How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in South Carolina

South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has been expired for more than a year, you must renew in person.

Your current license must not be suspended or revoked, and you cannot have any outstanding tickets or fines with the state. The renewal process takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail and 1 to 2 weeks online, though in-person renewals are faster if you go to a less busy office.

Key Takeaways

Online and mail renewals work only if your license is still valid and you have no suspensions, revocations, or unpaid fines.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card for online, check or money order for mail).
The renewal fee is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license, and you choose the term when you renew.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DMV office in person.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.

Renewing online through the South Carolina DMV website

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website (scdmvonline.com) lets you renew if your license is current and you have no holds on your record. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against DMV records and tell you when ready whether you can proceed.

After you pay the renewal fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 1 to 2 weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address, photo, or other information, you cannot do this online — you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access: your license must be current and you must have no suspensions or unpaid fines. You will need to request a renewal form from the South Carolina DMV by calling 803-896-5000 or visiting a local office. Some offices will mail the form to you, though this adds time to the overall process.

Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your completed form. Do not send cash. If you are renewing for the first time by mail, include a photocopy of your current license with your process.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to update your photo or personal information, or if you want to change your license term (four years or eight years). Bring your current license, proof of your Social Carolina residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.

You do not need an appointment at most South Carolina DMV offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you are renewing with no changes, or within a few days if you had to provide additional documents. You can drive when ready after renewal.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV treats it as a new process rather than a renewal, and you must go to a DMV office in person. You will need to provide proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay the full license fee.

Driving with 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 this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Fees and license terms

A four-year South Carolina driver's license costs $24, and an eight-year license costs $48. You choose which term you want when you renew. The eight-year option is cheaper per year but requires you to renew less often. If you are over 65, you can renew for four years at no cost, though you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check or money order and it bounces, the DMV will contact you and may suspend your license until the fee is paid.

Updating your address or other information

If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. You can change your address online through the DMV website without renewing your license, though this does not extend your license expiration date. If you want to change your photo, name, or other personal information, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. South Carolina lets you renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date one term (four or eight years) from the date you renew.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen license is a replacement, not a renewal, and you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring proof of residency and a valid payment method. The replacement fee is $24 for a four-year license. You can request a duplicate online if you just need a copy of your current license for records.

How long does my license stay valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for either four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you renew online or by mail, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives in the mail.

What if the DMV rejected my online renewal?

The system will tell you why your renewal was rejected — usually because your license is suspended, you have unpaid fines, or your information does not match DMV records. Contact the South Carolina DMV at 803-896-5000 to find out what needs to be resolved before you can renew. You can renew in person at a DMV office once the issue is cleared.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV will take a new photo at no extra charge when you renew in person.

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.