How to Change Your Address at the DMV in South Carolina

Moving within South Carolina or into the state means you’ll need to update your address with the agency that handles driver and vehicle records. Doing this early helps keep your license, registration, and official notices accurate and avoids problems down the road.

South Carolina DMV basics: who handles address changes

In South Carolina, this is typically handled by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

The SCDMV is responsible for:

  • Driver’s licenses and IDs
  • Vehicle titles and registrations
  • Address changes for both driver records and vehicle records

There is one statewide agency (SCDMV), but depending on your county in South Carolina, you may have multiple local branches or a mix of full‑service and limited‑service offices.

What this means for you:

  • You do not need a separate office for licenses vs. registrations; both are handled through the SCDMV.
  • However, a South Carolina DMV change of address is not always “one and done”—you may need to:
    • Update your driver’s license/ID record, and
    • Update your vehicle registration/title record,
      often as separate steps, especially if you own multiple vehicles.

To confirm current rules and online options, it’s usually best to start at the official SCDMV website:
https://www.scdmvonline.com

(If you prefer not to type the URL, you can search online for “SCDMV official site” and look for the .gov result.)

Why updating your address with the South Carolina DMV matters

In South Carolina, keeping your DMV address up to date does more than just keep your card current. It affects several important records:

  • Driver’s license or ID

    • Law enforcement and state agencies rely on the address printed on your license and on your electronic record.
    • If your address is outdated, you might have trouble proving residency or identity when asked.

  • Vehicle registration

    • Your registration card and any renewal notices are mailed to the address on file.
    • Many drivers in South Carolina find that missing a registration renewal notice is one of the first signs their address wasn’t updated everywhere.

  • Vehicle title

    • The title address is used for ownership records, lienholder information, and some tax‑related communications.
    • If your title still lists an old address, it can complicate selling or transferring the vehicle.

  • Official notices and legal documents

    • Notices about suspensions, insurance issues, or traffic matters are often sent to the address on your driver record.
    • If you don’t receive them because you moved, you may miss important deadlines even though the state considers notice “sent.”

In South Carolina, DMV address changes also tie into county‑based property taxes on vehicles. If your address and county are wrong, the wrong county may be billing you—or you may not receive a bill at all, which can cause registration problems later.

Keeping everything current:

  • Helps avoid tickets or issues if your license doesn’t reflect where you actually live.
  • Reduces risk of registration lapse or late fees due to missed mail.
  • Ensures your county assessments and tax bills go to the right place.

What you’ll need to change your address

Requirements can vary slightly depending on whether you update online, by mail, or in person, but you’ll usually need the same core information.

Common information and documents

Have these ready before you start your South Carolina DMV change of address:

  • Your full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • South Carolina driver’s license number or ID number
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number (often used to verify identity)
  • Current address on file (the old address)
  • New physical residential address in South Carolina
  • Mailing address, if different from your physical address
    • In many parts of rural South Carolina, residents use PO boxes or rural routes for mail, so you may need to list both:
      • A physical address (where you live), and
      • A mailing address (where you receive mail).

If you go in person, be prepared for:

  • Proof of new address, which may include:
    • Utility bill
    • Bank or credit card statement
    • Lease agreement or mortgage document
    • Pay stub or official letter that shows your name and new address
  • Current driver’s license or ID card
  • For vehicle registration changes:
    • Vehicle identification number (VIN) or current registration card for each vehicle
    • If needed, any county tax information or prior registration paperwork

South Carolina may also have specific requirements for new residents, CDL holders, or non‑U.S. citizens, so check the latest details before you go.

Why address change requests get rejected

In South Carolina, DMV address change requests are most often rejected because:

  • The new address can’t be validated (for example, the system doesn’t recognize it yet, or it’s entered incorrectly).
  • The name, license number, or SSN digits don’t match what’s on record.
  • The address submitted is a mailing-only address (like a PO box) where a physical residence address is required.
  • Required fields are left blank in an online or paper form.
  • Supporting documents (for in‑person or mail requests) are:
    • Outdated
    • Missing
    • Not clearly showing your name and the new address
  • The person is trying to change the address for someone else without proper authorization.

To avoid delays, double‑check all spelling, street numbers, apartment/unit identifiers, and county names before you submit.

Step‑by‑step options for a South Carolina DMV change of address

In South Carolina, this is typically handled in three ways:

  • Online
  • In person
  • By mail (for certain types of updates)

Not everyone is eligible for every option; whether you can update online often depends on your record status, license type, and residency status.

1. Change your address online (if eligible)

An online DMV change of address South Carolina process is usually the most convenient option for standard driver’s license and registration records, if your situation qualifies.

How to find the online address change page

  1. Go to the official SCDMV website: https://www.scdmvonline.com
  2. Look for sections labeled something like:
    • “Online Services”
    • “Address Change”
    • “Driver’s License & ID” or “Vehicle Services”
  3. Select the option related to change of address.

If you don’t see it right away, you can use the site search for “change of address” or “address change form.”

Typical online steps

While exact screens can change, many drivers in South Carolina find the process follows this general pattern:

  1. Log in or verify identity

    • Enter your license or ID number
    • Provide identifying details such as:
      • Date of birth
      • Last 4 of SSN
      • Possibly other security fields

  2. Confirm your existing information

    • You may be asked to confirm your current address and name.
    • Check for any errors before continuing.

  3. Enter your new address

    • Type your new physical address exactly as it appears on USPS or official documents.
    • Add a separate mailing address if different.
    • Select your county, especially important because vehicle taxes are county‑based in South Carolina.

  4. Update driver record and, if available, vehicle records

    • Some systems allow you to:
      • Update your driver’s license address; and
      • Apply the same address to your registered vehicles.
    • Read the on‑screen prompts carefully. In South Carolina, driver and vehicle address records may be updated together or separately, depending on how the system is set up and which options you select.

  5. Review and submit

    • Double‑check spelling, apartment numbers, and ZIP codes.
    • Confirm any declarations on the review page.
    • Submit your request.

  6. Save or print confirmation

    • You may see an on‑screen confirmation page or receive an email confirmation.
    • Save or print this for your records in case there are questions later.

Will you receive a new license card automatically?

South Carolina policies can change, but often:

  • Updating your address in the system and
  • Ordering a replacement license or ID card showing the new address

are treated as separate steps.

Look for notes on the online service page explaining whether:

  • Your record only is updated (and you keep your existing card), or
  • You can order a replacement license/ID with the new address (often involving a fee).

If you want a new physical card showing your SC address, follow the prompts for replacement license/ID after your address is updated.

2. Change your address in person at an SCDMV office

In South Carolina, many residents prefer to visit an SCDMV branch in person if:

  • They’ve had online issues or rejections
  • They are new residents to South Carolina
  • They’re updating a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • They’re changing name and address at the same time
  • They need to handle multiple vehicles or more complex records

How to find the right office

To find the nearest location:

  • Go to https://www.scdmvonline.com
  • Look for a link labeled “Locations”, “Branches,” or “Office Finder”
  • Confirm:
    • Office hours
    • Services offered at that location (some may not process certain transactions)
    • Whether an appointment is required or recommended

Depending on your county in South Carolina, larger cities like Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston may have several branches, while rural counties may have fewer offices or limited hours.

What to bring

Plan to bring:

  • Current South Carolina driver’s license or ID
  • Proof of new physical address, such as:
    • Utility bill
    • Lease agreement
    • Mortgage, deed, or property tax document
    • Official government mail showing your new address
  • Vehicle registration card(s) or VINs for each vehicle, if you’re also updating registrations
  • Any required forms, if the SCDMV site indicates a specific South Carolina DMV change of address form for mail or in‑person use (download it from the official site and complete it ahead of time, if possible)

Typical in‑person steps

  1. Check in at the office

    • Take a number, use a kiosk, or follow staff instructions.
    • Mention that you need to change your address and whether it’s for:
      • Your driver’s license/ID
      • Your vehicle registration
      • Both

  2. Provide ID and new address

    • Show your current license/ID.
    • Provide your new address details.
    • Present your proof of address documents if requested.

  3. Complete any necessary forms

    • Fill out any paper or electronic forms given by staff.
    • Make sure your handwriting is clear and complete.

  4. Ask about driver vs. vehicle records

    • Confirm with staff whether:
      • Your driver record and license are updated; and
      • Your vehicle registration(s) are also updated.
    • If you have multiple vehicles, ask if you can update all of them during the same visit.

  5. Order a new license/ID card (if desired)

    • If you want your new address to appear on the physical card, ask about:
      • Replacement license or ID process
      • Any fees
      • When your new card will arrive

  6. Keep your receipt

    • You may receive a receipt or temporary document.
    • Hold onto this until you verify that your address has been updated in the system and on any new cards or registrations.

3. Change your address by mail (when available)

In South Carolina, some address changes may be allowed by mail, particularly if:

  • You’re updating vehicle registration or title details.
  • You’re temporarily away from the state or unable to visit in person.
  • You’re specifically instructed by SCDMV staff or the website to use a mail‑in form.

To see if there is a current South Carolina DMV change of address form for mail‑in requests:

  1. Visit https://www.scdmvonline.com
  2. Search for:
    • “change of address form”
    • “address change by mail”
  3. Download any official PDF or instructions listed there.

Typical mail‑in steps:

  1. Print and complete the form

    • Use black or blue ink.
    • Fill out each section completely, including:
      • Old address
      • New address
      • Driver’s license/ID number or vehicle details

  2. Include copies of any required documents

    • Proof of address, ID copies, or other documentation, as specified by the form’s instructions.
    • Only send copies, not originals, unless the SCDMV instructions specifically say otherwise.

  3. Mail to the address listed on the form

    • Use the exact mailing address provided on the SCDMV form or site.
    • Consider using trackable mail so you know when it’s delivered.

  4. Allow processing time

    • Processing by mail can take longer than online or in‑person.
    • Keep a copy of the form and any receipts or tracking numbers.

Do license and registration update together?

In South Carolina, driver and vehicle records are both managed by the SCDMV, but that does not always mean a single action updates everything automatically.

You may need to:

  • Update your driver’s license address (your driver record and/or license/ID card), and
  • Update each vehicle’s registration/title address (one or more vehicles)

as separate transactions, especially online or by mail.

When you complete any South Carolina DMV change of address:

  • Look for checkboxes, prompts, or confirmation messages indicating whether:
    • Only your driver record is updated; or
    • Both your driver and vehicle records are updated.

If you’re not sure, ask in person or contact the SCDMV using the official phone number or contact form listed on scdmvonline.com.

After you submit your address change

Once you’ve submitted your address change request—online, in person, or by mail—here’s what typically happens in South Carolina.

Confirmation of the change

Depending on how you applied, you may receive:

  • On‑screen confirmation (online)
  • A printed receipt (in‑person)
  • No immediate confirmation (mail), but you can verify later

It’s a good idea to:

  • Save or print any confirmation page.
  • Write down the date of the address change and any confirmation or reference number.

Updated cards and documents

After your South Carolina DMV change of address is processed:

  • Your driver record in the SCDMV system will show your new address.
  • Your vehicle registration record will show the new address for each updated vehicle.

Whether you receive new physical documents depends on which options you selected:

  • Driver’s license / ID card

    • If you requested a replacement license/ID, a new card should arrive by mail.
    • If you only updated the record, your existing card may still display your old address, even though the system is correct.

  • Vehicle registration

    • For some updates, you might receive a new registration card by mail.
    • For others, the change may only appear in the system and on your next renewal notice.

  • Title

    • Title address updates may or may not result in a new title document being printed.
    • Check SCDMV instructions or ask staff if you need a reissued title with your new address.

Updating related records

In South Carolina, this is typically tied to county property tax and insurance records, so after your DMV address update:

  • Contact your auto insurance company to update your address and confirm coverage.
  • Verify your county treasurer/auditor has your correct address for vehicle taxes.
  • Update your address with other state agencies, if applicable (e.g., voter registration, where required procedures apply).

Special situations

Some address changes in South Carolina have extra steps or special rules. Here are common scenarios to consider.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders

For CDL drivers:

  • Federal and state regulations can make address changes more strict.
  • In South Carolina, CDL holders are often required to update their address in person at an SCDMV office so identity can be verified thoroughly.
  • Bring:
    • Your CDL
    • Proof of address
    • Any additional documents listed on the SCDMV website specifically for CDL changes

Always confirm current CDL address‑change requirements on scdmvonline.com before visiting, as rules can change based on federal standards.

Active‑duty military and their families

If you are active‑duty military:

  • Your residency status and legal domicile may differ from your physical station location.
  • You may be temporarily living in South Carolina but maintaining another state as your legal residence, or vice versa.

In South Carolina, military residents often have special considerations related to:

  • Vehicle taxation by county
  • Out‑of‑state licenses being honored under certain conditions
  • Use of APO/FPO or other mailing addresses

Check SCDMV’s military information pages (via the official website) or contact them directly for guidance tailored to active‑duty, Reserve, or National Guard service members and their dependents.

College students and temporary residents

If you’re a college student:

  • You might be living in a dorm or off‑campus housing in South Carolina (e.g., in Columbia, Clemson, or Charleston) while your permanent home is in another state.
  • Whether you must (or should) change your DMV address to your South Carolina residence can depend on:
    • How long you plan to stay
    • Your legal residency for tuition or tax purposes
    • Whether you’ve obtained a South Carolina driver’s license or kept your home‑state license

If you decide to obtain or already have an SC license:

  • Use your current physical address where you reside most of the time during the year.
  • Consider using a campus mail or PO box as a separate mailing address if allowed.

New residents moving into South Carolina (from another state)

If you’ve moved to South Carolina from another state:

  • You’re not just changing an address—you’ll typically need to:
    • Obtain a South Carolina driver’s license
    • Title and register your vehicle in South Carolina
  • This process is more involved than a simple intra‑state address change.

General steps often include:

  • Visiting an SCDMV office in person
  • Providing:
    • Identification documents
    • Proof of South Carolina residency
    • Out‑of‑state title/registration
    • Insurance information, as required by South Carolina law

Because new‑resident requirements can change, search the SCDMV site for “New to SC” or similar wording and follow those detailed steps before attempting an address change.

PO boxes and rural routes

In many rural parts of South Carolina, residents rely on:

  • PO boxes
  • Rural route addresses
  • Highway contract routes

For DMV purposes:

  • You typically must provide a physical residential address where you actually live.
  • You may also be allowed to provide a separate mailing address, such as a PO box, for correspondence.

When using a PO box:

  • Make sure the physical address line is complete and accurate.
  • Use the PO box only where a mailing address field is specifically provided.

Changing name and address at the same time

If you’ve recently changed your name (such as through marriage, divorce, or court order) and moved:

  • Most South Carolina residents will find it simpler to handle this in person.
  • Be prepared to show:
    • Legal name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.)
    • Proof of new address
    • Your current license/ID

Updating both name and address often requires issuing a new license or ID card, so ask staff what documents and fees apply before you go.

Troubleshooting: What to do if your address change doesn’t go through

Sometimes, even when you do everything right, your South Carolina DMV change of address might not process as expected. Here are common issues and how to respond.

Online address change rejected

If the online system will not accept your address:

  • Check the address format

    • Compare your entry to:
      • A recent utility bill
      • The USPS standard format
    • Make sure abbreviations and street types (St, Rd, Hwy) are correct.

  • Verify personal information

    • Ensure your license number, birthdate, and last 4 of SSN are correct.
    • Confirm there are no typos in your name (especially if you use hyphens or multiple last names).

  • Try a different browser or device

    • Occasionally, browser settings or outdated software can cause submission issues.

If you continue having trouble, note any error messages and then:

  • Call or contact the SCDMV using the phone or contact options listed at scdmvonline.com, or
  • Visit a local office in person with your documents.

Submitted but not updated in the system

If you submitted an address change (online or by mail), but it doesn’t appear to be updated:

  1. Allow reasonable processing time

    • Online changes are often faster.
    • Mail and in‑person changes may take longer to appear on some records.

  2. Verify through the SCDMV site

    • See if there’s an option to view your driver record or check vehicle registration online.

  3. Contact SCDMV

    • Provide:
      • The date you submitted your change
      • Any confirmation number or receipt
      • Your license number and identifying details
    • Ask them to confirm whether the change is in process or if more information is needed.

Rejected request (mail or in‑person)

If you are told your request was rejected:

  • Ask why:

    • Missing documentation?
    • Address could not be verified?
    • Name mismatch?
    • Wrong county listed?

  • Correct the issue:

    • Provide additional proof of address.
    • Resubmit a clearer or corrected form.
    • Fix typos in your address or personal details.

  • Resubmit through the recommended method (online, in person, or mail) as advised by SCDMV staff.

License updated, registration didn’t (or vice versa)

It’s possible to update:

  • Your driver’s license address but not your vehicle registration, or
  • Your vehicle registration address but not your driver’s license record,

especially if you used different methods or forms for each.

To fix this:

  1. Check both records

    • Confirm what address appears on:
      • Your driver record (or license card)
      • Your vehicle registration card or renewal notice

  2. Update the missing side

    • If your license is correct but your registration isn’t, complete a vehicle registration address change through the SCDMV site or office.
    • If your registration is correct but your license isn’t, follow the driver’s license address change instructions.

  3. Confirm everything matches

    • Make sure your physical address (and mailing address, if applicable) is consistently accurate across all records.

If you’ve moved out of South Carolina

If you have moved out of South Carolina to another state:

  • You’ll generally need to:
    • Obtain a new license from your new state.
    • Register and title your vehicle in your new state, following its rules.

For South Carolina records:

  • Check with the SCDMV (through their official site) on whether you need to:
    • Formally surrender your South Carolina license or plates.
    • Notify them of your move out of state, especially for vehicle property tax and registration purposes.

Make sure to stop any automatic renewals or tax payments linked to your South Carolina address once your new state’s registration is complete.

Keeping your address current with the South Carolina DMV is one of the simplest ways to avoid missed notices, registration problems, and confusion about where you legally reside. Whether you choose to update online, by mail, or in person, start by checking the most current instructions at https://www.scdmvonline.com, gather your documents, and confirm that both your driver and vehicle records show your new South Carolina address.