Where the Camden DMV Office Is Located

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office serving Camden is located at 1640 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. This is the main DMV location for Kershaw County. The office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and updates; vehicle registration and title work; and written tests for new drivers.

Camden is a smaller DMV office compared to those in Columbia or Charleston, which means wait times are often shorter but the office may have limited hours or close for lunch. The building is on Broad Street in downtown Camden, near the historic district.

Key Takeaways

  • The Camden DMV is at 1640 Broad Street and serves Kershaw County residents for driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title services.
  • Hours and staffing vary by day, so calling ahead at the office or checking the South Carolina DMV website before you visit saves time.
  • You can renew your driver's license online through the South Carolina DMV website if you meet renewal requirements, avoiding a trip to the office.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the DMV website lists what you need by service type.
  • If the Camden office is closed or you cannot reach it, the Columbia DMV office is about 30 miles away and typically has more staff and longer hours.

Hours and Contact Information

The Camden DMV office operates Monday through Friday, though specific hours and whether the office closes for lunch depend on staffing. Hours can change seasonally or due to staff availability, so you should call the office directly at the main South Carolina DMV phone line or visit the state DMV website to confirm before making the trip.

The South Carolina DMV does not maintain individual office phone numbers for smaller locations like Camden. Instead, call the statewide customer service line listed on the official South Carolina DMV website (scdmvonline.com) and ask for Camden office hours and availability. You can also visit the website to check if your transaction can be completed online or by mail, which may eliminate the need to visit in person.

What Documents to Bring

What you need depends on your specific transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to retake the written test.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale or title document depending on whether you are registering a new vehicle or transferring ownership. The South Carolina DMV website lists the exact documents required for each service. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most transactions.

If you are a new resident of South Carolina, bring your out-of-state driver's license, proof of residency in Camden or Kershaw County, and your Social Security number. You will need to pass the written test and vision test to get a South Carolina license.

Online and Mail Options

Many DMV transactions do not require a visit to the Camden office. The South Carolina DMV website allows you to renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. The renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online through the South Carolina DMV website if you have your current registration and proof of insurance. The state mails your new registration and decal to your address within two weeks.

Some transactions — such as getting a replacement license, changing your address, or handling a title transfer — still require an in-person visit or a notarized form mailed to the DMV. Check the South Carolina DMV website for your specific service to see whether you can avoid the trip to Camden.

Wait Times and Peak Hours

The Camden office typically has shorter wait times than larger DMV offices in Columbia or Charleston because it serves a smaller population. However, wait times can still reach 30 to 60 minutes during mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, especially on Mondays and Thursdays.

The office is usually quieter first thing in the morning when it opens and in the last hour before closing. If you have a choice, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday afternoon may mean a shorter wait. Avoid visiting on Mondays if possible, as many people schedule appointments or visits after the weekend.

The Camden office does not take appointments for most services, so you arrive and take a number. If you need to handle multiple transactions, plan for extra time and bring all required documents for each one to avoid a second trip.

If the Camden Office Cannot Help You

If the Camden office is closed, you cannot reach them, or they cannot handle your specific transaction, the nearest alternative is the Columbia DMV office, about 30 miles away. The Columbia office is larger, has more staff, and typically stays open longer hours. You can also visit any other DMV office in South Carolina — your transaction is valid at any location.

Before driving to Columbia or another office, call the South Carolina DMV customer service line to confirm that your transaction cannot be handled in Camden. Some services that seem specialized can actually be completed at any office, and you may save time by asking first.

Changing Your Address at the Camden DMV

If you have moved within Camden or Kershaw County and need to update your address on your driver's license or vehicle registration, you can do this at the Camden DMV office. Bring your current license or registration, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.

Address changes for your driver's license are usually processed while you wait and cost a small fee. Vehicle registration address changes can sometimes be completed online through the South Carolina DMV website, which is faster than visiting the office. Check the website first to see if your address change qualifies for online processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online instead of going to the Camden DMV?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, you can renew online through the South Carolina DMV website. The renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to your address within two weeks.

What is the best time to visit the Camden DMV to avoid a long wait?

The office is usually quieter first thing in the morning when it opens and in the last hour before closing. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons tend to have shorter waits than Monday mornings. Avoid visiting on Mondays if you have flexibility.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Camden DMV?

The Camden office does not take appointments for most services. You arrive, take a number, and wait to be called. Some transactions may require scheduling, so call ahead or check the South Carolina DMV website to confirm whether your specific service needs an appointment.

What if I cannot reach the Camden DMV office by phone?

Call the statewide South Carolina DMV customer service line listed on the official DMV website (scdmvonline.com) and ask about Camden office hours and availability. You can also visit the website to see if your transaction can be completed online or by mail, or find the nearest alternative office.

Is the Columbia DMV office a good backup if Camden is closed?

Yes, the Columbia DMV office is about 30 miles away and is larger with more staff and longer hours. It can handle any transaction the Camden office can. Before making the drive, call the South Carolina DMV customer service line to confirm your transaction cannot be completed in Camden.