Renewing Your South Carolina Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your South Carolina driver's license online through the SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days and costs $24.50. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a DMV office in person, though in-person visits currently require scheduling an appointment.
Your may be able to access for online renewal depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you have any restrictions or violations on your record. A standard driver's license can be renewed online if it is not more than five years expired and you have no medical suspensions or other holds. If your license is older than five years expired, or if you hold a commercial license or have certain restrictions, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the SCDMV website takes about 10 business days and costs $24.50 if you meet the may be able to access requirements.
- You can renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and payment to the SCDMV, though processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment, which you can schedule on the SCDMV website or by calling 803-896-5000.
- You will need proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) if your address has changed since your last renewal.
- Your new license will be mailed to you after approval; you cannot pick it up in person at the office.
Online Renewal Through the SCDMV Website
To renew online, go to the SCDMV website (scdmv.org) and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you are, you can complete the entire transaction in about 10 minutes.
After you submit your online renewal, the SCDMV will mail your new license to the address on file. The process typically takes 10 business days from the date you submit. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. If your address has changed, update it before you renew — the SCDMV will use the address you provide during renewal.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have medical restrictions that require a vision test or in-person evaluation. It is also not available for commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or licenses with hazmat endorsements.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read Form DL-43 (Driver's License Renewal process) from the SCDMV website or request one by calling 803-896-5000. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail-in renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the SCDMV receives your process. If your address has changed, include a copy of proof of residency with your mailed process — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work. The SCDMV will return your old license to you along with your new one.
Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit an office or do not have internet access, but it takes significantly longer than online renewal. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you should renew online or in person instead.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
To renew in person, you must first schedule an appointment on the SCDMV website or by calling 803-896-5000. Walk-in visits are not currently accepted for renewals. When you arrive at your appointment, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment ($24.50 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card).
The DMV office will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. In-person renewal is required if your license is more than five years expired, if you hold a commercial license, or if you have medical restrictions or suspensions on your record.
DMV office hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the SCDMV website to find the office nearest you and see its current hours before you schedule.
What You Need to Bring and How Much It Costs
For any renewal method, you will need your current South Carolina driver's license. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document showing your current address and dated within the last 90 days. If you are renewing in person, you will also need a valid payment method.
The renewal fee is $24.50 for a standard driver's license valid for five years. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license, the fee is higher and varies depending on the endorsements you hold. You can pay by cash (in person only), check, money order (by mail), or debit or credit card (online or in person). The SCDMV does not accept payment plans or partial payments.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your South Carolina driver's license has expired, you can still renew it as long as it is not more than five years past the expiration date. If it is more than five years expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office — online and mail renewal are not available. Driving on an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also be required to retake the written driving test and vision test at the DMV office. Call 803-896-5000 to confirm what you will need to bring before you schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew online, by mail, or in person while your license is under suspension or revocation. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the SCDMV. Call 803-896-5000 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person renewal also takes about 10 business days for mailing. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my driver's license in South Carolina?
No. A standard South Carolina driver's license is not a Real ID. If you need a Real ID for federal purposes (air travel, federal building entry), you must explore in person at a DMV office with additional documents like a birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. This is a separate process from renewal.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address during online renewal on the SCDMV website. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of residency dated within 90 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. The SCDMV will use the new address on your renewed license.
Can I pick up my new license at the DMV office instead of waiting for it to be mailed?
No. All renewed licenses are mailed to the address on file. You cannot pick up your license in person at the office, regardless of which renewal method you use.