What you need to do to get your license back after a DUI in South Carolina
After a DUI conviction in South Carolina, your license suspension is automatic. Getting it back requires you to complete a specific sequence: serve your suspension period, file paperwork with the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), pay reinstatement fees, and in most cases, obtain an SR22 insurance certificate. The exact steps depend on whether this is your first offense and how long your suspension lasts.
South Carolina does not allow you to drive during your suspension period, even with a restricted or work permit. You must wait out the full suspension before you can request reinstatement. The SCDMV will not process your reinstatement request until that time has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension begins when ready after a DUI conviction, and you cannot legally drive during this period under any circumstances in South Carolina.
- You must complete an alcohol and drug education program (ASAP or similar) before the SCDMV will consider reinstatement, even if the court did not order it.
- An SR22 form from your insurance company is required for reinstatement and must stay on file for three years after your license is restored.
- Reinstatement fees at the SCDMV are separate from court fines and insurance costs, and you must pay them in full before your license is restored.
- The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks after your suspension period ends, depending on how quickly you complete the education program and submit all documents.
How long your license stays suspended after a DUI
South Carolina suspension lengths depend on your offense history and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI offense with a test result carries a six-month suspension. If you refused the test, the suspension is one year. A second DUI within ten years brings a one-year suspension (or two years if you refused the test). A third or subsequent offense within ten years results in a two-year suspension (or three years if you refused).
These suspensions run from the date of your arrest, not the date of conviction. If you were arrested on January 15 and convicted on April 20, your suspension still began on January 15. You can request reinstatement once the full suspension period has passed, even if you are still in the appeals process.
The alcohol and drug education program requirement
Before the SCDMV will reinstate your license, you must complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Program (ASAP) or an equivalent program approved by South Carolina. This is not optional, even if the court did not order it as part of your sentence. The SCDMV requires proof of completion before processing any reinstatement request.
ASAP programs in South Carolina are run by private providers and cost between $300 and $500, depending on the provider and program length. The program typically involves classroom instruction, sometimes a video component, and a final assessment. You can find approved providers through the SCDMV website or by calling your local SCDMV office. Completion usually takes four to six weeks if you attend regularly.
You must bring your proof of completion (a certificate from the program provider) when you go to the SCDMV to request reinstatement. Without it, your request will be denied.
Getting an SR22 insurance certificate
An SR22 is a form your insurance company files with the SCDMV on your behalf. It certifies that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by South Carolina law. You cannot reinstate your license without one, and you must maintain it for three years after reinstatement.
To get an SR22, contact your current insurance company or a new one if you do not have coverage. Tell them you need an SR22 filed with the SCDMV. They will file it electronically, usually within one business day. There is typically a small fee ($15 to $25) to file the SR22, separate from your insurance premium.
Your insurance rates will increase after a DUI. How much depends on your age, driving history, and the insurance company, but expect your premium to rise significantly. Some insurers will not cover drivers with recent DUI convictions; if your current company drops you, you may need to shop for high-risk insurance, which costs more but is still required for the SR22.
Steps to request reinstatement at the SCDMV
Once your suspension period has ended, you have completed ASAP, and you have your SR22 on file, you are ready to request reinstatement. You must go in person to an SCDMV office; you cannot do this by mail or online.
Bring your driver's license (even though it is suspended), proof of ASAP completion, proof of your SR22 filing (your insurance company can provide this), and a valid form of identification. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee, which is $100 for a first DUI offense. Bring a check or money order; not all SCDMV offices accept credit cards.
At the office, tell the clerk you are requesting reinstatement after a DUI suspension. They will verify that your suspension period has ended, check that your SR22 is on file, and confirm your ASAP completion. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement on the spot. Your license will be restored when ready, and you can drive legally that day.
What happens if you drive before reinstatement is complete
Driving with a suspended license in South Carolina is a separate criminal offense. A first offense carries a fine of $100 to $200 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years brings a fine of $200 to $300 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years results in a fine of $300 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
These penalties stack on top of your original DUI conviction. If you are caught driving during your suspension, you will face new charges, and your license suspension will be extended. Do not drive until the SCDMV has officially restored your license.
Maintaining your SR22 after reinstatement
After your license is reinstated, your SR22 must stay on file for three years. If your insurance company cancels your policy or you switch insurers, your new company must file a new SR22 when ready. If your SR22 lapses even for one day, the SCDMV will suspend your license again.
Contact your insurance company before making any changes to your policy. If you are switching companies, ask the new company to file the SR22 before your old policy ends. Keep a copy of your SR22 filing confirmation in your car and at home. If you are ever pulled over, you can show it to the officer as proof that you are in compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a restricted license to drive to work during my suspension?
No. South Carolina does not issue restricted licenses or work permits for DUI suspensions. You cannot legally drive for any reason during your suspension period, including to work, school, or medical appointments. You must use other transportation or wait until reinstatement.
What if I move out of South Carolina before my suspension ends?
Your South Carolina suspension follows you. If you move to another state, that state will recognize your South Carolina suspension and will not issue you a license until it ends. You must complete reinstatement in South Carolina before you can get a license in your new state.
Do I have to take ASAP if the court did not order it?
Yes. The SCDMV requires ASAP completion for all DUI reinstatements, regardless of what the court ordered. This is a separate requirement from your court sentence. You cannot skip it or substitute a different program.
How much will my insurance cost after a DUI?
Insurance costs vary widely by company, age, and driving history. Most drivers see their premiums increase by 50 to 100 percent or more. Some companies charge $2,000 to $4,000 per year for high-risk coverage, but rates differ significantly. Get quotes from multiple insurers to compare.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The SCDMV does not waive reinstatement fees. You must pay the full $100 to restore your license. If you are facing financial hardship, contact your local SCDMV office to ask whether payment plans are available, though this is not may provide.