your address, update your photo, or upgrade to a REAL ID license. Address changes can sometimes be done online through the DMV website, but a new photo always requires an in-person visit.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), you must renew in person. CDL renewals also require a medical certificate from a certified examiner, which you must bring with you.

REAL ID Renewal Requirements

A REAL ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. South Carolina began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2009, and the federal important date for all travelers to have one is May 7, 2025. If your current license is not marked "REAL ID," you can upgrade during renewal.

REAL ID renewal must be done in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or tribal ID), a second form of ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), and proof of residency. The additional REAL ID fee is $15 on top of the standard renewal fee.

If you already have a REAL ID license, you can renew by mail as long as you do not need to change your address or photo. Your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your renewal process is in process, bring proof of your mailed process or your temporary paper license if you renewed in person.

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot straightforward renew — you must explore for a new license instead. This costs more, requires more documents, and takes longer than a standard renewal. You will also need to retake the written test and vision test.

If you miss the renewal important date, contact the DMV at 803-896-5000 to find out whether you can still renew or must explore for a new license. The answer depends on how long your license has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my South Carolina license online?

No. South Carolina does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. You can change your address online through the DMV website, but a license renewal itself must be done by mail or in person.

What if I moved out of state after my license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your current address in South Carolina or proof that you still live in South Carolina (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have moved out of state permanently, you should explore for a license in your new state instead of renewing in South Carolina.

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

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you renew. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you and arrives within two to three weeks. You can drive on the temporary license during this time.

Do I need to renew my license if I only have a learner's permit?

No. Learner's permits are not renewed the same way as driver licenses. When your permit expires, you must take the written and driving tests again to get a full license. Contact the DMV for the current requirements and test locations.

What if my name changed since my license was issued?

You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name at no additional cost beyond the standard renewal fee.

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.