The South Carolina DMV ID renewal and replacement procedures are transactions offered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to owners of state-issued identification cards. The processes of renewing and replacing ID card credentials can currently be completed in person at a nearby DMV location, as the department does not yet offer the option to replace or renew ID card online in SC.

To learn more about replacing and renewing ID card documents in South Carolina, read the sections outlined below.

How to Renew Your ID Card in South Carolina

Nondrivers can complete South Carolina state ID renewal by submitting the necessary items at a local DMV office. While U.S. citizens are required to complete the procedure to renew ID card credentials on a regular five-year basis, noncitizens are issued limited-term ID cards with a varying validity, which may or may not be renewed.

Also, only a select number of DMV locations offer ID card renewal services to noncitizens. If you fail to complete the SC DMV ID renewal within nine months of the document’s expiration date, then you will be required to resubmit the full set of supporting documentation.

While the state DMV offers a mail-in renewal option for holders of driving licenses, nondrivers may be unable to renew their ID cards via this method.

Note: Check with the state DMV about other methods to complete the DMV identification card renewal, in addition to the standard in-person method.

How to Renew ID Cards in South Carolina in Person

Before initiating the procedure to renew ID cards in South Carolina at a DMV site, applicants are encouraged to contact the department to inquire whether or not they are able to schedule an office visit in order to expedite the process. To finalize the in-person ID card renewal, nondrivers will generally be required to complete the following steps:

  • Fill out the Application for Beginner’s Permit, Driver’s License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).
  • Present your current ID card.
  • Submit any additional identification documents (if required).
  • Pay the fee for the SC state ID renewal (if applicable).

Nondrivers who are renewing ID cards nine months after the credential’s expiration date will be required to submit proofs of state residency, identity and Social Security Number. Note that the acceptable documentation to complete the DMV ID renewal in SC as a U.S. citizen varies from the paperwork requested from noncitizens.

When a DMV official accepts your payment for the identification card renewal, your request will be processed. Depending on whether you applied as a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen, the duration of the new credential’s validity will vary between one and five years.

How to Replace Your ID Card in South Carolina

Obtaining a replacement ID card in South Carolina is a procedure that is completed on a case-by-case basis, unlike the state ID renewal, which must be completed regularly. The procedure to replace ID card credentials is generally finalized in the event of a damaged, lost or stolen ID card in SC.

Nondrivers also apply for a copy of ID card when they have to update the information displayed on their credential, such as name and/or address. State residents must request a duplicate ID card in SC in person, as the online replacement option is only available for regular driving licenses.

The department also encourages nondrivers with stolen or lost ID card credentials to report the incident to the police in order to deter any potential identity theft occurrences.

How to Replace ID Cards in South Carolina in Person

Before completing the South Carolina DMV ID replacement in person, applicants must ensure they have collected the necessary items to finalize the procedure, which may vary based on their circumstances. Noncitizens applying for an ID card copy, for example, may be required to submit additional proofs of their identity and legal U.S. presence.

The standard process of replacing ID cards in SC is comprised of the following steps:

  • Visit a local DMV office.
  • Complete the standard 447-NC application form for ID cards.
  • Fill out the DMV Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License, Beginner’s Permit, or Identification Card (in the event of a lost or stolen ID card).
  • Fill out the Application for Name and/or Address Change (if you are obtaining a replacement ID card with updated information).
  • Submit supporting identification paperwork (if required).
  • Pay the cost for an SC duplicate ID card (if applicable).

After processing your DMV ID replacement request, the department will issue you a replacement credential. Note that, if you recover a lost or stolen ID card, you will be required to forward it to the state DMV immediately.

South Carolina ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees

State residents will successfully obtain a South Carolina ID card replacement or complete the process of renewing ID cards only if they provide payment for the applicable DMV fee. Note that, however, certain groups of nondrivers completing the DMV ID renewal or replacement procedure may be exempt from providing a fee payment.

For instance, the department currently requires the payment of the ID card price only from state residents who are five to 16 years of age. Applicants older than 16 years of age can obtain a duplicate ID card in SC and renew their credentials free of charge.

Note: Local DMV branch offices accept payments in cash, checks and credit and debit cards.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.