Drivers in the Military

South Carolina provides no special provisions for military personnel regarding driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, but because most transactions can be handled online or by mail, the same services are readily available to everyone.

South Carolina's Public Services Web site makes transactions almost a "one-stop" shopping trip; from there you can renew your driver's license, change your address, pay reinstatement fees, or renew your vehicle license plates.

For online transactions, you will need to provide your driver's license number, ID number or vehicle license plate number. You may be asked additional information for security purposes. Credit cards accepted for all online transactions include Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Note that the site schedules regular maintenance on Sunday nights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, so you'll want to transact business at other times.

A Word about Registration Renewal

The vehicle registrations are available online only if your primary residence is in one of the following counties:

• Beaufort

• Berkeley

• Charleston

• Chester

• Darlington

• Dorchester

• Greenville

• Lexington

• Pickens

• Richland

• Spartanburg

• York

If you live in one of the other counties, you may apply by mail. Contact your county to ask about specific procedures and mailing addresses.

The state provides a helpful, and quick-responding, email address should you have more questions. Just pop them an email at help@scdmvonline.com.