How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

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

For an in-person renewal at a DMV office, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If your name has changed, you'll also need a certified copy of the document proving the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. No appointment is required at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need review. You'll submit your current license, a completed Form DL-43 (available on the SCDMV website), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your materials.

Key Takeaways

South Carolina offers three renewal routes: in-person at a DMV office, by mail if your license is current and unrestricted, or online for a limited renewal that lasts two years instead of five.
In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address dated within 90 days; bring a name-change document if applicable.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your license is expired or you have medical restrictions.
Online renewal through the SCDMV website is the fastest option for those who meet the requirements, but the resulting license is valid for only two years instead of five.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for in-person or mail renewal; online renewal produces a temporary digital license when ready and a physical card later.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Walk into any South Carolina DMV office with your documents and complete the renewal at the counter. You'll fill out Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License), have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your temporary license is issued on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the SCDMV website. If you arrive early in the day or mid-week, you'll typically wait less than 15 minutes. Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies of your proof of address or Social Security number are not accepted.

Mail renewal for current licenses

If your license is still valid and you have no medical conditions or restrictions noted on it, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. read Form DL-43 from the SCDMV website, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order made payable to "SCDMV." Include a copy of your proof of address if your address has changed since your last renewal.

Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — it varies by region. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your materials. You can continue driving on your current license during this time. If you need to renew before your current license expires and want the fastest turnaround, in-person renewal is your better option because you receive a temporary license when ready.

Online renewal for a two-year limited license

The SCDMV website offers online renewal for drivers who have not had a license suspension or revocation in the past five years and do not have medical restrictions. The process takes about 10 minutes: you log in, verify your information, upload a new photo or use your existing one, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Online renewal produces a temporary digital license that appears in your phone's wallet when ready and is valid for 30 days. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The catch is that an online-renewed license is valid for only two years, not the standard five years. If you want a full five-year license, you must renew in person or by mail. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal because of the shorter validity period.

Renewal fees and how long your license lasts

South Carolina driver's license renewal fees depend on the type of renewal and how long you want the license to be valid. An in-person or mail renewal for a five-year license costs one amount; an online renewal for a two-year license costs less. Fees change periodically, so check the SCDMV website for the current amount before you renew.

Your new license is valid for five years from the date of issue if you renew in person or by mail. If you renew online, it is valid for two years. You can renew up to six months before your current license expires, so plan ahead if you have travel or other plans that require a valid license. Your license expires on your birthday in the year listed on the card.

What to do if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — in person, by mail, or online. Bring or mail the same documents. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office; mail and online renewal are not available for licenses that have been expired longer than 12 months.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but that does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Name or address changes during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license at no extra cost. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of the name-change document with your process.

If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. For in-person renewal, tell the DMV staff your new address and they will print it on your license. For mail renewal, include a copy of your proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) with your process. Online renewal updates your address based on the information in your SCDMV account, so make sure your account is current before you start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. The DMV will not issue a renewal if you have outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or a suspended license. You must resolve these issues first. Contact the court or the DMV to find out what you owe and how to pay it before you attempt to renew.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you do not have your current license to submit. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of address as usual. The DMV will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

After in-person or mail renewal, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary license valid for 30 days if you renewed in person. If you renewed online, your temporary digital license is available when ready in your phone's wallet, and your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment to renew at a DMV office?

No appointment is required at most South Carolina DMV offices. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy periods. Check the SCDMV website for your local office to see if appointments are available or recommended.

What if my vision or medical condition has changed since my last license?

If you have a new medical condition or your vision has changed significantly, tell the DMV staff during in-person renewal. They may require you to take a vision test or provide a letter from your doctor. If you are renewing by mail or online and have concerns about a medical condition, renew in person instead so the DMV can assess whether any restrictions are needed on your 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.