Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your South Carolina driver's license in person at any SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles) office, or online through the SCDMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need a new vision test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
If you're renewing online, you'll log into your SCDMV account on the state website, answer questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee, and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina lets you renew online if your license is current, has no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed — this is the fastest option.
- In-person renewal at any SCDMV office requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your address from the last 60 days.
- You do not need a new vision test unless your license expired more than five years ago.
- Online renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person renewals are usually processed the same day.
- Your renewal fee depends on how long your new license will be valid — typically $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.
How long your renewed license lasts
When you renew, you choose between a four-year license and an eight-year license. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts longer, so the choice depends on how often you want to renew and what you can afford upfront. Most people choose based on their age and how long they plan to keep their current address.
Your new license will be valid starting the day you renew, not from the expiration date of your old one. If your current license is already expired, you can still renew it — you just cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it through the same process as a current license. You do not need a new vision test, and you can renew online if your other information hasn't changed.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the SCDMV treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You'll need to take a written test, a vision test, and a road test at an SCDMV office. You cannot renew online in this situation. Contact your local SCDMV office to schedule your tests.
Renewing by mail or in person
South Carolina does not offer mail-in renewal — you must either go to an SCDMV office in person or renew online. If you cannot visit an office and do not meet the online requirements, you'll need to contact your local SCDMV office to ask about exceptions or alternative arrangements.
SCDMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the SCDMV website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves time.
Renewing if you've moved
If you've moved to a new address in South Carolina, you can renew in person at any SCDMV office — you do not have to go to the office in your new county. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days) along with your other documents.
If you've moved out of South Carolina, you cannot renew your South Carolina license. You'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV to learn what documents you need.
Renewing with a name change
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you renew in person. You do not need to change your name separately; the SCDMV will update it during the renewal process.
If you're renewing online and your name has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online. You'll need to go to an SCDMV office in person so staff can verify your name-change document.
Fees and payment
The renewal fee for a four-year license is $20; for an eight-year license, it's $40. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the SCDMV office. If you renew online, you'll pay by debit or credit card through the SCDMV website.
Some SCDMV offices charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license the same day (for example, if your license was lost or stolen). Ask about this when you arrive or call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?
No, not as a renewal. If your license expired more than five years ago, the SCDMV treats it as a new license. You'll need to pass a written test, vision test, and road test at an SCDMV office. Contact your local office to schedule.
Do I need to take a new vision test when I renew?
Only if your license has been expired for more than five years. If your license is current or expired fewer than five years, you do not need a new vision test unless the SCDMV asks for one based on your medical history.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
If you renew in person, you usually get your new license the same day. If you renew online, your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives.
What if I've moved out of state?
You cannot renew your South Carolina license if you no longer live in the state. You'll need to get a license from your new state's DMV instead. Contact that DMV to find out what documents you need.
Can I renew online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you've moved, you must renew in person at an SCDMV office and bring proof of your new address.