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 branch or through the mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you renew by mail, you'll send your current license and a completed Form DL-43 to the address provided by SCDMV.

Not everyone can renew by mail. You're may be able to access for mail renewal only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, your address hasn't changed, and you don't need a new photo. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you must go in person to a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

South Carolina allows both in-person and mail renewal, but mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than a year ago and you meet other specific conditions.
In-person renewal at a DMV office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
A renewed license is valid for five years from the date of issue and costs $20 if you renew before expiration or $25 if you renew after it expires.
You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the SCDMV website before you go.
If you renew by mail, allow four to six weeks for processing and delivery of your new license.

In-person renewal at a DMV office

Walk into any South Carolina DMV branch with your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You don't need to schedule an appointment at most locations, but you can check the SCDMV website to see current wait times before you go. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies of your proof of residency won't work.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days. You'll pay $20 if your current license hasn't expired yet, or $25 if it has. If you need to change your address at the same time, bring proof of your new residency and notify the clerk when you arrive.

Mail renewal process and timeline

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 from the SCDMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $20 made payable to SCDMV. Do not send cash.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date SCDMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with your current license. If you need your new license faster, in-person renewal is your only option. Mail renewal also means you won't get a new photo — your renewed license will use the photo from your current license.

When your license has already expired

If your South Carolina license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a completed Form DL-40, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name has changed).

The fee for a new license is $20 if you explore before expiration or $25 if you explore after. You'll receive your new license when ready or within a few days. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test, depending on SCDMV policy at the time you explore.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses in South Carolina follow different rules than regular licenses. You must renew a CDL in person at a DMV office — mail renewal is not an option. You'll need your current CDL, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a current medical certificate from a licensed examiner if your CDL includes hazmat or passenger endorsements.

A renewed CDL is valid for four years, not five. The fee is $20 before expiration or $25 after. If your medical certificate has expired or will expire within 30 days, you must obtain a new one before renewing your CDL. You can find approved medical examiners through the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website.

What happens if you drive on an expired license

Driving on an expired South Carolina license is a traffic violation. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation, which typically results in a fine and points on your driving record. If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, the penalty is usually higher than if it expired within the last month.

Renewing before your license expires avoids this risk entirely. If your license is already expired, renew it as soon as you can — you can still drive to a DMV office to renew in person, though technically you should not drive on an expired license. Some people choose to have someone else drive them to the DMV in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, South Carolina does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online, but it still requires you to mail in your current license and a check.

What if I've moved and my address on file is wrong?

You must renew in person at a DMV office if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) along with your current license and Social Security number. The DMV will update your address and issue a new license with the correct information.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Only if you renew in person. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit. If you renew by mail, your renewed license will use the photo from your current license, so you won't get an updated photo.

How long is a renewed license valid?

A renewed South Carolina driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. A renewed commercial driver's license (CDL) is valid for four years. Your new expiration date will be printed on your renewed license.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew a license you don't have. Instead, you'll need to explore for a replacement license at a DMV office. Bring proof of your legal name and date of birth, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same as renewal.

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.