How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

What You Need to Know Before You Start

South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through their website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how long you want it to last, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal without taking a written test or vision test, though the DMV may require one if your license has been expired for more than a year.

The state issues licenses that are valid for five years. You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, which means you do not have to wait until the last minute. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but the process may take longer and you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

South Carolina offers online renewal through their website for most people, which takes about 10 business days and costs $20 for a five-year license.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name, and it takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you want to update your address or legal name.
You will need your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of South Carolina residency to renew in any method.
If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV may require you to pass a vision test and written test before issuing a new one.

Renewing Online Through the South Carolina DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo. Go to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.

The system will ask you to review your personal information and confirm that nothing has changed. If your address or name is different from what is on your license, you cannot complete the renewal online and must go to a DMV office instead. Once you submit the form and pay the $20 fee with a credit or debit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.

You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, so make sure that address is correct before you submit.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but requires no trip to the DMV. You can use this method only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and your address and legal name have not changed. read the Driver License Renewal process form from the DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.

Fill out the form completely and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $20. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope.

Keep track of when you mailed the form. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your process. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your address or legal name, or if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. Find your nearest DMV office on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website and check their hours before you go. Many offices require you to take a number or book an appointment online to reduce wait times.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current South Carolina address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and pay the $20 fee. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will take a vision test and may be asked to take a written test on traffic laws. Your new license will be printed on the spot or mailed to you within 10 business days, depending on the office.

Getting a REAL ID-Compliant License

A REAL ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. South Carolina issues REAL ID licenses at no extra cost, but you must renew in person and bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency.

In addition to your current driver's license, Social Security proof, and address proof, you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. The DMV will verify these documents and take a new photo. Your REAL ID license will look the same as a standard license but will have a gold star in the upper right corner. You can request a REAL ID license when you renew, or you can continue to renew a standard license if you do not need it for federal purposes.

What to Do If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

The DMV will require you to take a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will also take a written test on South Carolina traffic laws. You can study for the written test using the South Carolina Driver's Manual, which is available on the DMV website. The vision and written tests are the same ones given to new drivers, so if you have not driven in a long time, review the manual before you go.

Paying the Renewal Fee and What Happens Next

The renewal fee for a five-year South Carolina driver's license is $20. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card, depending on which method you choose. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts all payment methods.

After you renew, you can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you renewed in person, the DMV will tell you whether your license will be printed on the spot or mailed. Keep your confirmation number or receipt in case you need to check on your renewal status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the South Carolina DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to clear it. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

What if my address changed but I do not want to update it right now?

You can renew your license with your old address and update it later, but you must do so in person at a DMV office. If you want to change your address during renewal, you must renew in person. The DMV will not let you change your address online or by mail during a renewal.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?

If the DMV prints your license on the spot, you can take it with you that day. Some offices mail licenses instead, which takes about 10 business days. Ask the DMV office staff when you arrive whether your license will be printed when ready or mailed.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo but are otherwise may be able to access for online or mail renewal, you can renew online or by mail first, then visit a DMV office later to request a new photo for a small fee.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

You cannot renew a lost license. You must explore for a replacement license instead, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and address, and the DMV will issue a replacement with the same expiration date as your original license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.