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 standard renewals. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid and how soon you need the new one.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN. If your name has changed, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SCDMV accepts these documents in person or by mail.

If you're renewing online, you'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your SSN, and a valid payment method. Online renewal is available only if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked, you're not changing your address, and you don't need a new photo. Most people can renew online up to one year before their license expires.

Key Takeaways

South Carolina lets you renew by mail, online, or in person, but online is fastest if your license is current and you're not changing your address or photo.
You'll need your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security card or SSN document for any renewal method.
In-person renewals at a DMV office take about 30 minutes, while mail renewals typically take two to three weeks after the SCDMV receives your packet.
Your new license will be valid for eight years if you're under 65, or five years if you're 65 or older.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DMV office in person.

Renewing online through the SCDMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the SCDMV website, select "Renew Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, the last four digits of your SSN, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against SCDMV records and tell you when ready whether you can proceed online.

If the system approves you, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $24.50 if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $12.50. Once payment clears, the SCDMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days after processing.

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, if you want a new photo, or if your license expired more than three years ago. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address or photo. read the DL-43 form from the SCDMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your name, license number, date of birth, and current address.

Gather your documents: your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN. If your name has changed since your last license, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

Mail the completed form and documents to the SCDMV address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. The SCDMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to you. This typically takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any SCDMV office with your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security card or SSN document. Bring a certified name-change document if your name has changed. You can pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

Processing times vary by location and time of day. Most offices complete renewals within 30 minutes, though busy locations may take longer. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the SCDMV website before you go. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you'll receive it when ready.

In-person renewal is your only option if your license has been expired for more than three years, if it's been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo. It's also the fastest way to get a physical license in your hands the same day.

License validity and renewal timing

South Carolina driver's licenses are valid for eight years if you're under 65, or five years if you're 65 or older. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The SCDMV recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it as long as it hasn't been expired for more than three years. Once it's been expired for more than three years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires taking a written test and a vision test in person at a DMV office.

Your new license will be valid for the full eight or five years from the date it's issued, not from your old expiration date. So if your current license expires on March 15, 2025, and you renew in January 2025, your new license will expire in January 2033 (if you're under 65).

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $24.50 if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $12.50. These are the only fees for a standard renewal; there are no additional charges for processing or delivery.

At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order only — do not send cash. If you're renewing online, you must use a credit card or debit card. The SCDMV does not refund renewal fees if you change your mind after paying.

What to do if your name has changed

If you've married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. For marriage, bring a certified marriage certificate. For divorce, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring a certified copy of the court order.

"Certified copy" means a copy issued by the court, government office, or vital records agency that issued the original document — not a photocopy you made yourself. Most county clerk offices and vital records departments can issue certified copies for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.

You can renew by mail or online with a name change as long as you're not changing your address or photo. If you're changing your address at the same time, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than a year?

Yes, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than three years. If it's been expired for three years or less, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. If it's been expired for more than three years, you must explore for a new license in person at a DMV office and take a written test and vision test.

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

The SCDMV processes online renewals within one to two business days, then mails your license. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days after processing, so plan for about one to two weeks total from the time you submit your process.

What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?

If you renewed by mail or online and your address changes before your new license arrives, contact the SCDMV with your new address. They can redirect your license to the new address if it hasn't shipped yet. If it's already in the mail, you may need to pick it up at your local post office or file a change of address with USPS.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, the SCDMV will use your photo from your current license unless you choose to get a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot get a new photo by mail or online.

What if my Social Security card is lost or I don't have it?

You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself — a tax return, W-2, bank statement, or Social Security statement. If you don't have any document with your SSN, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or statement before you renew 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.