How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

South Carolina License Renewal: In-Person, By Mail, or Online

South Carolina offers three ways to renew your driver's license: online through the SCDMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal code, which you need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and Social Security number to start the process online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the SCDMV website is the fastest option and works for most standard driver's licenses that are not yet expired or less than five years expired.
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo, but processing takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license.
South Carolina licenses are valid for eight years for drivers under 65 and five years for drivers 65 and older.
You will need to bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency if renewing in person.

Online Renewal Through the SCDMV Website

Online renewal is the most direct path for most drivers. Go to the SCDMV website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice. You will also need your Social Security number. The system will confirm your information and show you the renewal fee, which you pay by debit card or credit card.

Online renewal works if your current license is not expired or expired less than five years ago, you do not need to change your photo, and you are renewing a standard Class D driver's license (not a commercial license). If your address has changed, you can update it during the online process. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it means one of the restrictions applies — usually that your license has been expired too long or you need a new photo. In that case, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal When You Cannot Go Online

Mail renewal is an option if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you want to avoid a trip to the DMV. Complete the renewal form (Form DL-43) that came with your renewal notice, include the renewal fee by check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks after SCDMV receives your packet. You cannot update your photo by mail, and if you need to change your address, you should do that online instead — it is faster. Mail renewal is not available for commercial driver's licenses or if your license has been expired for more than five years.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, you are renewing a commercial driver's license, or the online system rejected your process. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license, bring two proofs of your new address.

Visit the SCDMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first. Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the renewal fee at the counter, and your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days.

If you are over 65, bring proof of your age (birth certificate or passport). If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Renewal Fees and License Validity

The renewal fee for a standard Class D driver's license is $24 for an eight-year license if you are under 65, or $12 for a five-year license if you are 65 or older. Commercial driver's licenses cost more — $48 for eight years or $24 for five years. These fees cover only the license itself; if you need a duplicate or a replacement, there is an additional charge.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal if you are under 65, or five years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for Years

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and bring the same documents you would need for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your renewal notice or a receipt from your online renewal to demonstrate that you have begun the process, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during online renewal or in person at the DMV. You cannot update your address by mail renewal. If you update online, your new license will show your new address when it arrives. If you update in person, bring two proofs of your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days).

If you need to change your name, you must do so in person at a DMV office. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will also need your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The office will issue you a new license with your updated name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. There is no time limit on how long ago your license can have expired, but you cannot legally drive until it is renewed. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online without the renewal code. Go to the SCDMV website and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number instead. The system will pull up your information and let you proceed with renewal.

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

If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes two to three weeks after SCDMV receives your packet, plus mail delivery time. Plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

Do I need an appointment to renew at the DMV office?

It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require you to book an appointment online first. Check the SCDMV website for your local office's policy before you go.

What if my address changed but I do not want to update it on my license?

You can renew without changing your address, but your license will still show your old address. If you are stopped by law enforcement or need to show your license for identification, the mismatch may cause questions. It is simpler to update your address during 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.