Skip to main content

How to Renew Your South Carolina Driver's License

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to know before you renew

You can renew your South Carolina driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the SCDMV website — but not all renewal types work for all licenses. If your license is not expired yet, you can renew up to six months before it expires. If it has already expired, you must renew in person at a DMV office; mail and online renewal are not options for expired licenses.

The method you use depends on whether your license is a REAL ID (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner) or a standard license, and whether you have made any changes to your name, address, or other information since your last renewal. A standard license without the star cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a military base after May 7, 2025, so many people upgrade during renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has expired, you are upgrading to REAL ID, or you have changed your name or address.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number if renewing in person.
  • Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes, but you will receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office can be completed the same day, but you will need to schedule an appointment or arrive early to wait.

Renewing online through the SCDMV website

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not expired and you meet the requirements. Go to the SCDMV website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $12.50 for a four-year license or $25 for an eight-year license.

After you submit your information and payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to REAL ID.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of may be able to access: your license must not be expired, you cannot have changed your name or address, and you cannot be upgrading to REAL ID. To renew by mail, download the DL-43 form from the SCDMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee ($12.50 for four years or $25 for eight years).

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because your application must travel through the postal system twice. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks from the time SCDMV receives your application to the time your new license arrives. Keep a copy of your DL-43 form and your payment confirmation in case you need to follow up. If your application is incomplete or SCDMV cannot read your information, they will contact you by mail, which adds more time to the process.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you are upgrading to REAL ID, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal. You can also choose in-person renewal even if you meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. Visit the SCDMV website, find your nearest DMV office, and schedule an appointment if one is available. If no appointments are open, you can arrive without one, but you may wait several hours during busy times.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form). If you are upgrading to REAL ID, you will also need to bring proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your legal name if it differs from your current license. The fee for in-person renewal is $24 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired more than a few months ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If your license expired more than three years ago, SCDMV may require you to pass the vision test and written knowledge test again, so be prepared for that possibility.

Call the DMV office ahead of time or check the SCDMV website to confirm what documents they will need from you, because requirements can vary slightly depending on how long your license has been expired. If you have lost your license or it was stolen, you will need to report that to the DMV office when you renew.

Upgrading to REAL ID during renewal

A REAL ID is marked with a gold star and is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building after May 7, 2025. You can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, but you must do it in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your legal name if it is different from your current license.

The fee for a REAL ID is the same as a standard license renewal ($24 for four years or $48 for eight years). You will receive a temporary license at the office and your permanent REAL ID by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not upgrade now, you can upgrade at any time by visiting a DMV office, even if your license is not due for renewal.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot change your name or address online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number. If you changed your name, also bring a document that shows your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The DMV office will update your information while you are there and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license with your new name or address will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office. If your license expired more than three years ago, you may have to pass the vision test and written knowledge test again. Call your local DMV office to ask what they will require before you go.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your application. You can continue to use your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your new license faster, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I moved and my address changed after I renewed?

You can update your address at any time without waiting for your license to expire. Visit a DMV office in person with proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) and your current license. The DMV will issue you a new license with your updated address.

Do I have to upgrade to REAL ID when I renew?

No, you can keep a standard license if you choose. However, after May 7, 2025, a standard license cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. You can upgrade to REAL ID at any time by visiting a DMV office, even if your license is not due for renewal.

What if I lost my renewal notice in the mail?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using just your current license and the other required documents. If you want to check when your license expires, visit the SCDMV website or call your local DMV office.