What you need to do to renew in South Carolina
South Carolina renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. South Carolina sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website is the fastest option if your license is a standard Class D and you have not had violations or address changes since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired by more than three years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial license.
- The renewal fee is $24 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which method you choose.
Renewing online through the DMV website
Online renewal is available at scdmvonline.com and is the quickest option if you meet the requirements. You must have a valid Social Security number, a current email address, and a license that is not expired by more than three years. You also cannot have any address changes, name changes, or recent violations on your record.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity. You then review your information, pay the $24 fee with a credit or debit card, and receive a confirmation number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The system will explain which requirement you do not meet.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works for most license types and does not require you to visit an office. You will need to request an process form from the DMV or read it from the website. The form is called the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DLAPP-1) and is available at scdmv.org.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $24 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not always available.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial license. You will also need to visit an office if you have had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving since your last renewal.
Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Payment is $24 by cash, check, or card.
Visit the DMV office locator at scdmv.org to find the nearest office and check wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Without an appointment, wait times vary by location and time of day.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process. If it has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, you may be able to renew by mail or online if you can provide documentation of your absence. Contact the DMV directly at 803-896-5000 to discuss your situation before submitting your process.
Fees and payment methods
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year license is $24. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some offices charge an additional fee for services like expedited processing or duplicate licenses, but these are optional.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards. If you are paying by check or money order, make it payable to "South Carolina DMV."
Tracking your renewed license
When you renew online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. When you renew by mail or in person, the DMV provides a receipt with a confirmation or transaction number. Keep this number — you can use it to check the status of your renewal on the DMV website or by calling 803-896-5000.
Licenses typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If more than two weeks have passed since you submitted your process and you have not received your license, contact the DMV with your confirmation number to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process and have a confirmation number. You must have the physical renewed license in your possession to drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, a confirmation number is not proof of a valid license.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
If you are renewing online, the system will reject your process if you have an address change on file. You must renew by mail or in person instead. Include proof of your new address with your mail process, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. You only get a new photo if you renew in person at a DMV office. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online renewal, you can choose to renew in person instead.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license number. You will need to visit a DMV office to report it lost and request a replacement or renewal. Bring proof of identity and residency, and you will receive a new license with a new number.
How long does in-person renewal take at the office?
With an appointment, in-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, wait times vary by location and time of day — some offices have waits of an hour or more during peak times. Check the DMV website for current wait times at your nearest office before you go.