How to learn about your South Carolina license is suspended
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) maintains a record of every suspended license in the state. You can check your own license status in three ways: online through the SCDMV website, by phone, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest and available 24 hours a day.
To check online, go to scdmv.org and look for the "License Status" or "Check Your Driving Record" option on the homepage. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked, and in most cases will show the reason for suspension.
If you prefer to call, contact the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Have your license number ready. You can also visit any SCDMV office in person with your ID, though this takes longer and requires travel time.
Key Takeaways
- The SCDMV online portal at scdmv.org shows your license status when ready and is available around the clock.
- A suspension means you cannot legally drive; the reason for suspension determines what steps you must take to restore your license.
- Common suspension reasons in South Carolina include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, DUI convictions, and accumulation of points from traffic violations.
- Restoring a suspended license usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or SCDMV.
What the online status check will tell you
When you check your license status online, the system returns one of three results: active, suspended, or revoked. If your license is suspended, the screen will display the reason code and, in most cases, a brief explanation of why the suspension was issued.
South Carolina suspensions fall into several categories. A financial suspension means you owe unpaid traffic fines or court costs. A points suspension occurs when you accumulate too many points from traffic violations within a set time period. A court-ordered suspension results from a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or failure to appear in court. A child support suspension is issued when you fall behind on court-ordered child support payments.
Write down the reason code and any reference number shown on the screen. You will need this information when you contact the SCDMV or the court to find out what you must do to restore your license.
Understanding suspension versus revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you meet the conditions set by the court or SCDMV, your license can be restored. A revocation is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process, which typically takes longer and may require a new written test or driving test.
If the status check shows your license is revoked rather than suspended, you will need to contact the SCDMV directly to learn the reinstatement requirements. Revocations usually result from serious violations such as multiple DUI convictions or driving with a suspended license.
What to do after you find out your license is suspended
Once you know the reason for suspension, your next step depends on the type. For a financial suspension, contact the court that issued the fine or the SCDMV to find out the exact amount owed and payment methods. Many courts accept online payment through their websites or by phone.
For a points suspension, you cannot straightforward pay a fee to restore your license. Instead, you must wait out the suspension period (which varies by the number of points) or take a defensive driving course, which may shorten the suspension. The SCDMV website lists approved courses.
For a court-ordered suspension from a DUI or other criminal charge, you must complete all court-ordered requirements, which may include fines, community service, substance abuse treatment, or an ignition interlock device. Contact the court that handled your case to confirm what you still owe.
For a child support suspension, contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services or the court that ordered the support. You will need to bring your support payments current or arrange a payment plan.
Restoring your license after suspension ends
After you have met all the conditions for your suspension, your license does not automatically restore. You must request reinstatement from the SCDMV. Go to scdmv.org, find the reinstatement request form, and submit it along with proof that you have satisfied all requirements (such as a receipt showing fines paid or a certificate of course completion).
You can also request reinstatement by mail or in person at an SCDMV office. Mail your request to the address listed on the SCDMV website along with supporting documents. Processing by mail takes longer than online submission, usually 5 to 10 business days.
Some suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to any fines or court costs. The fee amount varies by suspension type. Ask the SCDMV or court whether a reinstatement fee applies to your case.
Driving on a suspended license in South Carolina
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in South Carolina and carries serious consequences. A first offense can result in a fine of $100 to $200 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years increases the penalty to a fine of $200 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years can mean a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension period and may result in revocation instead of suspension. It also creates a new criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and insurance rates. Do not drive until your license is restored.
If you cannot find your license status online
If the online system does not return a result or shows an error, your license number or date of birth may have been entered incorrectly. Double-check both pieces of information and try again. Make sure you are using your current driver's license number, not an old one.
If you still cannot access your status, call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 during business hours. Have your full name, date of birth, and license number ready. The staff can look up your record manually and explain your suspension status over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last in South Carolina?
The length depends on the reason. A points suspension typically lasts 6 months to 1 year. A financial suspension ends once you pay what you owe. A court-ordered suspension from a DUI can last 6 months to several years depending on the conviction. Contact the SCDMV or the court that issued the suspension for the exact duration.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
South Carolina does not issue hardship or restricted licenses for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for unpaid child support, you may request a work permit that allows you to drive only to and from your job. Contact the Department of Social Services to ask whether you may have access to.
Will my insurance company know my license is suspended?
Yes. Insurance companies check license status regularly. If you are caught driving on a suspended license, your insurer will likely cancel your policy. Even after your license is restored, you may face higher rates or difficulty finding coverage.
What if I moved out of South Carolina after my license was suspended?
Your South Carolina suspension remains on record regardless of where you live. If you move to another state and obtain a license there, most states will discover the suspension through the National Driver Register and may refuse to issue you a new license or will suspend it. You should resolve the South Carolina suspension before moving.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online status check requires your own license number and date of birth for privacy reasons. Only the license holder, law enforcement, and the courts can access another person's driving record without their permission.