Where to check your SC driver's license points
South Carolina tracks points on your driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). You can check your current points balance in three ways: online through the SCDMV website, by phone, or in person at a local DMV office.
The online method is fastest. Visit the SCDMV website at scdmv.org, find the "Driver Services" section, and look for the option to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system shows your points when ready, along with any violations or suspensions on your record.
If you prefer to call, contact the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 during business hours. A representative can tell you your points over the phone, though you may need to provide identifying information. Walk-in visits to any SCDMV office also work — staff can print your driving record on the spot, which shows your points and violation history.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina's SCDMV tracks points on your license, and you can check your balance online at scdmv.org, by phone at 803-896-5000, or in person at any DMV office.
- Points stay on your record for three years from the date of the violation, not from when you paid a fine or attended traffic school.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within a three-year period triggers a license suspension, which you cannot avoid by paying fines.
- Traffic school or defensive driving courses may reduce points for certain violations, but you must complete the course before the violation's court date or important date.
Understanding South Carolina's point system
South Carolina assigns points based on the type of violation. Speeding 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit costs 2 points. Speeding 11 to 15 miles per hour over the limit costs 4 points. More serious violations like reckless driving, following too closely, or improper lane changes carry 4 to 6 points. At-fault accidents typically add 4 points to your record.
Points remain on your driving record for three years from the violation date. This means a violation from January 2022 drops off in January 2025, regardless of when you paid the fine or completed traffic school. The SCDMV counts all points within any rolling three-year window, so a violation from three years and one day ago no longer counts toward your total.
If you reach 12 points within three years, the SCDMV will suspend your license. This suspension is automatic — you cannot prevent it by paying extra fines or taking a course after the fact. The suspension length depends on how many times you have been suspended before: first suspension is 6 months, second is 1 year, and third or more is 2 years.
How to reduce points through traffic school
South Carolina allows you to reduce points by completing an approved defensive driving course, but only under specific conditions. You must take the course before the violation's court date or the important date set by the court. Taking the course after you have already been convicted does not remove points.
Completing an approved course removes up to 4 points from your record. You can use this option once every three years. The course must be SCDMV-approved — not all driving schools may have access to, so confirm before you enroll. Most courses take 4 to 8 hours and can be completed online or in person, depending on the provider.
After you finish, the course provider sends your completion certificate to the SCDMV. Points typically drop from your record within 30 days. Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. If you were ordered to take the course by a court, make sure the court receives proof of completion as well.
What happens if you accumulate too many points
Once you hit 12 points, the SCDMV sends you a notice of suspension. Your license becomes invalid on the date specified in the notice, usually 10 to 15 days after the letter is mailed. You cannot drive legally after that date, even if you disagree with the suspension.
To get your license back after suspension, you must wait out the suspension period and then request reinstatement. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 in South Carolina, though this can change) and may need to pass a written test or vision test. If your suspension was for accumulating points, you typically do not need to retake the driving test.
During a suspension, driving is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and jail time. A second or third suspension within a 10-year period carries harsher penalties. If you are suspended and need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may request a limited driving permit, though approval is not may provide and depends on your circumstances.
Checking your record before a traffic stop or court date
Knowing your points before a traffic stop or court appearance helps you understand what you are facing. If you are close to 12 points, a new violation could trigger suspension. If you already have points from a recent violation, you know whether traffic school is still an option.
When you receive a traffic ticket in South Carolina, the citation shows the violation and the points it carries. You have the right to contest the ticket in traffic court. If you plan to fight the ticket, check your current points first — if you are near the 12-point threshold, the stakes are higher, and you may want to consult with a traffic attorney.
If you are offered a plea deal or the option to take traffic school, your current points matter. Some violations allow traffic school only if you have fewer than a certain number of points. Checking your record before your court date ensures you understand all your options.
Requesting an official driving record
Your online check shows your current points, but an official driving record is a formal document that lists every violation, point, and suspension. You may need this for insurance purposes, employment, or legal proceedings. The SCDMV issues official records in person, by mail, or through their online system.
To order by mail, read the "Request for Driving Record" form from scdmv.org, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. To order online, use the SCDMV website — you can usually read a copy when ready or have it mailed to you. In-person requests at any DMV office are processed on the spot.
Official records cost a small fee (typically $5 to $10, depending on the type of record). Some employers and insurance companies request an official record rather than accepting your word about your points. Having one on hand can speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for points to show up after a ticket?
Points appear on your record once the violation is entered into the SCDMV system, which usually happens after you pay the fine or are convicted in court. This can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the court and whether you contested the ticket. If you paid the fine when ready, points may show within 2 to 3 weeks. If the case went to court, allow 4 to 6 weeks after the verdict.
Can I remove points by paying a higher fine?
No. Paying a fine does not reduce or remove points. Points are separate from fines — you pay the fine as a penalty, and points stay on your record for three years. The only ways to reduce points are to complete an approved defensive driving course before your court date or to wait three years for them to expire naturally.
What if I was found not guilty of a traffic violation?
If you were acquitted or the charge was dismissed, no points are added to your record. The violation does not appear on your driving record at all. If you were convicted but later had the conviction overturned on appeal, you can request that the points be removed by submitting documentation of the reversal to the SCDMV.
Do points from out-of-state violations count in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina participates in the Driver License Compact, which means violations from other states are reported to the SCDMV and added to your record. Points from an out-of-state ticket count toward your 12-point suspension threshold just as if you had received the ticket in South Carolina.
Can I check someone else's points on their license?
No. Driving records are private information. Only the license holder, their attorney, or someone with written permission from the license holder can check points. Insurance companies and employers can request records with your consent, but you cannot look up another person's points without authorization.