Roadwise States South Carolina Driving lessons Renewing your license South Carolina driving lesson · Your License
Renewing your license A 3-minute lesson from the South Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Your License
Checkpoint questions 4
Source pages 19, 20, 21, 22 Every renewal needs a vision check. US citizens who qualify can renew online or by mail for an eight-year license. Everyone else renews at a branch.
Know the rule
You must pass a vision test to renew. Free vision screenings are offered at all SCDMV branches.
Handbook p. 19 ↗ 36 months How recent an eye care professional's Certificate of Vision Examination must be
Handbook p. 19 ↗ Know the rule
SC-licensed eye care professionals submit the certificate through SCDMV's online portal; out-of-state professionals complete Form 412-NC.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Know the rule
Since May 18, 2024, active-duty military are exempt from vision screening if they show a Leave and Earning Statement dated within 31 days plus a non-expired military ID.
Handbook p. 19 ↗ To renew online, all must be true: You're a US citizen You hold a regular (Class D, E, F, G, M or combination) license, not a CDL Your license isn't expired more than 9 months Your SSN and name match Social Security Administration records You haven't received more than five points in the last two years Your license isn't suspended or subject to suspension You didn't renew by mail or online last renewal period You're not a Convicted Violent Offender in the SCDMV system You don't have a conditional or special restricted license An SC eye care professional sent a vision certificate (within 36 months) online Handbook p. 20 ↗ Know the rule
Online renewal: pay by credit card. SCDMV uses your current photo and signature and mails your license in seven to ten business days.
Handbook p. 20 ↗ Know the rule
By mail: meet the online requirements, send Form 447-NC and a $25 check or money order (no cash) at least three weeks before your expiration date.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ To renew in person: Pass a vision test at the branch, or use a certificate dated within the past 36 months Give the name of your vehicle insurance company Pay $25 Handbook p. 21 ↗ Put it into practice
Your license expires next month and you got six points last year. You can't renew online, since the limit is five points in two years. Go to a branch, pass the vision test, name your insurer and pay $25.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How recent must a Certificate of Vision Examination be for SCDMV to accept it in place of a branch vision test? Dated within the past 12 months Dated within the past 36 months Dated within the past 6 months Dated within the past 24 months Answer: Dated within the past 36 months
SCDMV may accept a Certificate of Vision Examination if it is dated within the past 36 months.
Handbook p. 19 ↗ Which of these is required to renew your SC driver's license online? You must be a non-US citizen You must hold a commercial driver's license US citizen, 5 or fewer points in 2 years Your license may be expired for any length of time Answer: US citizen, 5 or fewer points in 2 years
Online renewal requires US citizenship and having received no more than five points on your record in the last two years, among other requirements.
Handbook p. 19 ↗ A driver's license renewed online or by mail in SC is valid for eight years. True False Answer: True
US citizens who renew online or by mail receive an eight-year license.
Handbook p. 19 ↗ How far ahead of your expiration date should you mail a license renewal application? At least one week At least 10 business days At least three weeks At least 45 days Answer: At least three weeks
Mail your application and $25 payment at least three weeks before your expiration date.
Handbook p. 21 ↗ Previous lesson Moving to, from or visiting SC Next lesson Points, suspensions & special licenses About the source Roadwise’s South Carolina course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 19, 20, 21, 22. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check South Carolina’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.