Renewals

This page does not contain information on renewing your commercial driver's license (CDL). 

As of October 1, 2020, a vision screening is required to renew any driver's license or beginner's permit. The vision screening will be offered at all SCDMV branches. However, an in-person screening can be waived if an SC-licensed eye care professional electronically submits the SCDMV a Certificate of Vision Examination dated within the past 12 months.

Renew your Driver's License Online 

If you choose to renew your driver's license online, you must provide identifying information to login below. At the end of the process, you'll pay for your new license. It will take up to 15 business days from the time it's processed to receive your renewed license in the mail.

RENEW MY DRIVER'S LICENSE

Upon renewing your SC license, any cards previously issued to you by another jurisdiction (state or province) will be cancelled. If a license or ID is later issued to you by another jurisdiction, your SC license will be cancelled.

If you're a US Citizen interested in renewing your driver's license online for an eight-year license, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • You have a regular (Class D, E, F, G, M, or any combination of those) license. A CDL cannot be renewed online.
  • You can pay with a valid credit or debit card.
  • You are a US Citizen. If you're not a US Citizen, you cannot renew your driver's license online.
  • Your license has not expired for more than nine months.
  • Your social security number, legal name, and date of birth must match what's on file with the Social Security Administration.
  • You have not received violations totaling more than five points on your driving record in the last two years.
  • Your license is not suspended or subject to be suspended.
  • You are not a convicted violent offender
  • You did not renew your license by mail or online the last time your license was renewed.
  • You do not currently have a conditional or special restricted license.
  • You must have an SC-licensed eye care professional transmit the Certification of Vision Examination (SCDMV Form 412-NC) results electronically through SCDMV's online portal.

If you are eligible for renewing your license online, you will pay $25 and receive an eight-year license in the mail. The SCDMV will use your current photograph and signature and mail your new card to the address on file.

Renew your Driver's License In Person

You must do all of the following to renew at a branch:

  • Provide the company name of your vehicle insurance
  • Pay $25 for the license
  • Pass a vision screening

You must pass a knowledge test if you've received more than five points against your driving record in the last two years.

If you're visiting an SCDMV branch to renew your license, consider bringing all required documents to buy a REAL ID. You can find a complete list of accepted documents on the United States Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93). The requirements to renew a license are different if you're not a US Citizen.

FIND AN SCDMV BRANCH

Renew your Driver's License By Mail 

If you're not a US Citizen, you cannot renew your driver's license by mail.

If you're a US Citizen interested in renewing your driver's license by mail for an eight-year license, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • You have a regular (Class D, E, F, G, M, or any combination of those) license. 
  • You do not have a commercial driver's license.
  • Your license has not expired for more than 9 months.
  • You have not received violations totaling more than five points on your driving record in the last two years.
  • Your license is not suspended or subject to be suspended.
  • You did not renew your license by mail or online the last time your license was renewed.
  • You do not currently have a conditional or special restricted license.
  • You must have your eyes examined by a licensed eye care professional to determine if your eyes meet South Carolina's vision requirements.

You may purchase a REAL ID license by mail if all required documents are on file with the SCDMV. If the required documents are not on file, you're only eligible for a standard license that says "Not for Federal Identification," and that's the card you will receive 

If you meet the requirements above, you must complete the application to Renew a Driver’s License by Mail (SCDMV Form 447-NC).

Mail your completed application and a check or money order for $25, made out to the SCDMV, to the address below:

SCDMV
Alternative Media
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035 

Do not mail cash.

Mail your application and payment at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you renew by mail, the SCDMV will use the same photograph and signature on your current license.

Renew your Expired Driver's License 

Do not drive with an expired driver's license.

  • If your license has been expired for less than nine months, you may renew it as if it wasn't expired.
  • If your driver's license is expired for nine months or more, you must visit an SCDMV branch with all of the correct documentation to prove you are who you say you are and pass a vision, knowledge and skills test.

You can find a complete list of accepted documents on the United States Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93) and the International Customers' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94).