Where to go and what to bring
Columbia has one main driver license office: the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) location at 10 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201. This is where you renew, replace, or obtain a driver license for the first time. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
Before you go, gather the documents you'll need. You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're getting your first license, you'll also need to bring proof that you've passed a vision screening at an eye doctor or optometrist.
You do not need an appointment to visit the Columbia office, but you can request one online through the SCDMV website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary depending on the day and time of day you arrive. Early morning visits, particularly on Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter lines.
Key Takeaways
- The Columbia SCDMV office is located at 10 Laurel Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence dated within the last 60 days.
- First-time license applicants must also bring proof of a vision screening from an eye care professional.
- You can request an appointment online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
- The office is closed on state holidays, so check the SCDMV website before you visit.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call your number and direct you to a window. They will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photograph and signature for the license.
You'll then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. After passing the written test, you'll take a driving test if you're getting your first license or renewing after a suspension. If you're renewing a valid license, you may skip the driving test.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass all tests on your first attempt. Your temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing your license before it expires
South Carolina driver licenses are valid for eight years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing before expiration is faster than waiting until after it expires, because you won't need to retake the written or driving test if your record is clean.
To renew, bring your current license, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you're renewing for, but you can find the current cost on the SCDMV website.
You can also renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you don't need to update your photograph. The SCDMV website has a mail renewal form you can print and send with your fee and documents.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Columbia office with your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence. Tell the staff member that you need a replacement. You'll pay a replacement fee, have your photograph taken again, and receive a temporary license on the spot.
Your permanent replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report for your records, though this is not required to get a replacement.
Getting your first license as a teenager
If you're under 18, you must first get a beginner's permit before you can get a full driver license. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get a permit, bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residence, and a signed parental consent form (available on the SCDMV website). You'll take the written test, and if you pass, you receive your permit when ready.
You must hold your permit for at least 180 days before you can take the driving test for a full license. During that time, you can only drive between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. When you're ready for your full license, return to the Columbia office with your permit and take the driving test.
What to do if you fail the written or driving test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day to try again.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one business day before retaking it. You'll need to pay the driving test fee again. Many people fail their first driving test, so don't be discouraged. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong, and you can practice those skills before your next attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended and you don't need a new photograph. You cannot renew online through the SCDMV website. If you need a new photograph or your license is suspended, you must visit the office in person.
What if I don't have proof of residence?
Proof of residence must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail with your name and address. If you have none of these, contact the SCDMV office to ask what other documents they accept.
How much does a driver license cost?
The fee depends on how long you're renewing for and whether it's a first-time license, replacement, or renewal. Check the SCDMV website for current fees, as they change periodically. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
Do I need to take the driving test if I'm renewing my license?
No, if your license is valid and not suspended, you skip the driving test during renewal. You only take the written test if the SCDMV requires it based on your driving record. First-time applicants and people renewing after a suspension must take both tests.
What if the office is closed when I need to visit?
The Columbia office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Check the SCDMV website for holiday closures. If you need your license urgently, you can request an appointment online to get in as quickly as possible on the next business day.