Where the Camden DMV Office Is Located

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in Camden is located at 1801 Church Street, Camden, SC 29020. This is the only full-service DMV location in Kershaw County. The office handles driver's license renewals, vehicle registration, title transfers, and other standard DMV transactions.

The building is in downtown Camden, near the historic district. Street parking is available on Church Street and surrounding blocks. If you are unfamiliar with the area, arriving 10 to 15 minutes early will give you time to locate the entrance and park.

Hours of Operation and What to Bring

The Camden DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because hours can change, call ahead at the office directly or check the South Carolina DMV website before you go.

What you need to bring depends on your transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, and a valid ID. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in South Carolina, you will also need the vehicle's title from your previous state and proof of insurance.

Bring originals, not copies, unless the DMV specifically requests copies. If documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • The Camden DMV office is at 1801 Church Street and is the only full-service location in Kershaw County.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • Bring your current license or registration, proof of residency or ownership, and a valid ID for most transactions.
  • Wait times are typically shorter earlier in the day and on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Getting a Number and Managing Wait Times

When you arrive at the Camden DMV, you will take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office uses a digital queue system that displays your number on overhead screens. You do not need to stand in line; you can sit in the waiting area until your number is called.

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Early morning (8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits. Avoid the lunch hour and the last hour before closing, when lines tend to be longer. If the wait is more than 30 minutes when you arrive, you can ask staff whether you should come back later or wait.

Common Transactions at the Camden Office

Driver's License Renewal: You can renew your license in person at the Camden office if your license is expired or expiring within 30 days. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Renewals usually take 15 to 20 minutes once you are called.

Vehicle Registration and Renewal: To register a vehicle or renew your registration, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The office will process the transaction and issue new registration documents on the spot.

Title Transfer: If you are buying or selling a vehicle in South Carolina, you will need to transfer the title. Bring the current title, a bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Title transfers take 20 to 30 minutes.

Duplicate License or Registration: If your license or registration is lost or damaged, you can get a duplicate at the Camden office. Bring your valid ID and proof of residency. Duplicates are issued when ready.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

South Carolina allows some DMV transactions by mail. You can renew your driver's license by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change since your last renewal. Mail-in renewal requires a completed process form (available on the South Carolina DMV website), your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed by mail or online through the South Carolina DMV website. You will need your current registration and proof of insurance. Online renewal is faster and does not require a trip to the office.

If your transaction cannot be done by mail or online, you must visit the Camden office in person. The DMV website lists which transactions are available remotely and which require an office visit.

Fees and Payment Methods

DMV fees vary by transaction type. Driver's license renewals cost between $10 and $30 depending on how many years you are renewing for. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age. Title transfers have a separate fee, usually between $10 and $25.

The Camden office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask the staff member at your window which payment methods they accept before you complete your transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Camden DMV?

No, the Camden office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your number to be called. During very busy times, staff may suggest you return later, but you do not need to schedule ahead.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must take the written and vision tests again. You cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit the Camden office in person to retake the tests and get a new license.

What if I moved to Camden from another state and need a South Carolina license?

You must visit the Camden office in person to get a South Carolina driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Camden (utility bill or lease), your Social Security number, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate or passport). You will take a written test and vision test.

How long does a title transfer usually take at the Camden office?

Title transfers typically take 20 to 30 minutes from the time your number is called. The office will give you a receipt and new title documents before you leave. If there are complications with the title or paperwork, the process may take longer.

Can I register a vehicle online instead of going to the Camden office?

Yes, you can renew your vehicle registration online through the South Carolina DMV website if your registration is current and you have proof of insurance. However, if you are registering a vehicle for the first time in South Carolina or transferring a title, you must visit the office in person.