How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

Renewing Your SC Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person

South Carolina lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if your license is not expired, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but only works if your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address is current in the system. If your license has already expired or you need to update your address or medical information, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose and how close you are to your expiration date. Online renewal takes one to two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal at a DMV office can be completed the same day, though you leave with a temporary paper license and receive the plastic card by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because the DMV processes it after receiving your completed form.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal works only if your current license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address matches your DMV record.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest way to get a temporary license the same day, though your plastic card arrives by mail later.
Mail renewal requires form DL-43 and works only if your license has not yet expired.
Your SC driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew it up to six months before expiration.
You will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and whether you add endorsements like a REAL ID.

Renewing Online Through the SC DMV Website

Online renewal is available through the South Carolina DMV website at scdmvonline.com. To use this method, your current license must not be expired, you must have no medical restrictions or suspensions on your record, your address must match what the DMV has on file, and you must be renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. You enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system verifies your identity and pulls up your current information. You review your address and other details, make any corrections that are allowed online, and pay the fee. Once approved, you receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks, and your current license remains valid until it expires or you receive the new one, whichever comes first.

If the online system tells you that you do not meet the requirements — for example, because your address has changed or you have a medical restriction — you will need to renew in person or by mail instead. The system will not let you proceed if you are not may be able to access for the online method.

Renewing in Person at a DMV Office

In-person renewal at a South Carolina DMV office is the best option if you need to update your address, add or remove medical restrictions, or want a temporary license when ready. You can renew in person at any DMV office in the state, regardless of which county you live in. Bring your current driver's 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, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

When you arrive at the DMV office, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license. The clerk will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the renewal fee at this time. Before you leave, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your plastic license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of a valid license.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check current wait times on the SC DMV website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check your local office's website or call ahead to confirm their process.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is an option if your license has not yet expired. You cannot renew by mail if your license is already expired. To renew by mail, read or request form DL-43 (process for Driver's License or Permit) from the SC DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Complete the form with your current information. You do not need to include documents with your mail renewal — the DMV has your information on file — but you do need to include payment for the renewal fee.

Mail your completed form DL-43 and payment to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. Include a check or money order made payable to "SCDMV" — the DMV does not accept credit cards by mail. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. Your new license arrives by mail at the address on file. During this time, your current license remains valid.

Mail renewal does not allow you to update your address or add medical restrictions. If you need to make changes to your record, you must renew in person. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, the DMV will mail your new license to the address in their system, not to your current address. Contact the DMV before mailing your form if your address has changed and you want to update it.

Renewal Fees and License Validity

The renewal fee for a standard South Carolina driver's license is $24.50 for a five-year license. If you add a REAL ID endorsement (the gold star on your license), the fee is $36.50. Commercial driver's license renewals cost more — $48.50 for five years. These fees are current as of this writing but may change. Check the SC DMV website for the most current fee schedule before you pay.

Your South Carolina driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written and driving tests instead of straightforward renewing. Contact your local DMV office to confirm what is required if your license has been expired for a long time.

What to Do If Your License Is Already Expired

If your South Carolina driver's license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The process is the same as in-person renewal for a valid license — the clerk verifies your information, takes a new photo, and processes your renewal. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, an expired license can result in a traffic citation. Renew as soon as possible after your license expires to avoid this risk.

REAL ID Endorsement During Renewal

A REAL ID is a federal security standard for driver's licenses. South Carolina licenses with the REAL ID endorsement display a gold star in the upper right corner. If you have a REAL ID on your current license, your renewed license will also have it — you do not need to do anything extra. If your current license does not have a REAL ID and you want to add one during renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). The REAL ID endorsement costs an additional $12 on top of the standard renewal fee.

If you are renewing online or by mail and your current license does not have a REAL ID, your renewed license will not have one either. You can add a REAL ID later by visiting a DMV office and paying the endorsement fee, but it is more efficient to add it during renewal if you know you will need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or suspension?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DMV will not renew it. You must resolve the suspension first. Contact the SC DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods.

What if my address changed since my last license was issued?

If you are renewing online, the system will reject your renewal if your address does not match the DMV's record. You must renew in person to update your address. If you are renewing by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address in the DMV's system, not your current address. Contact the DMV before mailing your form if you need your address updated.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

Online and in-person renewals typically take one to two weeks for your plastic license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks because the DMV must receive and process your form first. If you need to drive before your license arrives, an in-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to provide medical certification depending on the type of CDL you hold.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must report it to the DMV and request a replacement before you can renew. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of your identity and proof of your current address. The clerk will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

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.