South Carolina Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Almost a quarter of South Carolina's drivers are seniors (65 and older). These older drivers tend to be the safest in the state, being involved in only 13% of all crashes in 2023.

But recent data reveals a concerning shift. While the number of drivers age 65 and older declined by 18% from 2022 to 2023, the number of fatal crashes involving drivers in this age group increased by nearly 25%.

Given this rise in fatal crashes, it's worth understanding how the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and state law regulate older drivers. Although the state no longer requires more frequent renewals for seniors, certain aspects of driver's license renewal in South Carolina—such as mandatory vision screenings and potential license restrictions—remain especially relevant for this age group.

SC Driver's License Renewal for Elderly Drivers

Until recently, South Carolina required drivers 65 and older to renew their licenses every five years, while younger drivers renewed every ten years. Recent changes to state law affected some of the state's driver's license renewal rules, including timelines.

License Renewal Under New Senior Driver Laws in South Carolina

In 2017, South Carolina changed some licensing laws to align with federal Real ID requirements, creating new driving rules for seniors that eliminated the shorter renewal period for drivers 65 and older. Now, all driver's licenses expire eight years after being issued. (S.C. Code § 56-1-210(A).)

The SCDMV recommends that drivers renew their licenses on or before the expiration date. But you can renew up to nine months after your license expires.

Do Seniors Need a Vision Test to Renew Their Licenses?

In 2020, South Carolina began requiring all drivers to pass a vision test to renew a driver's license.

If you renew your license in person, SCDMV personnel will conduct a test for free. You also have the choice to have an eye exam performed by a licensed eye care professional. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can submit your exam results in one of two ways:

• by using the SCDMV's online portal, or
• by completing a Form 412-NC Certificate of Vision Examination for Non-Commercial Beginner Permits or Driver's Licenses (it must be dated within the past 36 months).

If you can't pass the vision test at the DMV, you'll be asked to have an additional exam by an eye care professional, who must complete and submit the certificate of vision examination form.

Do South Carolina Seniors Need to Pass a Test to Renew a Driver's License?

The South Carolina DMV doesn't require older drivers to retake a written exam or road test because of their age alone. But you'll have to pass a knowledge test if you've received more than five points against your license in the last two years.

Also, if SCDMV personnel have a reason to believe you might have a medical condition that impairs your ability to drive safely, the state can require you to retake the written or driving test. You could also be required to submit a doctor's statement about your mental and physical fitness to drive.

How to Renew a Driver's License in South Carolina

South Carolina seniors can renew their driver's licenses online if they're U.S. citizens and didn't renew online or by mail the last time.

You can renew your license online by visiting the SCDMV's online renewal page. You'll need to have your eye doctor submit your vision report electronically using the SCDMV's portal and pay the licensing fee with a credit or debit card.

To renew your South Carolina driver's license in person, complete the following steps:

• Visit your local SCDMV office.
• Provide the SCDMV with the name of your vehicle insurance company.
• Pay the $25 license renewal fee.
• Pass a vision screening or present your completed Certificate of Vision Examination form.

You can also renew your driver's license by mail. To do so, you'll need to complete an Application to Renew a Driver's License by Mail (Form 447-NC) and mail it, along with your vision certification form and a check or money order to cover the license fee, to:

SCDMV
Alternative Media
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035

Possible License Restrictions South Carolina Seniors Can Face

The SCDMV can place restrictions or conditions on someone's driver's license suitable to the person's driving ability. (S.C. Code § 56-1-170.) Your license could be restricted during driver's license renewal in South Carolina.

The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses. In South Carolina, other common requirements the DMV can impose on older drivers include:

• no freeway driving
• no nighttime driving, and
• time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic.

Does South Carolina Do Unsafe Driver Investigations?

The South Carolina DMV will start an investigation after receiving information from courts, police officers, and other DMV personnel about an individual's potentially unsafe driving.

Unlike most states, the SCDMV doesn't have a set procedure for family members, friends, and other concerned individuals to report that a driver might be unsafe behind the wheel.

To learn how to report a potentially unsafe driver, contact the SCDMV by:

• using their online email form
• speaking with someone at your local DMV office, or
• calling the SCDMV at 803-896-5000.

How to Get a License Reinstated in South Carolina

For information on how to get your license back after it's been suspended or revoked in South Carolina, visit the SCDMV online or stop by your local license office.

How to Renew Disability Parking Placards or License Plates

Disabled person parking placards (also called hangars) and disabled parking license plates are available for those with permanent disabilities. You must renew a permanent disability parking placard every four years. Temporary parking placards, on the other hand, are available for those with disabilities that will last for at least four months. Temporary parking placards expire after one year.

Disabled parking license plates must be renewed every two years, the same as other plates. You can renew a disabled parking placard online, in person, or by mail.

The SCDMV only issues disabled person placards and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are available for individuals who:

• can't walk 100 feet without aggravating an existing medical condition or being in pain
• can't walk without the use of, or assistance from:
• a brace or crutch
• a prosthetic device
• a wheelchair, or
• another assistive device
• are severely restricted by lung disease or use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition
• are severely limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition, or
• are blind.

To get a disabled parking placard or plate in South Carolina, complete the following steps:

• Fill out and sign your portion of a Disabled Placard and License Plate Application (Form RG-007A).
• Have a licensed physician complete the Physician's Statement section of the application.
• Pay the appropriate fee ($36 for a disabled plate or $1 for a disabled parking placard).
• Bring your completed application and fee to your local SCDMV branch or mail it to: SCDMV, Registration, PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0019.

Learn More About South Carolina Driving Rules for Seniors

The SCDMV website has a wealth of information for South Carolina drivers, including licensing and vehicle registration requirements. Of special interest is the South Carolina Driver's Manual, which contains descriptions of DMV requirements and local rules of the road. The manual also offers driving tips for older drivers, along with a self-assessment to evaluate driving fitness.