Getting your license back starts with finding out why it was suspended
Your South Carolina driver's license suspension has a specific reason — unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, or points from accidents and violations. The Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will not return your license until you address that reason. The first step is contacting SCDMV directly to learn what you owe and what you must do.
Call SCDMV at 803-896-5000 or visit an SCDMV office in person with your driver's license or ID. Have your license number ready. The staff will tell you the suspension reason, any money owed, and the exact steps to clear it. Some suspensions lift automatically once a condition is met; others require you to request reinstatement after you have paid or completed a requirement.
Do not assume you know why your license was suspended. A single violation can trigger suspension for multiple reasons — for example, a DUI suspension and a failure-to-pay suspension running at the same time. SCDMV will walk you through each one.
Key Takeaways
- Contact SCDMV at 803-896-5000 or visit an office in person to learn the suspension reason and what you must do to clear it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution before SCDMV will consider reinstatement.
- Some suspensions, such as those from a DUI, require completion of a substance abuse program or a waiting period before you can request reinstatement.
- After you have met all conditions, you must request reinstatement in writing or in person; the suspension does not lift automatically in all cases.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $250 depending on the suspension type, and you must pay this fee when you request reinstatement.
Suspensions from unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. SCDMV does not collect this money — the court does. Call the court clerk's office listed on your ticket or citation and ask what you owe and how to pay.
You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse. Once the court confirms payment, it sends notice to SCDMV. SCDMV then removes the suspension, though this can take a few business days. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask the court clerk whether you can set up a payment plan. Some courts allow monthly payments, which keeps your license active while you pay.
If you lost your ticket or do not remember which court issued it, SCDMV can tell you. When you call or visit, ask them to provide the court name and case number.
Suspensions from failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension means you missed a court date for a traffic charge. To clear this suspension, you must contact the court that issued the summons, explain your absence, and reschedule your appearance. The court may require you to pay a failure-to-appear fee in addition to any original fine.
Call the court clerk and tell them you missed your date and want to reschedule. Bring documentation if you have it — a hospital record, work schedule change, or other proof of why you could not attend. The court will set a new date. Once you appear and resolve the charge (by paying a fine, pleading guilty, or going to trial), the court notifies SCDMV to lift the suspension.
If a warrant was issued for your arrest because you did not appear, you will need to resolve that before your license can be reinstated. Ask the court clerk whether a warrant exists and what steps to take.
Suspensions from DUI or drug-related convictions
A DUI or drug-related driving suspension is more complex than a fine suspension. South Carolina law requires a mandatory waiting period and, in most cases, completion of a substance abuse program before you can request reinstatement.
For a first DUI offense, you must wait a minimum of three months from the conviction date before requesting reinstatement. You must also complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ASAP) — a state-approved education and counseling course. SCDMV maintains a list of approved ASAP providers on its website. The program costs vary but typically range from $300 to $600. After you finish ASAP, you receive a certificate of completion, which you will need when you request reinstatement.
For a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, the waiting period is longer and the requirements are stricter. SCDMV can tell you the exact waiting period and program requirements for your situation when you call.
Suspensions from accumulating too many points
South Carolina assigns points to your driving record for violations like speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents. If you accumulate 12 or more points within three years, your license is suspended. The suspension period depends on how many points you have and your driving history.
To clear a points suspension, you must wait out the suspension period set by SCDMV. You cannot shorten this period by paying a fee or taking a course. However, you can reduce points on your record by taking a defensive driving course approved by SCDMV. This course removes up to four points and costs around $50 to $100. Taking the course does not lift an active suspension, but it can help prevent future suspensions.
When your suspension period ends, you must request reinstatement from SCDMV. The suspension does not lift automatically.
How to request reinstatement after you have met all conditions
Once you have paid fines, completed required programs, or waited out a suspension period, you must formally request reinstatement. You can do this in person at any SCDMV office, by mail, or online through the SCDMV website.
If you go in person, bring your ID, proof that you have met all conditions (such as a court payment receipt or ASAP certificate), and a check or card for the reinstatement fee. The fee is $100 for most suspensions, though some suspensions carry a $250 fee. SCDMV staff will process your request on the spot, and you may receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.
If you request reinstatement by mail, send a letter to SCDMV with your name, license number, date of birth, and copies of proof that you have met all conditions. Include a check for the reinstatement fee made payable to SCDMV. Mail it to the SCDMV address listed on their website. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks.
What to do if you cannot afford to pay fines or fees
If you owe fines but cannot pay in full, contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some courts reduce fines for people with low income or allow you to pay over time. Explain your situation to the court clerk — courts have discretion to work with you.
For ASAP or other program costs, ask the provider whether they offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Some providers do. If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, call SCDMV and ask whether a fee waiver or reduction is possible in your situation.
Do not ignore the suspension or assume it will go away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to resolve, and driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties including fines and jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving on a suspended license in South Carolina is a criminal offense, even for emergencies. You can be arrested, fined up to $1,000, and face jail time. Call a taxi, rideshare service, or ask someone else to drive.
How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?
If you request reinstatement in person at an SCDMV office, you may receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license within one to two weeks. If you request by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to clear my South Carolina suspension?
Yes. Your South Carolina suspension remains on your record even if you move. If you later return to South Carolina or explore for a license in another state, the suspension will show up. Clear it before you move to avoid problems later.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
South Carolina does not issue hardship licenses for most suspensions. However, for certain suspensions related to work, you may request a limited license. Call SCDMV to ask whether this option is available for your suspension type.
Do I have to take ASAP again if I get another DUI?
Yes. Each DUI conviction requires completion of an ASAP program before reinstatement. A second or subsequent DUI requires a longer program and longer waiting period than a first offense.