Moving to South Carolina, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say how long you have to switch your license after moving.
• You can tell when tests are required for a transfer.
• You can explain the options for drivers with a license from another country.
• You can choose the right renewal method and know what it costs.

What you need to know and understand

• Apply for a South Carolina license or ID within 45 days of moving permanently; active-duty military and US government employees are exceptions.
• You must turn in your out-of-state license or ID.
• If your out-of-state license has been expired more than nine months, you must pass the knowledge, skills and vision tests.
• A vision screening is required when you surrender an out-of-state license.
• SCDMV waives knowledge and skills tests for a foreign license only if the country has a formal reciprocity agreement with South Carolina and the license has not been expired more than nine months.
• Eligible US citizens can renew online or by mail for an eight-year license; renewal costs $25.
• Do not drive on an expired license. After more than nine months expired, you must retest.

Switching an out-of-state license

1. Within 45 days of moving, gather original documents proving identity, Social Security number and South Carolina address (US citizens use checklist MV-93; lawfully present non-US citizens use MV-94).
2. Bring your out-of-state license to surrender.
3. Pass a vision screening at the branch, or bring a Certificate of Vision Examination from a licensed eye care professional dated within the past 36 months.
4. Pay the license fee shown on SCDMV's fee page.
5. Register your car separately: pay county property tax first, then take the paid receipt to SCDMV.

Licenses from other countries and REAL ID

Visitors from non-English-speaking countries are strongly advised to carry an International Driving Permit. It is a translation to use alongside your home license, not a license itself. If you move to South Carolina with a foreign license, you will usually start with a beginner's permit and take the tests, unless your country has a reciprocity agreement with the state.

A REAL ID-compliant license is needed to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings, unless you use another accepted ID such as a passport; federal enforcement began in May 2025. Getting one requires extra proof of identity and address, so check SCDMV's current REAL ID document list before your visit.

Renewing your license

• Online: US citizens with a regular license can renew for eight years if they meet the conditions, including no more than five points in the last two years, no suspension, not having renewed online or by mail last time, and an eye exam certificate submitted electronically by a South Carolina eye care professional.
• By mail: same conditions, plus Form 447-NC and a $25 check or money order. Mail it at least three weeks before your license expires.
• In person: pass a vision test at the branch (or bring a certificate dated within 36 months), give your vehicle insurance company name and pay $25.
• Conditional and special restricted license holders cannot renew online. Expired up to nine months: renew at a branch without testing.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months to switch. The deadline is 45 days after moving permanently.
• Thinking an International Driving Permit is a license. It only translates your home license.
• Letting a license lapse for more than nine months, which means retaking all the tests.
• Mailing a renewal a few days before expiry. Allow at least three weeks.
• Assuming any ID works at the airport. Check whether your card is REAL ID-compliant.

Test yourself: Moving to South Carolina, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to South Carolina
• How to Get a Driver’s License in South Carolina
• SC Permit Test Guide