South Carolina’s rules for senior driver’s license renewal have evolved in recent years, and additional changes became relevant after July 2025 due to new federal mandates and state-level adjustments. Seniors—defined by state law as drivers aged 65 and older—should be aware of the timeline, testing requirements, renewal procedures, and documentation needed to maintain a valid South Carolina license.
As of 2025, South Carolina no longer has a more frequent renewal cycle for older drivers; the previous requirement of renewing every five years for those 65 and over has been replaced by a unified eight-year renewal period for all adults, regardless of age. Fees for renewal are typically $25, with a possible administrative fee for processing. All drivers, including seniors, can renew their license up to nine months after expiration, but it’s best to avoid driving with an expired license to prevent legal complications.
The key requirement seniors will encounter is a mandatory vision test at every license renewal. Since 2020, South Carolina has required all drivers to pass a vision screening when renewing a license. The test is performed for free at SCDMV offices, but seniors may opt to have an external eye exam by a licensed professional, in which case the results must be submitted directly to the SCDMV. If a driver fails the DMV vision test, further examination by an eye care professional is required, and a Certificate of Vision Examination must be filed before renewal proceeds.
In light of national safety concerns, new federal guidelines beginning in July 2025 have made vision assessments at each renewal non-negotiable for drivers aged 70 and older. These new rules also introduce the possibility of cognitive testing if there is a concern raised by a physician or a family member—for example, if early signs of Alzheimer’s or the effects of a prior stroke are suspected. If triggered, the cognitive assessment will determine a senior’s continued fitness to drive. For drivers age 87 and up, an annual behind-the-wheel road test is now federally required, regardless of previous driving records or health status.
While road and written tests are not automatically required at standard renewal for seniors, state and federal law allow for additional testing if the SCDMV receives information suggesting a potential medical impairment. This means that either family members or medical professionals may formally request a driver evaluation if they are concerned about the safety or physical capability of a senior driver.
Seniors have the flexibility to renew their licenses in person at SCDMV offices, online if eligible, or by mail under certain conditions. While most U.S. citizens can use the online portal, this option is only available if the senior did not use it—or renew by mail—during their previous renewal cycle. Starting May 2025, all South Carolina licenses must comply with federal REAL ID standards, so applicants should make sure their documentation meets those requirements, including proof of identity, social security, and state residence.
Senior drivers in South Carolina should maintain awareness of these updated requirements. Ensuring successful renewal depends on timely scheduling of vision (and, if necessary, cognitive) assessments, compliance with federal REAL ID protocols, and understanding the new federally driven retesting mandates that apply to the oldest age brackets. Family involvement and physician reporting play a growing role in safeguarding road safety as seniors continue to drive.
Sources
[1] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/south-carolina-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[2] https://nmjfirm.com/news/new-federal-driving-rules-for-seniors-take-effect-july-2025-what-older-drivers-in-south-carolina-and-georgia-should-know/
[3] https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-tips-elderly-drivers-license-renewals
[4] https://www.scdmvonline.com/driver-services/renewals
[5] https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/older-drivers/license-renewal-laws-table
