How to Change Your Address on a South Carolina Driver's License

What you need to do to update your SC driver's license address

You can change your address on a South Carolina driver's license in person at any SCDMV office, online through the SCDMV website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you have a valid email address and your current license number — the change takes effect when ready and you do not need to visit an office. If you go in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works). By mail, you send your license and a completed Form DL-43 with address proof to the SCDMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address alone. However, if your license is expiring within the next year, the SCDMV may ask you to renew it at the same time, which does cost money. Your address change does not affect your insurance, vehicle registration, or any other documents — you will need to update those separately with each company or agency.

Key Takeaways

The online method is fastest and requires only your current license number and a valid email address; the change shows up when ready.
In-person visits to any SCDMV office take about 15 minutes and require your current license plus one document showing your new address dated within 60 days.
Mailing your license with Form DL-43 and address proof takes 7 to 10 business days and costs nothing, but you will be without your physical license during that time.
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration, insurance, or voter registration — contact those separately.
If your license expires within one year, the SCDMV may require you to renew it at the same time you change your address, which adds a renewal fee.

Changing your address online through SCDMV

Go to the SCDMV website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current South Carolina driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

Once you confirm the change by email, your new address is active when ready. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail; your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. If you need the new address to appear on your physical license before expiration, you will have to renew your license, which costs money and requires an in-person visit or mail submission.

Updating your address in person at an SCDMV office

Visit any SCDMV office in South Carolina with your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement — the document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Bring the original or a certified copy; photocopies are not accepted.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a new physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days at your new address. Your old license becomes invalid once the new one arrives, so do not discard it until you receive the replacement. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, your old license is still valid for that purpose.

Mailing your address change to SCDMV

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) from the SCDMV website or by calling 803-896-5000. Complete the form with your new address. Include your current driver's license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Mail everything to the SCDMV address listed on the form.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date SCDMV receives your envelope. You will not have your physical license during this time, so use this method only if you do not need to drive or if you have another valid ID. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; if it does not arrive within two weeks, call SCDMV to check the status.

What counts as proof of your new address

SCDMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and current address. Property tax bills, bank statements, and insurance documents are also acceptable. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy will be rejected.

If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some SCDMV offices accept this in place of a utility bill, but call ahead to confirm. Do not attempt to use a piece of mail addressed to you at the new address if it does not show the address clearly — SCDMV staff will reject it.

When SCDMV may require you to renew your license at the same time

If your driver's license expires within one year from the date you request the address change, SCDMV may require you to renew your license instead of just changing your address. This is not a penalty — it is a policy to avoid issuing a license that will expire very soon. If this happens, you will pay the renewal fee (which varies depending on whether you renew for four or eight years) in addition to the address change, which is free.

You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card. If it is more than one year away, you can change your address alone without renewing. If renewal is required, you will be told this when you explore online, visit an office, or receive a response to a mailed form.

Updating other documents and accounts after your address change

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration, car insurance, voter registration, or any other records. You must contact each organization separately. Call your auto insurance company and provide your new address — most insurers update this in minutes and may adjust your premium slightly based on your new location. Contact your county's vehicle registration office (usually the county auditor or tax assessor) to update your vehicle registration.

If you are registered to vote, contact your county election office or update your voter registration online through the South Carolina Election Commission website. Notify your bank, employer, and any government agencies (Social Security, tax authorities) of your new address. Keep a list of what you have updated so you do not miss anything. Some organizations may ask for proof of your new address, so keep a copy of the document you used for your SCDMV change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expiring soon?

Yes, you can change your address online regardless of your expiration date. However, if your license expires within one year, SCDMV may require you to renew it at the same time, which costs money. The online system will tell you whether renewal is required before you complete the transaction.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use a mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Call your local SCDMV office first to confirm they will accept a landlord letter.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

If you change your address in person or by mail, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days at your new address. Online changes take effect when ready, but you do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it.

Do I need to update my car insurance when I change my driver's license address?

Yes. Call your insurance company and provide your new address. This is separate from your driver's license change and usually takes a few minutes. Your insurance premium may change slightly based on your new location, so ask about that when you call.

What if my new license does not arrive after two weeks?

Call SCDMV at 803-896-5000 and provide your name, license number, and the date you submitted your change. They can tell you whether your license is still being processed or if there was a problem with your process. If there was an error, they will tell you how to fix it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.