How to Reinstate Your South Carolina Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Get Your South Carolina License Back

To reinstate your South Carolina driver's license, you must contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), pay any reinstatement fees, and meet the specific requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. The process differs depending on whether you lost your license for unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, points accumulation, or another reason — and some routes require you to visit an SCDMV office in person, while others can be handled by phone or mail.

The first step is always the same: find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked. SCDMV will not reinstate you until that underlying issue is resolved. If you do not know the reason, you can call SCDMV at 803-896-5000 or visit an office to get a printout of your driving record.

Key Takeaways

Your license suspension reason determines what you must do before SCDMV will reinstate it — unpaid fines, DUI requirements, and points accumulation each have different paths.
You must pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions) before your license is restored, even if you have already resolved the underlying issue.
Some reinstatements require an in-person visit to an SCDMV office with proof of resolution; others can be completed by phone or mail depending on the suspension type.
If your license was suspended for DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.

Suspension for Unpaid Traffic Fines or Court Costs

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket, court fine, or court cost, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. SCDMV cannot reinstate your license until the court confirms payment. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice to find out the exact amount and payment methods — many courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person.

Once the court confirms you have paid, SCDMV will receive notification. You can then pay the $100 reinstatement fee to SCDMV by phone (803-896-5000), online through the SCDMV website, or in person at any SCDMV office. Your license will be restored once both payments are complete and processed.

Suspension for DUI or Refusal to Take a Breath Test

A DUI suspension or refusal suspension is more complex than other suspension types. Before SCDMV will reinstate your license, you must complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Program (ADSP) approved by the state. This is a classroom-based education course, not an online program. You will need to find an approved provider, enroll, attend in person, and receive a certificate of completion.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device measures your breath alcohol level before the car will start. If your suspension was for a first DUI offense, you typically need the device for six months. For a second or subsequent offense, the requirement is longer. You must have the device installed before you can reinstate your license, and you must maintain it for the full required period.

After completing the ADSP course and installing the interlock device (if required), you must pay the reinstatement fee and submit your certificate of completion to SCDMV. You can do this in person at an SCDMV office or by mail. SCDMV will verify your course completion and device installation before restoring your license.

Suspension for Accumulating Too Many Points

If your license was suspended because you accumulated 12 or more points on your driving record within a three-year period, the suspension is automatic. You cannot drive during the suspension period, which is typically 6 months for a first suspension, 12 months for a second, and 24 months for a third or subsequent suspension.

You do not need to complete a course or resolve a fine to reinstate after a points suspension — you straightforward wait out the suspension period and then pay the $100 reinstatement fee. Once the suspension period has ended, contact SCDMV by phone or visit an office to pay the fee and request reinstatement. Your license will be restored when ready upon payment.

Suspension for Failure to Pay Child Support or Other Court-Ordered Obligations

If your license was suspended because you failed to pay child support, alimony, or other court-ordered financial obligations, you must work with the agency or court that issued the suspension. Contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services (for child support) or the court that ordered the suspension to find out what payment or arrangement is required.

Once you have made the required payment or reached an agreement with the agency, they will notify SCDMV that the suspension can be lifted. You will then need to pay the $100 reinstatement fee to SCDMV. Your license will be restored once SCDMV receives confirmation from the agency and processes your reinstatement fee.

How to Pay the Reinstatement Fee and Complete the Process

After you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension, you must pay the reinstatement fee to SCDMV. The fee is currently $100 for most suspension types, though some specialized suspensions may have different fees. You have three ways to pay:

Online: Visit the SCDMV website and use their online payment system. You will need your driver's license number and the reason code for your suspension.
By phone: Call SCDMV at 803-896-5000 during business hours. A representative will take your payment information and process your reinstatement.
In person: Visit any SCDMV office with your ID and proof that you have resolved the suspension issue. Bring any required documents (court payment receipt, ADSP certificate, child support agreement, etc.).

Processing times vary. If you pay online or by phone, your license is typically restored within one to three business days. If you pay in person, reinstatement may be when ready, but bring all required documentation to avoid delays.

What Documents to Bring If You Visit an SCDMV Office

If you choose to reinstate in person, bring your current ID and any documents that prove you have resolved the suspension issue. The specific documents depend on your suspension reason:

Unpaid fines: Court payment receipt or letter from the court confirming payment.
DUI suspension: Certificate of completion from your ADSP course and proof of ignition interlock installation (if required).
Points suspension: Just your ID; no additional documents are needed once the suspension period has ended.
Child support or court-ordered obligation: Letter or notice from the agency confirming the obligation has been satisfied or an agreement is in place.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photographs or scans. SCDMV staff will verify your documents before processing your reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reinstate my license after I pay the fee?

If you pay online or by phone, reinstatement typically takes one to three business days. If you pay in person at an SCDMV office with all required documents, your license may be restored the same day. Processing times can be longer during busy periods or if SCDMV needs to verify information with another agency.

Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?

No. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is illegal in South Carolina and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and jail time. You must wait until SCDMV confirms your reinstatement before you drive.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

SCDMV does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension was due to unpaid court fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court itself. Contact the court that issued your citation to ask about options. You will still need to pay the $100 SCDMV reinstatement fee in full once the court debt is resolved.

Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?

No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. Your original license remains valid once the suspension is lifted. The only exception is if your license has expired during the suspension period — in that case, you will need to renew it, which may include a vision test but not a written or road test.

What if I do not know why my license was suspended?

Call SCDMV at 803-896-5000 or visit an office in person with your ID. Staff can pull up your driving record and tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you need to do to resolve it. You can also request a written copy of your record to take home.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.