What you need to do in South Carolina

To change the address on your South Carolina driver's license, you must visit a SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles) office in person. You cannot change your address online, by mail, or by phone. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a valid form of identification if your current license has expired.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at most offices. You will fill out Form DL-43 (process for Operator's License), show your documents, and pay a fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.

South Carolina does not charge a fee to change your address alone. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, the cost is $10. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you will pay the standard renewal fee instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an SCDMV office in person to change your address; online, mail, and phone changes are not available.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and a valid ID if your license is expired.
  • The address change itself costs nothing, but a replacement card with your new address printed on it costs $10.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally on your old license until it arrives.

What counts as proof of your new address

South Carolina accepts several documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check, or a property tax bill also work.

The document must show your name and your new address. If you just moved and have not yet received a bill at the new address, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your account and move-in date. Some SCDMV offices will accept a signed letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead instead.

Do not bring a piece of mail addressed to you at the new address if it is from a political campaign, advertisement, or nonprofit organization. SCDMV does not accept those as proof.

Which SCDMV office to visit and what to bring

Find your nearest SCDMV office on the South Carolina DMV website. Enter your county or city, and the site will show you office locations, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. You can book an appointment online or by calling the office directly.

Bring these documents: your current driver's license, your proof of address, and a valid form of ID if your license has expired (a passport, military ID, or state ID card works). If you are changing your name at the same time, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If someone else is picking up your new license on your behalf, bring a signed, notarized power of attorney.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, especially if you have an appointment. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

How long the process takes and when you will get your new license

The in-office part of the address change takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will complete Form DL-43, the staff will scan your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your payment. They will give you a receipt showing your new address.

Your new license is printed and mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the SCDMV office whether they offer expedited printing or in-office card production. Some offices can print a temporary license on the spot, though this is not available at all locations.

Do not assume your new license has arrived just because 10 days have passed. Mail delays happen. If you have not received it after two weeks, contact the SCDMV office where you applied and provide your receipt number.

What happens if you move again before your new license arrives

If you move a second time before your new license arrives, contact the SCDMV office where you applied. Provide your receipt number and your new address. They can update your mailing address in the system so your license goes to the correct place. Do this as soon as you know you are moving again.

If your new license is already in the mail and you cannot reach the SCDMV in time, it will arrive at your old address. Ask the person living there to forward it to you, or contact SCDMV to request a replacement card mailed to your current address. You will likely pay another $10 replacement fee.

Changing your address if your license is expired

You can change your address on an expired license, but you must bring a valid form of ID. A passport, military ID, state ID card, or government-issued ID works. The SCDMV will process the address change and may also ask whether you want to renew your license at the same time.

If you renew while you are there, you will pay the renewal fee (currently $20 for a four-year license) instead of the $10 replacement fee. If you only change the address and do not renew, you will pay $10 for the replacement card. Either way, your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online or by mail?

No. South Carolina requires you to change your address in person at an SCDMV office. You cannot do it online, by mail, or by phone. You must visit an office with your current license and proof of your new address.

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

Ask your utility company for a letter confirming your account and move-in date, or ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on official letterhead. A bank or credit card statement, government check, or property tax bill also works if it shows your name and new address.

Do I have to get a new license card, or can I just update the address in the system?

You must get a new license card with your new address printed on it. The address change itself is free, but the replacement card costs $10. Your old license will no longer be valid once you receive the new one.

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

Contact the SCDMV office where you applied and provide your receipt number. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. You may have to pay another $10 replacement fee.

Can I drive on my old license while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. You can drive legally during the 7 to 10 business days it takes for your new card to be mailed to you.