Is your SC driver’s license about to expire?
Don’t wait until the last minute to renew it!
Remember, South Carolina doesn’t have a grace period for expired licenses — so it’s in your best interest to renew early.
I know, I know.
Renewing your driver’s license sounds inconvenient.
But it really isn’t — especially since you have 3 channels to choose from.
And even more so if you have all the steps listed for you.
This is exactly what we’re going to do in this South Carolina driver’s license renewal guide.
So are you ready?
Let’s jump right to it!
How to Renew A Driver’s License in South Carolina
Here are the 3 ways to renew your SC driver’s license:
- Online
- By mail
- In-person
Let’s go through each one.
How to Renew Your SC Driver’s License Online
Talk about convenience!
You won’t have to leave your house to get your license renewed.
But wait…
You first need to meet the eligibility requirements for online renewal.
And it’s quite a long list.
- You’re renewing a regular driver’s license and NOT a commercial license.
- You can pay with a valid credit or debit card.
- You are a US Citizen.
- Your license has not expired for more than 9 months.
- Your name, date of birth, and SSN match the information on file.
- You haven’t received more than 5 violation points in the last two years.
- Your license is active, meaning, it is not suspended or is not going to be suspended soon.
- You are not convicted as a violent offender.
- Your last renewal was NOT done by mail or online.
- You do not hold a conditional or special restricted license.
- A licensed eye care professional submits an electronic Certification of Vision Examination (SCDMV Form 412-NC) result for you.
If all these requirements apply to you, you can renew online.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the SC DMV Renewal Portal.
- Put your driver’s license number, Social Security Number, and date of birth.
- Verify your identity.
- Pay $25 for an 8-year license. You must pay by debit or credit card.
- Wait for your license to be mailed in 15 business days. The SCDMV will mail it to your address on file (so make sure to change this if you move).
How easy was that?!?!
How to Renew Your SC Driver’s License by Mail
If renewing online isn’t an option, you can choose mail-in renewals.
However, you must also meet some eligible requirements. These are:
- You are a US citizen.
- You are not renewing a commercial license.
- Your license has not expired for more than 9 months.
- You haven’t received more than 5 violation points in the last two years.
- Your license is active — it is not suspended or is not going to be suspended soon.
- Your last renewal was NOT done by mail or online.
- You do not hold a conditional or special restricted license.
- A licensed eye care professional submits an electronic Certification of Vision Examination (SCDMV Form 412-NC) result for you.
If so, here are the steps for mail-in renewals:
- Print and fill up Form 447-NC.
- Get a check or money order for $25 made out to the SCDMV.
- Mail these at least 3 weeks before your license’s expiry date to the address below:
SCDMV
Alternative Media
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035
- Wait for your license to be mailed to you. This will take at least 15 business days.
Well, that was quick!
Now, the important thing to remember when renewing by mail is that you have to do it early. We recommend renewing it at least a month before in case of possible delays in the mail.
How to Renew Your SC Driver’s License In-Person
If you aren’t eligible for online or mail renewals, you can always trust in-person renewals.
Here are the steps:
- Visit the nearest SC DMV branch.
- Provide the company name of your vehicle insurance and other details at the counter. You may be asked to fill up a form.
- Pay $25 for an 8-year license. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a knowledge test (only required if you have more than five points in the last two years).
- Provide proof of who you are and pass a vision, knowledge, and road test (only required if your license has expired for more than 9 months).
- If you’re purchasing a REAL ID, provide all the required documents for it. You can check the acceptable documents for a US citizen in Form MV-93 and the acceptable documents for non-US citizens in Form MV-94.
- Receive your new driver’s license.
Sure, it might be a bit of a hassle, especially if you have to do the extra tests.
But really, those extra tests are your own fault.
Besides those, the in-person renewal process is pretty simple, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Driver’s License Renewal
Yes, the SC driver’s license renewal process is simple — but here are some FAQs that will further help you.
When Does My Driver’s License Expire in SC?
Most of the time, your SC driver’s license will expire on your birthday, every 8 years.
Remember, the SCDMV does not send out renewal notices. You have to check the exact date by looking at the validity section on your driver’s license.
What Do I Need to Renew My Driver’s License in South Carolina?
If you’re planning to renew online or by mail, you have to satisfy the eligibility requirements stated above. In terms of forms and documents, you have to provide:
- A Certification of Vision Examination (SCDMV Form 412-NC) electronically sent by a licensed eye care professional.
- A filled-out Form 447-NC (if renewing by mail)
- Documents to verify your identity (if renewing online)
If you renew in person, you have to provide:
- Vehicle insurance company and other identity details.
- Proof of identity, date of birth, residency, etc (if your license expired more than 9 months ago)
- Real ID documents (if purchasing a Real ID).
How Long Do You Have to Renew Your License After It Expires in SC?
South Carolina doesn’t have a grace period for expired licenses. If caught with an expired license, you will have to face the penalties.
However, you can still renew it online and by mail.
If it is expired for more than 9 months, you will have to renew it in person, as well as provide proof of identity and pass a vision, knowledge, and road test.
How Much is the Penalty for Late Renewal of Driver’s License in SC?
If you are caught driving an expired license, you may have to pay a $300 fine and serve a possible 30 days of jail time.
Do You Have to Take a Test to Renew Your License in SC?
Everyone renewing their SC driver’s license must take an eye exam.
If renewing online or by mail, you’ll have to make your licensed eye care professional electronically send the results to the SCDMV portal.
If renewing at a DMV office, you can take your vision test on the spot.
If you have more than 5 points on your record, you will also have to take a knowledge test.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than 9 months, you will have to take a knowledge AND road test.
How Far in Advance Can I Renew My Driver’s License in SC?
You can renew your SC driver’s license up to 1 year in advance. At best, renew it at least 6 to 3 months before the expiration date.
Conclusion
Renewing your driver’s license is inevitable.
when that time is approaching, it’s best to know the South Carolina driver’s license renewal process.
And that’s EXACTLY what you learned here.
Now, you know which channels are available to you…
Whether or not you are eligible to use certain channels…
What documents you need to bring…
What requirements to complete…
So what are you waiting for?
Now that you know all you need to know, you should get started right away.
DON’T DELAY!