South Carolina rolled out a redesigned driver's license in 2020, and the new card looks noticeably different from the old one

The new South Carolina driver's license features a vertical card format instead of the horizontal layout used before. The card is now the same size as a standard ID card and includes updated security features designed to make it harder to counterfeit. If you renewed your license after mid-2020, you almost certainly received the new design. If your current license still shows the old horizontal format, you're carrying an older version that remains valid until your renewal date.

The redesign was part of a broader effort by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) to modernize the state's identification documents. The new card includes enhanced security elements, a different layout for the information printed on it, and a new color scheme. The change affects all standard driver's licenses and ID cards issued by the state, though the basic information required on the card—your name, address, license number, and driving restrictions—remains the same.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina's new driver's license is vertical instead of horizontal and has been issued since 2020.
  • The redesigned card includes updated security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud.
  • Your old horizontal license remains valid until your renewal date; you do not need to replace it early.
  • When you renew your license, you will automatically receive the new design at your local SCDMV office.
  • The new card contains the same required information as the old one, just arranged differently on the vertical format.

What the new card looks like and where information is positioned

The new South Carolina license is a vertical card, meaning it is taller than it is wide. Your photo appears in the upper portion of the card, and your name, date of birth, and license number are positioned below it. The card uses a blue and gold color scheme that reflects South Carolina's state colors. The back of the card displays your address and any restrictions or endorsements on your license.

One of the most visible changes is the placement of your signature. On the old horizontal card, the signature appeared in a specific location on the front. On the new vertical card, the signature is positioned differently to accommodate the new layout. The card also includes a magnetic stripe and a barcode that contain encoded information, just as the old card did, so the card still works with existing scanning equipment at law enforcement checkpoints and other verification points.

Security features built into the new design

The new license includes several security elements that make it more difficult to forge or alter. These features include microprinting, which uses tiny text that is hard to read without magnification; color-shifting ink that changes appearance when the card is tilted; and a holographic image that is difficult to replicate. The card also uses a polycarbonate material that is more durable and harder to tamper with than the material used in older licenses.

These security upgrades were implemented in response to growing concerns about identity theft and fraudulent identification. Law enforcement and businesses that check IDs can look for these security features to verify that a license is genuine. If you work in a field that requires you to check identification—such as retail, hospitality, or security—you may want to familiarize yourself with these new features so you can spot a counterfeit card more easily.

When you will receive the new design

You do not need to do anything to get the new card. When your current license expires and you renew it at an SCDMV office, you will receive the new vertical design automatically. If your license is still valid and does not expire for several years, you will keep your old horizontal card until that renewal date arrives. There is no option to request the new design early, and there is no fee to receive it when you renew.

The timeline for receiving the new card depends entirely on your license expiration date. Standard South Carolina driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so if you renewed your license in 2019 or earlier, your renewal date is likely still several years away. If you renewed in 2020 or later, you already have the new card. You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card to see when you will need to renew.

How to renew your license and receive the new card

To renew your South Carolina driver's license, you must visit a local SCDMV office in person. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision test and have your photo taken for the new card.

The renewal process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at an SCDMV office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the SCDMV website. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance, which can reduce your wait time. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal process.

Your old license remains valid until it expires

If you are still carrying a horizontal South Carolina driver's license, it is completely valid and legal to use. You can continue to use it for driving, identification, and any other purpose until the expiration date printed on the card. Law enforcement will accept it, businesses will accept it for age verification, and you can use it to board domestic flights. There is no requirement to replace it early just because a new design exists.

Many states have phased in new license designs over several years, and South Carolina is doing the same. The old and new licenses will coexist during the transition period. You will only receive the new card when you renew your license for any reason—whether that is because your current license expired, you changed your address, or you requested a duplicate card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old horizontal license after the new vertical one is released?

Yes, your old license remains valid until its expiration date. You can continue to use it for driving and identification purposes. You will only receive the new vertical card when you renew your license.

Do I have to pay extra to get the new card design?

No. The new card design is included in your standard license renewal fee. There is no additional charge to receive the new vertical card instead of the old horizontal one.

What if I lose my license and need a replacement before my renewal date?

If you request a duplicate or replacement license before your renewal date, you will receive the new vertical design. Visit your local SCDMV office with your proof of identity and address, and you can request a replacement card. The fee for a duplicate license varies, so check the SCDMV website for current pricing.

Will the new card work with existing ID scanners and equipment?

Yes. The new card includes the same magnetic stripe and barcode as the old card, so it works with existing scanning equipment used by law enforcement and businesses. The encoded information is compatible with current systems.

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

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal at an SCDMV office. During peak renewal periods, processing may take slightly longer. You can track your process status on the SCDMV website.