Renewing Your South Carolina License Online, by Mail, or In Person

South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at scdmvonline.com, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The DMV sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a standard eight-year license, but you must be between 18 and 69 and your license cannot have been expired for more than three years.
  • Mail renewal is free if you renew before your license expires, but the DMV takes 7 to 10 business days to process it, so send it at least three weeks early.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, you are over 69, or you need a new photo.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number for any renewal method.

Renewing Online Through the DMV Website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to scdmvonline.com, select "Renew Driver's License," and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and any other information that has changed.

You pay $24.50 by credit or debit card. The DMV mails your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you are under 18, over 69, your license expired more than three years ago, or if you need a new photo (for example, if you want to change how you look on the license or your current photo is damaged).

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is free and requires no payment, but only works if your license has not yet expired. Complete Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), which you can read from scdmvonline.com or pick up at any DMV office. Include your current license and mail both to the address listed on the form.

The DMV processes mail renewals in 7 to 10 business days after receiving them. Send your envelope at least three weeks before your license expires to leave time for mail delivery and processing. If your license expires before the DMV receives your renewal, you will have to renew in person instead. Mail your packet to: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016.

Renewing In Person at a DMV Office

Visit your local DMV office if your license has expired, you are over 69, you need a new photo, or you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You pay $24.50 for a standard eight-year license. The DMV issues your new license when ready, though some offices mail it instead — ask when you arrive. You do not need an appointment at most South Carolina DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at scdmvonline.com to skip the wait.

Documents You Need for Any Renewal Method

Regardless of which renewal route you choose, have these items ready: your current South Carolina driver's license, your Social Security number, and proof that you still live at the address on file (or your new address if you have moved). Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing online or by mail and your address has not changed, you do not need to submit proof of residency; the DMV already has it on file.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Three Years

Once your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to take the written test and vision test again, and you may need to take the road test depending on your age and how long it has been since you last held a valid license.

Contact your local DMV office or visit scdmvonline.com to find out what tests you need to take. The process is more involved than renewal, so if your license is expiring soon, renew before it lapses to avoid this extra step.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you renew online, enter your new address during the process. If you renew by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The DMV will update your address and mail your new license there.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen license. You must explore for a replacement at a DMV office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of identification. The replacement costs $24.50 and takes about 15 minutes.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore online?

The DMV mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online process. Delivery by mail typically takes another 3 to 5 business days, so plan for 10 to 15 days total. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office instead.

Do I have to renew in person if I wear glasses or contacts?

No. You can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other requirements. Your current license photo already shows whether you wear corrective lenses, and that information carries over to your new license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — when you renew in person. If renewing by mail, include a copy with your process. Online renewal will not work if your name has changed; you must renew by mail or in person.