What You Need to Renew in South Carolina

South Carolina renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) office. You do not have to appear in person unless your license has been expired for more than one year, you need to change your address, or you want to add a Real ID designation. Most people can complete the renewal through the mail using the renewal notice SCDMV sends you about 60 days before your license expires.

The process itself is straightforward: you receive a renewal packet, complete the form, include your payment, and mail everything back. SCDMV processes mail renewals within two to three weeks under normal conditions. Your new license arrives by mail after that.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need to change your address or add Real ID.
  • SCDMV sends a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration; use that notice as your process form.
  • The renewal fee in South Carolina is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, paid by check or money order.
  • If you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • Real ID renewal requires a visit to an SCDMV office and additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, that document is your process. Fill in any corrections to your name, address, or other information on the form itself. Sign and date it. Do not send your current license back unless the form specifically instructs you to do so.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Make it payable to "SCDMV." Mail everything to the address printed on your renewal notice. Do not mail cash. SCDMV will not process a renewal without payment, so double-check the amount before you seal the envelope.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date SCDMV receives your packet. Your new license will arrive separately by mail. If you do not receive your renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact SCDMV directly at 803-896-5000 to request one or to renew by phone.

In-Person Renewal at an SCDMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you want to add or upgrade to Real ID. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to.

Bring 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 have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Visit any SCDMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the SCDMV website. Bring the renewal fee in cash, check, or debit card.

Real ID Renewal: Additional Requirements

Real ID is a federal standard for identification that allows you to use your driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. South Carolina offers Real ID as an option on renewal. If you want it, you must renew in person at an SCDMV office.

In addition to your current license and proof of address, bring one of the following documents showing your date of birth and full legal name: a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or military discharge papers (DD-214). SCDMV will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate; it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it.

The fee for Real ID is the same as a standard renewal ($24 for four years or $48 for eight years). Your Real ID license will be marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Processing takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods

South Carolina charges $24 for a four-year driver's license or $48 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you renew. The fee is the same whether you renew by mail or in person. Payments by mail must be check or money order; in-person payments can be cash, check, or debit card.

Your new license is valid for the term you choose, starting from the date SCDMV issues it. If you renew before your current license expires, the new license's validity period begins on the expiration date of your old license, not the date you renew. This means you do not lose any time by renewing early.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than One Year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit an SCDMV office in person and bring the same documents required for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

SCDMV may also require you to pass a vision test or written test if your license has been expired for a very long time. Call 803-896-5000 before you visit to ask whether you need to study the driver's manual or bring any additional documents. Bring your expired license with you even though it is no longer valid; it helps SCDMV locate your record.

Tracking Your Renewal and Troubleshooting

If you renewed by mail, you can check the status of your process by calling SCDMV at 803-896-5000. Have your driver's license number ready. SCDMV staff can tell you whether your packet was received and whether your new license has been mailed.

If you do not receive your new license within four weeks of mailing your renewal, or if you did not receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration, contact SCDMV. If your renewal was lost in the mail, SCDMV can reissue it. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, your old license remains valid until it expires, even if you have already mailed in your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my South Carolina license online?

No, South Carolina does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail using the renewal notice SCDMV sends you, or you can renew in person at an SCDMV office. Phone renewal is available for certain situations; call 803-896-5000 to ask if you are may be able to access.

What if I moved and did not update my address before my license expired?

You must renew in person at an SCDMV office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and proof of your Social Security number. SCDMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

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

SCDMV takes a new photo during in-person renewal. If you renew by mail, SCDMV uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must visit an office in person instead.

How long does it take to renew in person at an SCDMV office?

In-person renewals usually take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your new license the same day you visit. Arrive early or check whether your local office accepts online appointment scheduling to reduce wait time.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring a document showing the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew by mail if you include a copy of the document, or you can renew in person. If renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the name-change document with your renewal packet.