Where the Camden DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Camden DMV office is a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles location in Kershaw County. It processes driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and title transfers for residents in and around Camden. This is a full-service office, meaning you can handle most standard DMV transactions there rather than traveling to Columbia or another regional center.

The office address is 1642 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. It sits in downtown Camden and is accessible by car. Street parking is available nearby, though availability varies by time of day. If you are unsure whether your specific transaction can be completed at this location, calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • The Camden DMV office handles driver's licenses, renewals, vehicle registrations, and title work for Kershaw County residents and surrounding areas.
  • Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you should call or check the South Carolina DMV website to confirm current hours before visiting.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction (such as a bill of sale for a title transfer).
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning visits and mid-week appointments often have shorter lines than Friday afternoons.

Hours of Operation and When to Visit

The Camden office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch closure from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and South Carolina state holidays. These hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so confirm the current schedule on the South Carolina DMV website or by calling the office directly at the number listed there.

Wait times are shortest early in the morning, typically between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mid-week visits (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to move faster than Mondays or Fridays. If you have a complex transaction or are uncertain about what documents you need, arriving early gives you time to ask staff questions without feeling rushed.

Documents You Need for Common Transactions

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 your address has changed, bring the new proof of residency. If you are renewing an expired license, the requirements are the same.

For a new vehicle registration, bring the bill of sale, proof of insurance, your Social Security number, and proof of residency. If the vehicle was financed, bring the lien holder's information. For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency.

For a duplicate title or registration, bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the vehicle identification number (VIN). If you do not have these items, the staff can sometimes help you locate them, but bringing them saves time.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you enter the office, look for a number dispenser or check-in system near the entrance. Take a number and wait for your turn. The office uses a digital display to call customers. Have your documents organized and ready before your number is called.

Staff will review your documents, ask questions about your transaction, and process your request. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix. Some issues can be resolved on the spot; others may require you to return with additional paperwork. Ask the staff member to write down what you need if you have to come back.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license renewal fees are $24 for a four-year license or $36 for an eight-year license in South Carolina. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age; the office staff can calculate the exact amount when you arrive. Title transfer fees are typically $15 to $25, depending on whether the vehicle is financed.

The Camden office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask for a receipt for your records.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

South Carolina allows some transactions by mail. Driver's license renewals can sometimes be completed online through the South Carolina DMV website if you meet certain requirements (such as having a current, non-expired license). Vehicle registration renewals can also be done online or by mail if you have no changes to report.

For transactions that require in-person service, such as a first-time title transfer or a new driver's license, you must visit an office. The Camden location is the most convenient option for Kershaw County residents, but if you cannot reach it, other DMV offices in South Carolina can handle the same work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online instead of going to the Camden office?

You may be able to renew online through the South Carolina DMV website if your license is not expired and you have no changes to your address or name. If your license is expired or you need to update information, you must visit an office in person. The Camden office can complete the renewal the same day you arrive.

What is the phone number for the Camden DMV office?

The phone number is listed on the South Carolina DMV website under office locations. Calling ahead to confirm hours or ask whether your specific transaction can be completed there is recommended, especially if you have an unusual situation.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Camden office?

The Camden office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times. If you have a complex transaction, calling ahead to ask whether you should schedule a time is a good idea.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you do not have one, ask the staff what alternative documents they accept. Some situations allow for a notarized affidavit of residency, but this varies.

Can the Camden office handle commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions?

The Camden office handles standard driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. CDL testing and licensing may require a visit to a larger regional office. Call the Camden office or check the South Carolina DMV website to confirm where CDL services are available in your area.