What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate your South Carolina driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the SCDMV requires for that reason. The process is different depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another cause. You cannot straightforward renew your license — you must go through reinstatement, which involves paying a reinstatement fee, submitting required documents, and sometimes waiting for approval before you can drive legally again.
The SCDMV will not reinstate your license until you have resolved the underlying issue. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid court fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete a substance abuse program. Once you have done what is required, you contact the SCDMV to begin the reinstatement process.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do before reinstatement — unpaid fines, DUI programs, and child support arrears each have different requirements.
- The SCDMV reinstatement fee is $100, plus any other fees tied to your specific suspension reason.
- You can check your suspension reason and reinstatement requirements by calling the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 or visiting an SCDMV office in person.
- After you complete all requirements and pay the reinstatement fee, the SCDMV processes your request, which typically takes one to two weeks.
- You must have a valid form of identification and proof that you have resolved the issue causing the suspension before you can complete reinstatement.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. The SCDMV suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one requires different steps to fix. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.
Call the SCDMV Customer Service line at 803-896-5000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The representative will tell you the reason for your suspension and what you must do to fix it. You can also visit an SCDMV office in person and ask for this information — staff can print out a document showing your suspension details.
Write down or take a photo of the reason and any specific requirements the SCDMV gives you. This information is what you will need to gather documents and complete the next steps.
Complete the requirements for your suspension reason
Once you know why your license was suspended, you must complete the action required before the SCDMV will reinstate it. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket or citation. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out the exact amount and how to pay — you can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.
If your suspension was for a DUI conviction, you must complete a substance abuse program approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The SCDMV will tell you which programs are approved in your area. You will receive a certificate of completion from the program, which you must bring with you when you explore for reinstatement.
If your suspension was for failure to pay child support, contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services or the family court that handles your case. You will need to bring your account current or set up a payment plan. If your suspension was for failure to maintain auto insurance, you must purchase a policy and provide proof to the SCDMV. If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may need to complete a defensive driving course — the SCDMV can tell you if this is required.
Gather the documents you will need
The SCDMV requires certain documents for reinstatement, and the exact list depends on your suspension reason. You will always need a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card) and proof that you have resolved the issue that caused the suspension.
If you paid court fines, bring a receipt or court documentation showing the payment. If you completed a substance abuse program, bring the certificate of completion. If you brought your child support current, bring documentation from the Department of Social Services. If you purchased auto insurance, bring a copy of your insurance card or policy. Keep these documents with you when you go to the SCDMV office or submit your reinstatement request.
Pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request
The SCDMV reinstatement fee is $100. You can pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request. You have two options: visit an SCDMV office in person, or mail your request and documents to the SCDMV.
To reinstate in person, find your nearest SCDMV office using the office locator on the SCDMV website (scdmvonline.com). Bring your valid identification, proof that you have resolved the suspension issue, and $100 in cash or a check or card (payment methods vary by office, so call ahead to confirm). An SCDMV representative will review your documents, process your reinstatement, and issue you a new license on the spot if everything is in order.
To reinstate by mail, contact the SCDMV to request a reinstatement process form, or read it from scdmvonline.com. Fill out the form completely, include copies of your documents showing you have resolved the issue, and include a check or money order for $100 made payable to "SCDMV". Mail the package to the SCDMV address provided on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your reinstatement request, the SCDMV reviews your documents to confirm that you have completed all requirements. If everything is correct, your license is reinstated and you receive a new license card in the mail (if you applied by mail) or on the spot (if you applied in person). Your driving privileges are restored as soon as your license is reinstated.
If the SCDMV finds that your documents are incomplete or that you have not fully resolved the suspension issue, they will contact you to ask for more information or additional steps. This is why it is important to make sure you have completed every requirement before you submit your request. If you are unsure whether you have done everything required, call the SCDMV before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you reinstate in person at an SCDMV office, you receive your new license the same day. If you mail your request, processing typically takes one to two weeks, and you will receive your new license by mail after that.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in South Carolina, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. You must wait until your license is officially reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot pay the full amount owed for my fines right away?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have set up a plan and made the first payment, contact the SCDMV to ask whether you can proceed with reinstatement while you finish paying.
Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a new written or driving test. You only need to complete the requirements specific to your suspension reason and pay the reinstatement fee.
What if my license was suspended for multiple reasons?
You must resolve all suspension reasons before the SCDMV will reinstate your license. Call the SCDMV to find out each reason and what is required for each one, then complete all steps before you submit your reinstatement request.