As the number of senior drivers in South Carolina grows, it’s important to stay informed about the state’s driver’s license renewal rules, especially for those aged 65 and older.
Although seniors in South Carolina have historically been some of the safest drivers, recent trends have raised concerns, particularly with fatal crashes involving older drivers on the rise.
This article covers the essential details about driver’s license renewal for seniors in South Carolina, including vision tests, renewal processes, and possible license restrictions.
SC Driver’s License Renewal for Elderly Drivers
In the past, seniors in South Carolina had to renew their licenses more frequently than younger drivers. Previously, drivers aged 65 and older were required to renew their licenses every five years, while younger drivers had a ten-year renewal cycle. However, recent updates to South Carolina’s laws have altered these rules.
License Renewal Under New Senior Driver Laws in South Carolina
As of 2017, South Carolina made changes to its licensing laws, aligning them with federal Real ID requirements. These updates removed the shorter renewal period for drivers aged 65 and older.
Now, all driver’s licenses in South Carolina—regardless of the driver’s age—expire eight years after being issued (S.C. Code § 56-1-210(A)).
Renewal Time Limit
While seniors are no longer required to renew their licenses more frequently, they are encouraged to renew on or before the expiration date. You can renew your license up to nine months after it expires without penalty, but it’s recommended to complete the process before the expiration date.
Do Seniors Need a Vision Test to Renew Their Licenses?
Yes, since 2020, all drivers in South Carolina are required to pass a vision test to renew their licenses. For seniors, this means:
If renewing in person at the SCDMV office, you’ll be tested for free by SCDMV personnel.
Alternatively, you can have an eye exam performed by a licensed eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist). The results can be submitted electronically through the SCDMV’s online portal or by filling out a Certificate of Vision Examination form (Form 412-NC). The exam must be dated within the past 36 months.
If you can’t pass the vision test at the SCDMV, you’ll need to have an additional exam by an eye care professional, who will complete and submit the Certificate of Vision Examination form.
Do South Carolina Seniors Need to Pass a Test to Renew a Driver’s License?
For most seniors, no additional written exam or road test is required simply due to age. However, there are specific circumstances where seniors may need to take a test:
If a driver has accumulated more than five points on their license within the past two years, they’ll be required to take a knowledge test.
If there’s reason to believe that a senior driver has a medical condition that could affect their driving ability (e.g., memory problems, vision issues), the SCDMV may require them to retake a written or road test. Additionally, they may need to submit a doctor’s statement verifying their mental and physical fitness to drive.
How to Renew a Driver’s License in South Carolina
Seniors can renew their driver’s licenses in South Carolina in several ways:
Online Renewal
If you’re a U.S. citizen, and you didn’t renew your license online or by mail the last time, you can renew online through the SCDMV online renewal portal. To do so:
Submit your vision exam results through the online portal.
Pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
In-Person Renewal
To renew in person:
Visit a local SCDMV office.
Provide your vehicle insurance details.
Pay the $25 renewal fee.
Pass the vision screening, or present your completed Certificate of Vision Examination form.
Mail Renewal
To renew by mail:
Complete the Application to Renew a Driver’s License by Mail (Form 447-NC).
Mail the completed form, your vision certification, and a check or money order covering the renewal fee to:
SCDMV
Alternative Media
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035
Possible License Restrictions South Carolina Seniors Can Face
If the SCDMV finds it necessary, they can place restrictions on an older driver’s license based on their ability to safely operate a vehicle. The most common restrictions for seniors include:
Corrective lenses: Requiring the use of glasses or contact lenses while driving.
No freeway driving: Limiting driving to local roads or streets, avoiding highways.
No nighttime driving: Restricting driving to daylight hours only.
Time-of-day restrictions: Limiting driving during rush hour traffic or other busy times of the day.
These restrictions are intended to ensure that seniors drive safely and are capable of handling the responsibilities of operating a vehicle.
Does South Carolina Do Unsafe Driver Investigations?
South Carolina does not have a formal system for family members or concerned citizens to report potentially unsafe drivers. However, the SCDMV will investigate reports from courts, police officers, and other DMV personnel if they believe a driver may be unsafe.
To report an unsafe driver, you can:
Contact the SCDMV using their online email form.
Speak to someone at your local SCDMV office.
Call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000.
How to Get a License Reinstated in South Carolina
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may be able to reinstate it by visiting the SCDMV website or going to a local SCDMV office. The process for reinstatement varies depending on the reason for suspension, and you may need to meet specific requirements to get your license back.
How to Renew Disability Parking Placards or License Plates
For seniors with disabilities, South Carolina offers disability parking placards and license plates. Here’s what you need to know:
Permanent disability parking placards must be renewed every four years.
Temporary disability parking placards are issued for disabilities lasting at least four months and expire after one year.
Disabled parking license plates must be renewed every two years.
To get or renew a disability parking placard or license plate, complete the Disabled Placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A), have a licensed physician complete the required section, and submit the form along with payment.
For seniors in South Carolina, understanding the process of driver’s license renewal is essential for maintaining their driving privileges. With changes in renewal periods, vision testing requirements, and possible license restrictions, seniors should ensure they comply with the latest regulations to keep driving safely.
Regular renewal, along with necessary exams, helps ensure that seniors continue to drive with the required skills and vision. If you’re a senior driver in South Carolina, stay informed and renew your license on time to avoid complications.
