Renewing a South Carolina Driver's License
South Carolina issues most driver's licenses on an 8-year cycle, longer than what's used in many states. Renewals can be completed online, by mail, or in person at any of the 70 SCDMV branches, with the in-person photo update required every other cycle if you're not upgrading to REAL ID.
When you can renew
The SCDMV begins accepting renewals up to 180 days before the expiration date printed on the front of the license. The agency sends a renewal notice to the address on file roughly 60 days before expiration. The notice includes a renewal access code that streamlines online and mail processing. If your license has been expired for less than nine months, you can usually still renew without retesting; after nine months you may need to retake the knowledge or road test.
Renew online
You're eligible for online renewal if all of the following are true:
- Your license is not expired by more than nine months.
- The most recent renewal was completed in person at an SCDMV branch (you alternate cycles).
- You're at least 17 and not yet 65.
- Your address, name, and other personal details have not changed.
- You don't need a REAL ID upgrade — REAL ID upgrades require an in-person visit with documents.
The online process takes about five minutes through the SCDMV portal. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and the renewed license is mailed in 7 to 10 business days. A printable confirmation receipt serves as proof of valid licensure during the wait.
Renew by mail
If you receive a mail-eligible renewal notice, you can renew by sending the notice, a check or money order for the fee, and any required certifications (vision report for senior renewals) to the SCDMV address printed on the notice. Mail renewals add about 2-3 weeks to processing time and don't include a temporary license — keep your unexpired card on hand.
Renew in person
An in-person renewal at any SCDMV branch is required if you:
- Are upgrading to REAL ID for the first time.
- Renewed online or by mail at the previous cycle.
- Have a name change since the last renewal.
- Are 65 or older and need the vision screening at every renewal.
- Have had a license suspension or revocation in the prior cycle.
Bring the current license, any name-change documents, and full REAL ID document set if upgrading. The branch will take a new photo and issue a temporary paper license valid until the permanent card arrives in the mail.
Renewal fees
The standard 8-year renewal fee is $25. The 5-year senior renewal fee is $12.50. REAL ID upgrades carry no extra fee at issuance. The SCDMV's online portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express; in-person branches also accept cash and check.
Vision screening
Drivers must pass a vision screening at every in-person renewal, and at every renewal — online, mail, or in person — for drivers 65 and older. The standard is 20/40 in at least one eye with or without corrective lenses. Drivers who don't meet the standard can submit a vision specialist's report on the official SCDMV form to qualify for a restricted license (corrective lenses, daylight only, or both).
Senior driver rules
Drivers age 65 and older renew on a 5-year cycle and must pass a vision screening at every renewal. There is no general road-test requirement for seniors, but the SCDMV can request a re-examination if a physician, family member, or law enforcement officer files a report of impaired driving — see the suspended license page for re-examination procedure.
Late and expired licenses
If your South Carolina license has been expired for more than nine months but less than two years, you can usually renew with just an in-person visit and the standard fee — no retesting. Past two years, the SCDMV may require the full new-applicant process, including the knowledge and road tests described on the driver's license page. Driving on an expired license can also accumulate points under the SC point system.
For a side-by-side of renewal rules in other states, see our national license renewal guide.