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How to Change Your Address on Your South Carolina Driver's License

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

South Carolina lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new license card. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid email and your current license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to the DMV or walk into a local office. The address change itself is free — you only pay if you also want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.

You do not need to change your address before you move. But the DMV asks that you do it within 30 days of moving to a new South Carolina address. If you are moving out of state, different rules apply, and you will need to get a license from your new state instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change takes about five minutes and costs nothing if you keep your current card.
  • You need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you want a new card printed with your updated address, the replacement fee is $10.
  • Mailing in a form takes one to two weeks; in-person visits at a DMV office are usually faster if you can go during off-peak hours.
  • Once you change your address with the DMV, update your address with your insurance company separately — the DMV does not notify them.

Changing your address online through SCDMV.org

Go to scdmv.org and look for the "Change Address" option under the "Online Services" section. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — check your spam folder if you do not see it right away.

After you confirm your email, enter your new South Carolina address exactly as you want it to appear in the DMV system. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit. The change takes effect immediately in the DMV database, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can order one during the online process for $10. The card will arrive by mail in about one to two weeks. If you skip the replacement card, your current card remains valid — it just shows your old address.

Mailing a form to the DMV

Download the Form DLAD-1 (Address Change) from scdmv.org or call the DMV at 803-896-5000 to request one by mail. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Do not notarize it — the DMV does not require that.

Mail the completed form to:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your form. There is no tracking system, so if you need to know whether it arrived, call 803-896-5000 after two weeks. Like the online method, the address change is free unless you also order a replacement card for $10.

Changing your address in person at a DMV office

Visit any South Carolina DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your license and proof document to the office. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The change is processed on the spot and costs nothing. If you want a replacement card, pay $10 and it will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

DMV offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and its hours on scdmv.org. Some offices take appointments through the website; others work on a first-come, first-served basis.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DMV accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement works if it shows both your name and the address. Government mail — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — also counts.

A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address is not enough by itself; it must be an official document from a utility company, landlord, lender, or government agency. If you are staying with someone else and do not have a document in your name yet, ask the property owner for a signed letter on their letterhead stating that you live there, along with a utility bill showing their name and address.

If you are moving out of state

You cannot simply change your address with the South Carolina DMV if you are moving to another state. Instead, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Each state has its own rules about what documents you need and how long the process takes.

Before you leave South Carolina, you can keep your current license as long as it remains valid — you do not have to surrender it. However, once you establish residency in your new state, you should get a license there. Driving with an out-of-state license after you have moved is not illegal, but insurance companies may question it if you have an accident.

Updating your address with other agencies

Changing your address at the DMV does not automatically update your address anywhere else. You will need to notify your insurance company separately — call your agent or log into your policy online. The DMV does not share address changes with insurers, employers, or banks.

Update your address with the U.S. Postal Service through their website or at your local post office. If you have a vehicle registration, renew it with the DMV at the same time you change your address, or update it separately online at scdmv.org. Check any other documents that list your address — voter registration, professional licenses, subscriptions — and update those through their respective organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before I move or can I do it after?

You can do it either way. The DMV asks that you change it within 30 days of moving, but there is no penalty if you do it later. Many people change their address after they have settled into their new place and have proof of residency ready.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the property owner for a signed letter on their letterhead stating that you live there, along with a copy of a utility bill showing their name and address at that location. The DMV will accept this combination as proof.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license is still valid for address changes. However, if your license has been expired for more than a few years, the DMV may require you to renew it at the same time. Call 803-896-5000 to confirm what you need before you go in.

How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?

A replacement card ordered online or in person takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail. If you mail in a form and order a card at the same time, add another week for the form to be processed first.

Will my insurance company automatically know about my address change?

No. The DMV does not notify insurance companies. You must contact your insurance agent or log into your policy online to update your address. Failing to update your insurance can cause problems if you file a claim.