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What to Do When Your South Carolina Driver's License Expires

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

You can renew your expired license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office

An expired South Carolina driver's license cannot be used to drive legally, but you have several ways to renew it depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need to change any information. The fastest route is usually online through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $24 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your application or visit a DMV office in person.

The method you choose depends on your situation. Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address or name.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the South Carolina DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired within five years and your information has not changed.
  • You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office and will need to provide a new photo.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires you to print and mail a form with your expired license and payment.
  • A temporary paper license is issued immediately at DMV offices, but online and mail renewals do not provide one.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Visit scdmvonline.com and select "Renew Driver's License" from the menu. You will need your expired or current license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other personal information. If everything matches your records, you can complete the renewal in one session.

Online renewal costs $24 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address or name, or if you need a new photo.

Renewing by mail

Download the Driver's License Renewal Application (Form DL-43) from the South Carolina DMV website or request one by calling the DMV at 803-896-5000. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your expired license and a check or money order for $24 (four-year) or $40 (eight-year) to the address listed on the form.

Mail your application to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any South Carolina DMV office with your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment in cash, check, or card. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will have your photo taken at the office. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license immediately, which is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed.

Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you are changing your name or address, or if you need a new photo. You can find the nearest DMV office and check wait times on the South Carolina DMV website.

What happens if your license expired more than five years ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it through the standard renewal process. Instead, you must apply for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will need to visit a DMV office in person, pass a vision test, and provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

You will also need to provide a completed Driver's License Application (Form DL-40). The DMV will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $24 for four years or $40 for eight years.

Proof of address and identity you will need

For in-person renewal, bring one document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to show your Social Security card or a document displaying your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

If you are renewing after a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, 1099, or other tax document with your number on it. The DMV will not accept a photo of these documents — you must bring the originals.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are changing your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address and your expired license. The DMV will update your records and issue a new license with the corrected address. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change and visit a DMV office in person.

You cannot change your address or name through online or mail renewal. If you try to renew online and your address has changed since your license was issued, the system will direct you to renew in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my new one?

No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license immediately that is valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I lost my expired license and do not have the number?

Call the South Carolina DMV at 803-896-5000 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license number. You can then renew online or by mail using that number. If you cannot locate the number, visit a DMV office in person with your Social Security card or tax document.

How much does it cost to renew my license?

Online and mail renewal cost $24 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal at a DMV office costs the same amount. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online accepts credit or debit cards, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person offices accept cash, checks, or cards.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

The DMV may suspend your license if you have unpaid court fines or certain traffic violations. Contact the South Carolina DMV or the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license can be renewed. You may need to pay the fine or resolve the violation before renewal is possible.

What if my address changed but I did not update my license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of your new address. The DMV will update your records during the renewal process. You cannot change your address through online or mail renewal.