Documents required to renew your SC license
To renew your South Carolina driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot use just any ID or bill. Bringing the wrong documents means a trip back home and a delayed renewal.
You do not need all three categories if you are renewing by mail or online, which have different requirements than in-person renewal. The method you choose determines exactly what you bring. Most people renew in person at an SCDMV office, so that is the focus here, but the other routes are covered below.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal requires one document proving identity, one proving your Social Security number, and one proving your current address — each from the SCDMV's approved list.
- Your current valid SC driver's license counts as your identity document, so you only need to bring proof of address and Social Security number if your license is not expired.
- Utility bills, bank statements, and lease agreements all work as proof of address, but they must show your name and current address.
- Mail and online renewal have shorter document lists and do not require you to visit an office, but you must meet age and status requirements to use them.
- SCDMV offices do not accept expired documents, and documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count.
Identity documents the SCDMV accepts
Your current, valid South Carolina driver's license is the easiest identity document because you already have it. If your license is not expired, bring it and you have satisfied the identity requirement. If your license is expired, you will need a different document.
The SCDMV accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card as identity documents. A birth certificate counts only if it is a certified copy with a raised seal — a photocopy or hospital copy will not work. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe also works. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) satisfies the identity requirement.
Documents must be original or certified copies. Laminated birth certificates are not accepted. If your document is damaged or the name on it does not match your current legal name, bring a second document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with the primary identity document.
Proof of Social Security number
The SCDMV needs to verify your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the simplest proof — bring the original card. If you do not have your card or it is damaged, a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form from the past three years works. These documents must show your full name and complete Social Security number.
A benefit statement from Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid also counts. You can request a benefit statement online from Social Security's website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. A letter from your employer showing your name and Social Security number is acceptable if it is on company letterhead and signed by an authorized person.
If you have never had a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, along with your passport or visa showing your immigration status.
Proof of current address
Your proof of address must show your name and your current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) from the past 60 days works well because it is recent and clearly shows both. A bank or credit card statement from the past 60 days also works. A lease agreement or mortgage statement counts even if it is older than 60 days, as long as it is current.
A government document with your address — such as a property tax bill, vehicle registration, or insurance policy — is acceptable. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from that person confirming you live at that address, along with a copy of their ID and proof of their address.
The SCDMV does not accept P.O. boxes as proof of address. If you recently moved and your documents still show your old address, bring a document showing your new address plus a second document (such as a lease or property tax bill) confirming the move. Mail forwarding notices from the U.S. Postal Service do not count as proof of address on their own.
Renewing by mail or online instead of in person
If your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an SCDMV office. Online renewal through the SCDMV website requires only your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number — no documents to gather or bring. You pay the renewal fee online and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
Mail renewal uses a form you request from the SCDMV or read from their website. You mail the form with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically three to four weeks — and you cannot renew by mail if your address has changed.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, if you need to update your address, if you changed your name, or if you are over 70 years old. You also cannot use these methods if you have medical conditions that require a special license restriction or if your vision has changed significantly. Check the SCDMV website or call your local office to confirm whether you are able to renew without coming in person.
What to do if you do not have the required documents
If you cannot find one of the three required documents, contact your local SCDMV office before you go. Some offices have workarounds — for example, if you lost your Social Security card, the office staff can sometimes help you understand what other documents will work. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This takes one to three weeks depending on the state. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by visiting a local Social Security office. If you do not have proof of your current address, a notarized letter from a family member or landlord confirming your residence can work in some cases — ask the SCDMV office first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an SCDMV office. You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license is expired. Bring the same three documents you would bring for a regular renewal: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.
Does my passport have to be a U.S. passport, or can I use a foreign passport?
A foreign passport works only if you are not a U.S. citizen and you bring it along with an I-94 arrival/departure record or an Employment Authorization Document. If you are a U.S. citizen, bring a U.S. passport or passport card. A U.S. passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts as a valid identity document.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?
Bring your primary identity document (the one with your old name) along with a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SCDMV will update your records with your current legal name.
Can I use a screenshot or photo of my documents on my phone instead of bringing the originals?
No. The SCDMV requires original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, screenshots, and photos on your phone are not accepted. If a document is damaged or you cannot locate the original, contact the issuing agency to request a certified copy.
How long does it take to renew my license after I submit my documents?
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Online renewal takes about two weeks for the license to arrive. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving while you wait for the plastic card.