Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your South Carolina driver's license in person at any DMV branch, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the SCDMV website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your address or other information.

Before you go or submit anything, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The renewal fee in South Carolina is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV branch, and the fastest method is online if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address.
  • You'll need your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV branch in person.
  • A four-year license costs $24 and an eight-year license costs $48, and you can choose which length you want when you renew.

Renewing online through the SCDMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. Go to the SCDMV website, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your information.

You'll be asked whether you want to keep your current address or update it. If you update your address, you must provide proof of the new address before you finish. You'll also choose whether you want a four-year or eight-year license. Once you pay the fee by debit or credit card, you're done—your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if you need to change your name, if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DMV branch.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to the DMV. You can renew by mail only if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, and you are not changing your name or address.

read the renewal form from the SCDMV website (form DL-43) or call your local DMV branch to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of Social Security number and proof of address, and mail everything along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.

Keep a record of when you mail your packet. If you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received it.

Renewing in person at a DMV branch

Visit a DMV branch if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or photo, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and any documents showing a name change if that applies to you.

You do not need an appointment at most South Carolina DMV branches, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the SCDMV website to find the branch nearest you and see current wait times. Bring all your documents in one visit—if you're missing something, you'll have to come back.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, collect your payment, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the branch. Ask before you leave whether you're getting it when ready or by mail.

What happens if your license has been expired for a long time

If your South Carolina license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if getting a new license for the first time. This means you'll need to pass the written test and the road test, not just pay a fee and walk out.

You'll also need to bring additional documents: a certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal. Visit a DMV branch in person to start the reapplication process.

Changing your address during renewal

If you're moving, you can update your address when you renew. Online renewal lets you change your address during the process as long as you upload proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). By mail, you cannot change your address—you must renew in person if you need a new address on your license.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to change your address. You can update it at any time by visiting a DMV branch, though there may be a small fee. If you move and don't update your license, your old address stays on it until the license expires and you renew.

Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license

When you renew, you'll choose how long you want your new license to be valid. A four-year license costs $24 and an eight-year license costs $48. The eight-year license is a better value if you plan to stay in South Carolina for a long time, because you'll renew less often. The four-year license makes sense if you think you might move out of state soon or if you prefer to update your photo more frequently.

Your choice doesn't affect how the renewal process works—it only changes the cost and how long you can use the license before renewing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired less than five years ago. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than five years ago, you must reapply as a new driver and take both the written and road tests.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV branch may issue your license on the spot or mail it to you—ask before you leave which one applies.

Do I have to go in person if I'm just renewing?

No, you can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago and you're not changing your name or address. You only have to visit a branch if you need to update your photo, change your name, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

What if I lost my current license?

You can still renew online or by mail if you know your license number and date of birth. If you don't have that information, visit a DMV branch in person and bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to six months before your license expires. This is useful if you're planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.