Where to Find the Camden DMV Office

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles does not operate a full office in Camden itself. The nearest full-service DMV location is in Columbia, about 30 miles away. However, Camden residents can handle many routine transactions at the Kershaw County Courthouse in downtown Camden, which offers limited DMV services through a partnership with the state.

The Kershaw County Courthouse is located at 515 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. This location handles driver's license renewals, address changes, and some vehicle registration matters. For more complex transactions — such as title transfers, commercial vehicle registration, or duplicate license applications — you will need to visit the main DMV office in Columbia or use their online services.

Before making the trip to either location, check the South Carolina DMV website or call ahead to confirm that your specific transaction can be completed at the courthouse. Hours vary by location and season, and some services may require an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kershaw County Courthouse in Camden handles basic driver's license and vehicle registration renewals, but the full-service DMV office is in Columbia, 30 miles away.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and the correct fee for your transaction — amounts vary by service type.
  • South Carolina allows online renewals for driver's licenses and vehicle registrations if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip entirely.
  • Address changes can be completed at the courthouse, but title transfers and commercial registrations require the Columbia office or online processing.
  • Call ahead or check the DMV website before visiting, because hours change and some services may require an appointment.

What Documents You Will Need

The documents required depend on your transaction type. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after your license has expired, you may need to retake the vision test.

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee. South Carolina charges different amounts based on vehicle weight and type. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in the state, you will also need the title, bill of sale, and proof of a passing emissions test (required in Kershaw County).

For an address change on your driver's license or vehicle registration, bring your current license or registration, proof of your new address, and a valid ID if the address change is on the license. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change on either document.

Online Services Available to Camden Residents

South Carolina's DMV website allows you to renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than an in-person renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number and a valid payment method.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online through the same portal. You can renew if your registration is current and you have proof of insurance. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. Some vehicle types — commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles — have different rules, so check the website before starting.

Address changes cannot be completed entirely online, but you can start the process on the DMV website and finish it at the courthouse or by mail. This is often faster than waiting for an appointment at a physical location.

Visiting the Columbia DMV Office

The main South Carolina DMV office is located at 10311 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223. This is the only location that handles title transfers, duplicate licenses, commercial vehicle matters, and other complex transactions. The drive from Camden takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

The Columbia office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some extended hours on certain days. You can check current hours and book an appointment on the DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first, so arriving without one may mean a longer wait.

Bring all required documents for your transaction, arrive early if you are walking in, and allow at least two hours for complex matters like title work. The office is busiest on Mondays and Fridays, so mid-week visits typically have shorter waits.

Common Transactions and Their Costs

Driver's license renewal costs $10 for a four-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. A duplicate license costs $10. These fees are the same whether you renew online or in person. If you need to change your name on your license, you must visit in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Vehicle registration renewal costs depend on your vehicle's weight and type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $30 and $50 per year. Motorcycles cost less; commercial vehicles cost more. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the DMV website by entering your vehicle information.

Title transfers cost $15 and require an in-person visit to the Columbia office. If you are buying a used vehicle, the seller must sign the title, and you must bring proof of insurance and a bill of sale. Emissions testing, required in Kershaw County, costs about $20 and must be done at a certified testing station before you register the vehicle.

What Happens If Your License or Registration Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. If you are stopped, you can be fined. However, you can renew your license up to one year after it expires by visiting the courthouse or the Columbia office. Online renewal is not available once your license has expired.

An expired vehicle registration carries the same penalty. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until it is renewed. If your registration has been expired for more than one year, you may need to re-register the vehicle as if it were new, which requires a title, bill of sale, and emissions test.

If you are unable to renew before expiration, renew as soon as possible. Bring your expired license or registration along with your other documents. There is no additional penalty fee for renewing after expiration, only the standard renewal cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license or registration by mail from Camden?

Driver's license renewal by mail is not available in South Carolina. However, you can renew online if your license is not expired, and your new license will be mailed to you. Vehicle registration can be renewed by mail if you submit the form and payment to the DMV office, but online renewal is faster and available 24/7.

What if I need a Real ID compliant license?

Real ID licenses are available in South Carolina and are required for federal air travel starting in 2025. You must visit in person — either at the courthouse in Camden or the Columbia office — and bring your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two forms of proof of residency. The license costs $30 and takes about two weeks to arrive.

Do I need an emissions test to register my vehicle in Camden?

Yes. Kershaw County requires emissions testing for all vehicles before registration. You must take your vehicle to a certified testing station, which costs about $20. Once you pass, bring your test certificate to the courthouse or DMV office along with your other registration documents.

What if I lost my vehicle title?

You can request a duplicate title from the Columbia DMV office. Bring your driver's license, proof of ownership (registration or insurance), and payment of $15. The duplicate title will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot complete this transaction at the courthouse.

How do I change my address on my license without visiting in person?

You cannot complete an address change entirely online, but you can start the process on the DMV website and mail the form to the Columbia office with proof of your new address. This takes longer than visiting in person but avoids the trip. Alternatively, visit the courthouse in Camden, which is faster.