South Carolina driver's license renewal by mail or online
You can renew your South Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll get your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal.
Your may be able to access for online or mail renewal depends on how long your license has been expired, whether you've had any violations or suspensions, and whether your current license photo is still acceptable. South Carolina allows online renewal for licenses that expired within the last five years, provided you have no active suspensions and your vision and medical status haven't changed significantly since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website is available for most drivers whose licenses expired within the last five years and have no active suspensions.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and the renewal fee to the DMV address in Columbia.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you don't meet online or mail renewal requirements.
- The renewal fee in South Carolina is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- You must renew your license before it expires to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal and can result in fines or other penalties.
Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website
To renew online, go to the South Carolina DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the process. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm that your address, name, and vision status haven't changed since your last renewal.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving legally during that time. Keep the confirmation number from your online renewal in case you need to track your process or contact the DMV.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 from the South Carolina DMV. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and the renewal fee amount. Include your current driver's license with the form and mail both to the DMV address listed on the form — currently the DMV office in Columbia.
The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You can pay by check or money order made payable to the South Carolina DMV. Do not send cash. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to allow time for processing and delivery. The DMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks, but delays can occur during busy periods.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
Visit a DMV office in person if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your name or address, or if you don't meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
DMV office wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the DMV website to see current wait times at the office nearest you. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Bring all required documents to avoid having to return for a second visit.
License suspension and how it affects renewal
If your South Carolina driver's license is suspended, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and resolve the suspension before you can get a new license. Suspensions can result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the DMV, or violations of traffic laws.
Contact the South Carolina DMV or the agency that suspended your license to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is resolved, you can renew your license at a DMV office. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines, arrest, and additional penalties.
Address and name changes during renewal
If you've moved or changed your name since your last renewal, you must update this information when you renew. Online renewal allows you to change your address if it's a straightforward move within South Carolina, but you cannot change your name online. For a name change, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you're changing your address, make sure the DMV has your correct mailing address before you submit your renewal, because your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renew online or by mail and then move before your new license arrives, contact the DMV when ready with your new address so they can update their records and reroute your license if possible.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The cost of renewing your South Carolina driver's license is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at a DMV office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office.
Some DMV offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license or if you're replacing a lost or damaged license at the same time as renewal. Ask the DMV office or check the website for any additional fees that may explore to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, online renewal is not available for licenses expired more than five years. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. The DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
What happens if I drive with an expired license in South Carolina?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in South Carolina. You can be stopped by law enforcement and cited, which results in a fine. If your license has been expired for a long time, you may face additional penalties or be required to retake the written and vision tests to renew.
How long does it take to get my license after renewing online?
You should receive your renewed license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after completing your online renewal. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue driving legally. If you don't receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status of your renewal.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license in South Carolina?
If you renew online or by mail, you do not need a new photo — your current photo will be used on your new license. If you renew in person at a DMV office, a new photo will be taken. If you want a new photo when renewing online or by mail, you must renew in person instead.
What if my name or address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address online if you're renewing online and moving within South Carolina. To change your name, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Make sure the DMV has your correct mailing address before submitting your renewal so your new license is sent to the right place.