The Reinstatement Fee Amount and What It Covers
South Carolina charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore a suspended driver's license. This is a flat fee set by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and does not vary based on the reason for suspension or how long your license has been suspended.
The $100 fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement request and restoring your driving privileges. It is separate from any other fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe related to the reason your license was suspended in the first place. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, you must pay both the ticket fines and the $100 reinstatement fee.
You cannot reinstate your license until all other financial obligations tied to the suspension are resolved. SCDMV will not process your reinstatement request if outstanding court fines, child support arrears, or other court-ordered payments remain unpaid.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina's reinstatement fee is a flat $100, regardless of why your license was suspended or for how long.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or restitution you owe for the underlying violation.
- You must resolve all other financial obligations before SCDMV will process your reinstatement.
- Payment methods include in-person at an SCDMV office, by mail, or online through the SCDMV website.
- After you pay the fee and meet all other requirements, reinstatement typically takes one to two business days.
When the Reinstatement Fee Is Required
The $100 fee applies to almost all suspension types in South Carolina. Common reasons for suspension that require this fee include suspension for unpaid traffic tickets, driving under suspension, failure to pay child support, failure to maintain auto insurance, and administrative suspensions related to drug convictions.
The one exception is a suspension due to a medical or vision issue. If SCDMV suspended your license because you failed a vision test or reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you do not pay a reinstatement fee. Instead, you must pass a new vision test or provide medical clearance from your doctor, and reinstatement is free.
If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact SCDMV directly at 803-896-5000 or check your suspension notice. The notice will state the reason and whether the $100 fee applies.
How to Pay the Reinstatement Fee
You have three ways to pay the $100 reinstatement fee in South Carolina.
In person at an SCDMV office: Visit any SCDMV branch with your driver's license or ID and payment method. SCDMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your suspension notice if you have it. Processing takes a few minutes, and you will receive a receipt. Your license will be reinstated within one to two business days, and you can check the status online or by phone.
By mail: Send a check or money order for $100 payable to "SCDMV" along with a copy of your suspension notice to the SCDMV office. Include a note with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. Mail to: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Bluffton, SC 29910. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after SCDMV receives your payment.
Online through the SCDMV website: Visit the SCDMV online services portal at scdmvonline.com. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. Select the reinstatement option, pay the $100 fee by debit or credit card, and submit. Online reinstatement typically processes within one to two business days.
Other Costs You May Owe Before Reinstatement
The $100 reinstatement fee is only one cost. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may owe additional money before SCDMV will process your reinstatement.
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic tickets or court fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court. Contact the traffic court in the county where the ticket was issued to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
If your suspension is tied to child support arrears, you must contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services or the court that issued the child support order. They will tell you the amount owed and accept payment. Only after the arrears are paid will SCDMV process your reinstatement.
If your suspension is for failure to maintain auto insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance coverage to SCDMV. This is not a fee but a requirement. Once you show proof of insurance, you can then pay the $100 reinstatement fee.
Timeline From Payment to Driving Again
After you pay the $100 reinstatement fee and meet all other requirements, the timeline depends on how you pay.
If you pay in person at an SCDMV office, your reinstatement is usually processed within one to two business days. You can drive when ready after SCDMV confirms reinstatement, which you can check online or by calling 803-896-5000.
If you pay online through scdmvonline.com, reinstatement typically takes one to two business days as well. You will receive an email confirmation when your payment is received, and another when your license is reinstated.
If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for SCDMV to receive and process your check or money order. During this time, your license remains suspended. Once processed, you will receive written confirmation by mail.
Do not drive until SCDMV confirms your reinstatement. Driving on a suspended license in South Carolina is a criminal offense that can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
What Happens If You Cannot Pay the Fee Right Away
South Carolina does not offer a payment plan for the $100 reinstatement fee. The full amount must be paid before your license can be reinstated.
If you cannot pay the fee when ready, you have limited options. Some traffic courts may allow you to set up a payment plan for the underlying fines, and once those are paid, you can then pay the $100 reinstatement fee. Contact the court that issued your ticket to ask about this possibility.
If your suspension is due to child support arrears, the Department of Social Services may negotiate a payment arrangement. Contact them at 1-800-454-6720 to discuss your situation.
Until you pay the $100 fee and resolve any other obligations, your license will remain suspended and you cannot legally drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary driving permit while my license is suspended?
South Carolina does not issue temporary driving permits for suspended licenses. You must wait until your license is fully reinstated before you can drive legally. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact the court that suspended your license to ask about a hardship license, which is a limited permit available in some cases.
Do I have to go to an SCDMV office in person to pay the reinstatement fee?
No. You can pay by mail or online through scdmvonline.com. In-person payment is fastest if you need your license reinstated quickly, but online and mail payment are valid options.
What if I paid the reinstatement fee but my license still shows as suspended?
Check your payment confirmation to confirm SCDMV received it. If you paid in person or online, reinstatement takes one to two business days. If you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. You can verify your license status online at scdmvonline.com or by calling 803-896-5000. If more than the expected time has passed, contact SCDMV directly.
Is the $100 reinstatement fee refundable if I don't reinstate my license?
No. Once you pay the $100 fee, it is not refundable. If you change your mind about reinstating your license, the fee is forfeited.
Do I need to renew my license after I pay the reinstatement fee?
No. Paying the reinstatement fee restores your current license to active status. You do not need to renew it unless your license is already expired or expiring soon. Check your license expiration date after reinstatement.