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 before expiration, and whether you need to update your photo or personal information. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your South Carolina license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The DMV sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who have not changed their address or name since their last renewal.
  • Renewing online costs $12.50 and takes about 10 business days; your new license arrives by mail.
  • If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person.
  • You will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online, and your Social Security number and driver's license number to start.
  • If you need a new photo, have changed your name or address, or want a REAL ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing online through the South Carolina DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is still valid and your personal information has not changed. Go to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card to complete the transaction.

The online renewal fee is $12.50. Once you submit your process, the DMV processes it within 10 business days, and your new license is mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Online renewal does not include a new photo, so your current photo will appear on your renewed license.

You are not able to renew online if your license has expired, if you have changed your name or address, if you want to update your photo, or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license. In any of those situations, you must renew in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you have received a renewal notice from the DMV. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $12.50), and mail it back to the address provided.

Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal—typically three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo.

If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew by mail by contacting the DMV to request a renewal form. However, online renewal is usually faster if you are may be able to access.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. Visit your local DMV office with the required documents and complete the renewal process on site.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The in-person renewal fee is $12.50 for a standard eight-year license. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license is usually ready the same day or within a few days. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours can shorten your visit.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your South Carolina driver's license has expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person to renew. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.

When you renew an expired license in person, bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license. The fee remains $12.50.

REAL ID-compliant licenses and renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. South Carolina offers REAL ID licenses, but you must renew in person at a DMV office to get one.

If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license during renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents). The REAL ID fee is $27.50 for an eight-year license—higher than a standard renewal.

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be a standard license, not REAL ID-compliant. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting a DMV office in person.

Checking your renewal status and what to do if your license does not arrive

After you renew online or by mail, you can check the status of your process on the South Carolina DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page shows whether your process has been received, processed, or mailed.

If your renewed license does not arrive within the expected timeframe (10 business days for online, three to four weeks for mail), contact the DMV by phone or visit a local office. Bring your confirmation number or receipt if you have it. The DMV can investigate the delay and reissue your license if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my South Carolina license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must be a South Carolina resident to hold a South Carolina driver's license. If you have moved to another state, you will need to obtain a license from your new state of residence. Contact your new state's DMV for information about explore for a license there.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.

How much does it cost to renew a South Carolina driver's license?

A standard eight-year license renewal costs $12.50 online or by mail, and $12.50 in person. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $27.50. Fees are paid by debit or credit card online, by check or money order by mail, or by cash, check, or card in person.

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the South Carolina DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it before you can renew.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person to report the loss and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The replacement fee is $12.50.