Three ways to check your SC license suspension status right now
You can find out whether your South Carolina driver's license is suspended through the SCDMV website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. The fastest method is the online check, which takes about two minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth. The SCDMV does not charge a fee to look up your status.
South Carolina suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, failure to appear in court, drug convictions, and other violations. A suspension means you cannot legally drive; it is different from a revocation (which is permanent) or a restriction (which limits when or where you can drive). Knowing your status before you get behind the wheel protects you from driving with a suspended license, which carries criminal penalties in South Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- The SCDMV online license check at scdmvonline.com is the fastest way to confirm suspension status and requires only your license number and date of birth.
- You can also call the SCDMV Customer Service line at 803-896-5000 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to speak with a representative.
- Visiting a local DMV office in person allows you to ask follow-up questions about why your license was suspended and what steps restore it.
- If your license is suspended, the reason code on your record tells you which agency caused the suspension and what you must do to clear it.
- Driving on a suspended license in South Carolina is a criminal offense that can result in fines, jail time, and further license penalties.
Using the SCDMV online license check
Go to scdmvonline.com and select "License Status Check" from the menu. You will see a form asking for your South Carolina driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license, then click the search button.
The system will display your license status within seconds. If your license is active, the page will say so. If it is suspended, you will see the suspension reason code and the date the suspension began. Write down the reason code — it tells you which agency placed the suspension (for example, code "FTA" means failure to appear in court; code "CS" means child support). The reason code is the key to knowing what you must do next.
The online check works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to create an account or log in. If the system cannot find your record, double-check that you entered your license number and date of birth with no typos.
Calling the SCDMV customer service line
Phone the SCDMV 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 and date of birth ready when you call. A representative will look up your status and tell you whether your license is suspended.
The phone line is useful if you want to ask why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. The representative can explain the reason code and direct you to the right agency — for instance, if your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, they can tell you which court holds your case and how much you owe. Call times can be long during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon), so consider calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Checking your status in person at a DMV office
Walk into any South Carolina DMV office with your driver's license or state ID. Tell the staff member at the front desk that you want to check your license status. They will look it up in the system and print a status report for you, which shows whether your license is suspended and the reason.
An in-person visit is the best choice if you have questions about your suspension or need help understanding what you must do to restore your license. DMV staff can explain the reason code, tell you which agency to contact, and sometimes provide phone numbers or addresses. Bring a second form of ID if possible (such as a passport or birth certificate), though a driver's license alone is usually enough. Check the SCDMV website for office hours and locations near you, as hours vary by location.
Understanding suspension reason codes
When you check your status, the system shows a two-letter or three-letter code that explains why your license was suspended. Each code points to a different agency or violation. Here are the most common codes you may see:
| Reason Code | Meaning | What You Must Do |
|---|---|---|
| FTA | Failure to appear in court | Contact the court listed in your record, resolve the case, and request a court order lifting the suspension. |
| CS | Child support arrears | Contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services or your child support enforcement office to pay arrears or arrange a payment plan. |
| FTR | Failure to respond to a traffic citation | Contact the court that issued the citation, pay any fines, and request the suspension be lifted. |
| DUI | Driving under the influence conviction | Complete DUI school, pay fines, and wait out the mandatory suspension period (usually 6 months to 3 years depending on offense). |
| MED | Medical or physical condition | Obtain a medical clearance from a doctor, submit it to the SCDMV, and request reinstatement. |
If your reason code is not listed here, call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 and ask a representative to explain what it means and which agency you need to contact. Do not assume your suspension will lift on its own — most suspensions require you to take action.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license in South Carolina
Driving with a suspended license in South Carolina is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100 to $200 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $200 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years is a felony with a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to three years in prison.
Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license also extends your suspension period. The SCDMV may add additional months or years to your suspension, and you may face higher reinstatement fees. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded, and you will lose the right to drive it until the suspension is cleared.
Steps to restore your license after suspension
Once you have checked your status and learned the reason for your suspension, the next step depends on the cause. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the court or traffic authority. If it is due to child support arrears, you must contact your child support enforcement office and either pay in full or set up a payment plan. If it is due to a DUI, you must complete a DUI education program and wait out the mandatory suspension period.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the SCDMV to request reinstatement. You may need to submit proof of payment, a court order, or a medical clearance, depending on the reason for suspension. The SCDMV will review your request and, if everything is in order, lift the suspension. Some reinstatement requests can be handled online through scdmvonline.com; others require a visit to a DMV office or a phone call to customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension stay on my record?
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Traffic-related suspensions may last 30 days to one year. DUI suspensions typically last 6 months to 3 years. Child support suspensions remain in place until arrears are paid. Once you resolve the underlying issue and the suspension is lifted, it no longer prevents you from driving, though the record of the suspension may remain in your DMV file.
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 due to a medical condition, you may be able to obtain a medical clearance and request reinstatement. For DUI suspensions, you may be may be able to access for a work permit after serving part of the suspension period — contact the SCDMV for details on your specific situation.
What if the online check says my license is active but I was told it was suspended?
The SCDMV database updates daily but not in real time. If you were recently notified of a suspension, it may take 24 to 48 hours to appear in the online system. Call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 to confirm your current status with a representative, or visit a DMV office in person for an when ready answer.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my license after suspension?
Yes. South Carolina charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on the reason for suspension. Traffic-related reinstatements typically cost $100 to $150. DUI reinstatements cost more. Ask the SCDMV or the agency handling your case what the exact fee is before you submit your reinstatement request.