How to renew your South Carolina driver's license

You can renew your South Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you send in your materials. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires an appointment, which you book through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. South Carolina sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website is available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-43, and payment to the DMV address listed on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the official website and takes about 15 minutes once you're called.
  • You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and payment when renewing in person.
  • If your address has changed, you cannot renew online and must renew by mail or in person.

Online renewal through the DMV website

To renew online, go to the South Carolina DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against DMV records and tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have medical restrictions listed on your license, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

Once approved online, you'll pay $24.50 by debit or credit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with Form DL-43

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 from the South Carolina DMV website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $24.50 to the address printed on the form.

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your materials. Do not include cash. If you're mailing from outside South Carolina, allow extra time for postal delivery. Keep a copy of your completed form for your records.

Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot visit a DMV office or if you prefer not to renew online. However, if your address has changed or your license has restrictions, the DMV may contact you to complete the renewal in person instead.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

To renew in person, book an appointment through the South Carolina DMV website. Select your county, choose an available time slot, and arrive 10 minutes early. Appointments are free, and the renewal process takes about 15 minutes once you're called.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $24.50 in cash, check, or card. If your address has changed, bring the new proof of residency for that address.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, if your address has changed, or if you need to update your name or other information. You'll receive your new license when ready after the DMV processes your renewal, though you may need to wait a few minutes for the photo to be taken and printed.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Driving on an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have a renewal process pending.

When you renew an expired license in person, bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The DMV will process it the same way, and you'll receive your new license when ready. If you renew by mail with an expired license, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

Costs and payment methods

Renewal of a standard eight-year driver's license costs $24.50 in South Carolina. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. No additional fees explore for standard renewals.

Online and mail renewal accept payment by debit card or credit card (online) or check or money order (mail). In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card. Do not send cash by mail. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to "South Carolina DMV."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

No, you cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Bring proof of residency at your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

What if I lost my current driver's license?

If your license is lost, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a DMV office in person to report it lost and receive a replacement. Bring proof of residency and payment of $24.50. The DMV will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your original license.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you whether the suspension can be lifted and what steps are required before renewal is possible.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Yes. All in-person renewals at South Carolina DMV offices require an appointment booked through the official website. Walk-ins are not accepted. Book your appointment at least a few days in advance, as some offices have limited availability.