Where the Horry County DMV Office Is Located
The Horry County DMV office in Myrtle Beach is at 3001 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. This is the main location for driver's license, vehicle registration, and title services in the county. It sits near the Myrtle Beach airport area, not downtown.
If you are coming from Highway 17 or the beach, Mr. Joe White Avenue runs parallel to the main commercial strips. The office has its own parking lot. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should call ahead to confirm, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can shift these times.
South Carolina does not have a single statewide phone number for all DMV offices. To reach the Myrtle Beach location directly, contact the Horry County DMV office at (843) 915-5000. This number connects you to staff who can answer questions about wait times, required documents, and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- The Horry County DMV in Myrtle Beach is located at 3001 Mr. Joe White Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- You can call (843) 915-5000 to confirm hours, ask about current wait times, and find out what documents you need for your specific transaction.
- South Carolina allows you to handle many transactions online through the SCDMV website, which can save you a trip to the office.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residence, and any existing licenses or titles — the staff can tell you the full list when you call.
- Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What You Can Do at This Office
The Myrtle Beach DMV handles the full range of South Carolina motor vehicle services. You can renew or replace a driver's license, get a new license after moving to the state, register a vehicle, obtain or renew a vehicle title, and update your address on your license or registration.
The office also issues Real ID compliant licenses, which are required for domestic air travel and federal building access as of May 2025. If your current South Carolina license does not have a gold star or "REAL ID" marking, you will need to visit in person with proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of residence.
Certain transactions, such as commercial driver's license (CDL) testing and some specialty plates, may require a visit to a different location or advance scheduling. Call the office to confirm whether your specific need can be handled at the Myrtle Beach location.
Documents to Bring for Common Transactions
| Transaction | Documents You Will Need |
|---|---|
| Renew driver's license | Current license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days) |
| New driver's license (moved to SC) | Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of residence, Social Security card or number, proof of legal presence |
| Register a vehicle | Title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, proof of residence, vehicle identification number (VIN) |
| Real ID license | Current license, proof of citizenship, proof of residence, Social Security card |
| Address change on license | Current license, proof of new residence |
Proof of residence must be a document dated within the last 90 days and show your name and current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residence in South Carolina.
If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. You do not need the physical card, only proof of the number.
How to Avoid a Long Wait
The Myrtle Beach DMV can have significant wait times, especially during tourist season (May through August) and on Fridays. Arriving before 9 a.m. or between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday typically means a shorter wait than other times.
Before you go, call (843) 915-5000 and ask the staff how long the current wait is. They can tell you whether it is a good time to come in or whether you should return later in the day or week. Some offices use a ticket system, so you may be able to get a sense of the queue from the phone.
South Carolina's DMV website (scdmv.net) allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than 5 years, you must have no address changes, and you must not need a Real ID upgrade. If you are may be able to access, renewing online takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person visit.
Handling Address Changes and Registration Transfers
If you have moved to Horry County from another South Carolina county, you can update your address at the Myrtle Beach office. Bring your current license and proof of your new residence. The fee is typically under $10, and the process takes about 15 minutes.
If you are moving from out of state, you will need to get a new South Carolina license rather than straightforward updating your address. This requires proof of identity, proof of legal presence, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. The fee is higher than a renewal, usually around $30 to $40.
Vehicle registration transfers work similarly. If you own a vehicle registered in another state and are now a South Carolina resident, you must register it in South Carolina within 30 days. Bring the out-of-state title, proof of insurance, proof of residence, and your VIN. The Myrtle Beach office can complete this in one visit.
Online Services and Alternatives to Visiting in Person
The South Carolina DMV website (scdmv.net) offers several services you can complete without visiting the office. You can renew your driver's license online if you meet the conditions listed above. You can also order a duplicate license, update your address (in some cases), and pay certain fees online.
If you need to register a vehicle or obtain a title, you may be able to use a third-party tag agent in Myrtle Beach instead of the DMV office. Tag agents are private businesses licensed by South Carolina to handle registration and title work. They often have shorter wait times and can handle the same transactions as the DMV. Search "tag agent Myrtle Beach SC" to find locations near you.
However, if you need a new driver's license, Real ID upgrade, or CDL services, you must visit the DMV office itself. Tag agents cannot issue licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at the Horry County DMV in Myrtle Beach?
No, the office accepts walk-ins. However, you can call (843) 915-5000 to ask about current wait times and whether scheduling ahead might be available for certain transactions. During peak tourist season, arriving early in the morning will reduce your wait.
What is the fastest way to renew my driver's license?
If your license is not expired by more than 5 years, you have no address changes, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade, you can renew online at scdmv.net in about 10 minutes. Otherwise, visit the Myrtle Beach office early in the morning on a weekday.
Can I register my vehicle at a tag agent instead of the DMV?
Yes. Tag agents in Myrtle Beach can handle vehicle registration and title work and often have shorter waits than the DMV office. Search for "tag agent Myrtle Beach SC" to find one near you. However, you cannot get a driver's license from a tag agent.
What counts as proof of residence for the DMV?
Any document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and current address works: utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance bills. A driver's license from another state does not count.
Is the Horry County DMV open on weekends?
No, the Myrtle Beach office is open Monday through Friday only, typically 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead to confirm hours, as holiday schedules may change these times.