What You Need to Renew in South Carolina
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 by mail or online. If it has been expired one to five years, you must renew in person. If it has been expired more than five years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew.
The in-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at a local DMV office. You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. Mail renewal requires the same documents as in-person, plus a completed Form DL-43 (process for Operator's License).
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina offers three renewal routes — online, by mail, or in person — but your choice depends on whether your license is current, expired less than one year, or expired one to five years.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired or expired less than one year, and you can complete it from home in about 10 minutes.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires proof of residency dated within 90 days, your current or expired license, and your Social Security number.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires a completed Form DL-43, your license, and proof of residency, mailed to the SCDMV address in Columbia.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person.
Renewing Online Through the SCDMV Website
Online renewal is available only if your license is current or expired less than one year. Visit the official SCDMV website (scdmv.org) and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home at any time.
The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $24.50. After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, and you do not need to visit a DMV office.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal works if your license is current or expired less than one year. read or request Form DL-43 (process for Operator's License) from the SCDMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current or expired license and proof of residency to the SCDMV address: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Columbia, SC 29216.
Include a check or money order for $24.50 (the standard five-year renewal fee) made payable to "SCDMV." Do not send cash. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date the SCDMV receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to you separately once approved. Keep your confirmation letter in case you need to track your renewal, and continue to drive on your current license while you wait.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired between one and five years. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal. Visit any South Carolina DMV office with your current or expired license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number. Bring a photo ID if your license has been expired for more than one year.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard five-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive when ready on the temporary license.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, last 4 SSN digits, payment method | $24.50 | 7–10 business days |
| By Mail | Form DL-43, current/expired license, proof of residency, check or money order | $24.50 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current/expired license, proof of residency (within 90 days), Social Security number | $24.50 | 7–10 business days for permanent license |
Proof of residency must be dated within 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government-issued mail. A driver's license or state ID card is not accepted as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your current name, bring two documents showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The $24.50 fee covers a standard five-year renewal. If you need a different license class or have other special circumstances, contact your local DMV office to confirm the exact fee before you begin the renewal process.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired More Than Five Years
If your South Carolina license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving skills test, and you will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency. Visit your local DMV office to begin the new license process.
The fee for a new license is higher than a renewal — typically $24.50 for the license itself plus testing fees. Contact your local DMV office or check the SCDMV website for the exact cost and to schedule a test appointment, as availability varies by location. You cannot drive legally until you have passed both tests and received your new license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash by mail — the SCDMV will not process it and your packet may be delayed or lost. Always use a check or money order. Do not use a utility bill or other proof of residency that is older than 90 days; the DMV will reject it and return your process. If you are renewing in person and your license has been expired for more than one year, bring a photo ID in addition to your expired license, or the DMV may not accept it as identification.
If you are renewing online, make sure you have your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number before you start — you cannot complete the transaction without them. Do not attempt to renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year; you will be directed to renew in person instead. If you are unsure which method you are may be able to access for, call your local DMV office or check the SCDMV website before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue to drive on your current license until your new one arrives. Your old license remains valid during the processing period.
What if I moved to a new address in South Carolina?
You can update your address during any renewal method. Online and mail renewal will ask for your new address. If renewing in person, bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days) and the DMV will update your address on the spot.
How do I renew if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
CDL renewals must be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, Social Security number, and medical certificate if required. The fee and processing time are the same as for a standard license renewal.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
Bring your current or expired license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. You can renew in person or by mail. If renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your Form DL-43. Online renewal will not work if your name has changed.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the SCDMV or your local DMV office to find out the status of your license and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges.