Renewing Your South Carolina License: The Main Routes
South Carolina offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which one you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than a year or if you need a new photograph.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. That notice contains a renewal code you will need for online or mail renewal. If you have not received one and your license is expiring soon, contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 803-896-5000 or visit scdmvonline.com.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at scdmvonline.com using your renewal code, which arrives in the mail about 60 days before expiration.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required only if your license expired more than a year ago or you need a new photo.
- South Carolina does not charge a fee for renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year if you renew within two years of expiration.
Renewing Online Through the SCDMV Website
Online renewal is the fastest option and requires no trip to an office. Go to scdmvonline.com, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You will answer questions about whether your address, height, eye color, and other information have changed.
The fee is $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card. Once approved, your new license prints at the DMV facility and arrives 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 available only if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photograph. If your license expired more than 30 days ago, the online system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal uses the same renewal notice that arrives before expiration. Sign the back of the notice, include a check or money order for $24 (four-year) or $36 (eight-year), and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license arrives separately by mail. Mail renewal works even if your license has expired, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If you are unsure whether your license is still within the one-year window, call 803-896-5000 before mailing.
Keep a copy of the renewal notice or a photo of the envelope for your records. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm receipt.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photograph, or if you want to change your address, name, or other information that cannot be updated online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if current one is lost), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $24 or $36.
Visit scdmvonline.com and use the office locator to find the DMV nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can shorten your visit. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, and your new license is printed on the spot. You can drive home with your temporary license and receive the permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago
If your 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 good news is that South Carolina does not charge a renewal fee if you renew within two years of the expiration date, even if the license has been expired for more than a year. You pay only the standard $24 or $36 fee.
Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. After two years past expiration, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver, which involves a written test and road test.
Changing Your Address or Other Information During Renewal
If you moved or need to update your name, you can make these changes during renewal. Online renewal allows you to update your address without visiting an office. During the online process, you will be asked whether your address has changed; update it there and your new license will reflect the new address.
Name changes require in-person renewal and a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Mail renewal cannot process name changes. If you need to change your name, schedule an appointment at your nearest DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for six months?
Yes. You can renew by mail or in person. Online renewal is not available once your license is expired, even by one day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you need to drive before the new license arrives.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the South Carolina DMV at 803-896-5000 and ask for a replacement notice or your renewal code. You can also visit scdmvonline.com and use the "Renew Your License" tool; it may allow you to proceed without the code if you can verify your identity with your license number and date of birth.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you choose to update your photo. If you want a new photo but your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail and keep your current photo, then visit a DMV office later to pay a small fee for a photo update.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Seven to ten business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before then, your current license is still valid.
What if my address changed but I did not update it during renewal?
You can update your address online at scdmvonline.com without renewing your license, or visit a DMV office with proof of your new address. Address changes do not require a new photo or a new license card.