How to Get a Copy of Your South Carolina Driving Record

How to request your South Carolina driving record

You can request your driving record from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The online method is fastest — you can receive your record within minutes. Mail requests take one to two weeks. In-person requests are processed the same day if you go during business hours.

Your driving record shows your license status, traffic violations, accidents you reported, points on your license, and suspensions or revocations. Insurance companies, employers, and courts often request these records. You can order a record for yourself or, with proper authorization, for someone else.

Key Takeaways

• The SCDMV offers three ways to request your record: online (fastest), by mail, or in person at a local office.
• Online requests cost $7 and are delivered instantly; mail and in-person requests cost $10 and take longer.
• You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to request your own record online.
• If you request a record for someone else, you must have their written permission and a valid reason recognized by South Carolina law.
• Your record shows traffic violations, accidents, points, and license status, but does not include sealed or expunged information.

Requesting your record online

The online method is the quickest option. Go to the SCDMV website and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your South Carolina driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using these details.

The cost is $7, paid by credit or debit card. Once you complete the transaction, your record downloads immediately as a PDF. You can print it, save it, or email it to whoever needs it. This method works for your own record only — you cannot order someone else's record online.

Requesting your record by mail

Complete the SCDMV's mail request form, which you can download from their website or request by phone. Include a check or money order for $10 payable to "SCDMV." Write your driver's license number on the check.

Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the SCDMV website. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the record returned by mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date SCDMV receives your request. If you need the record faster, use the online or in-person method instead.

Requesting your record in person

Visit any SCDMV office with your valid driver's license or state ID. Bring cash or a check for $10. Staff will process your request while you wait, and you will receive a printed copy before you leave. Office hours vary by location, so check the SCDMV website for the office nearest you and its hours.

In-person requests are useful if you need the record the same day or prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring only the documents listed above — you do not need to fill out a form in advance, though having one completed can speed up the process.

Requesting someone else's driving record

You can request another person's record only if you have their written permission and a valid reason. Valid reasons under South Carolina law include being an attorney, insurance company, employer, or other party with a legitimate legal or business interest. The person whose record you are requesting must sign a form authorizing the release.

Mail requests for third-party records require the authorization form, a check for $10, and a letter explaining your reason for the request. Send these to the SCDMV address on their website. You cannot order a third-party record online. Processing takes one to two weeks.

What information appears on your record

Your driving record includes your license status (valid, suspended, revoked, or expired), all traffic violations from the past three to five years, at-fault accidents you reported, points assessed for violations, and any license suspensions or revocations. The record also shows the dates these events occurred and the counties where they happened.

Your record does not include sealed or expunged information, criminal charges unrelated to driving, or violations dismissed by a court. If you believe your record contains an error, contact the SCDMV directly to request a correction. Bring documentation supporting the correction, such as a court order or police report.

Understanding points and violations on your record

South Carolina assigns points to certain traffic violations. Speeding, reckless driving, and failure to yield are common violations that add points. Accumulating too many points within a set time period triggers a license suspension. For example, 12 points in a three-year period results in a suspension.

Points remain on your record for three years from the violation date. Some violations, like DUI, stay longer. If you have received a suspension notice, your record will show the suspension dates and the reason. You can dispute points or violations by requesting a hearing with the SCDMV, but you must do so within a specific time frame after the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my record if I order online?

Your record downloads instantly after payment. You can print or save it immediately. There is no waiting period for online orders.

Can I get my record if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. Your record is available regardless of your license status. The record itself will show whether your license is currently suspended, revoked, or valid.

What if I need multiple copies of my record?

Order as many copies as you need. Each online order costs $7. If you order by mail or in person, you can request multiple certified copies for $10 per copy.

Does my record show parking tickets or traffic camera violations?

No. Your driving record shows only violations issued by law enforcement officers during traffic stops, plus accidents and license actions. Parking tickets and automated camera violations do not appear on your driving record.

How do I correct an error on my driving record?

Contact the SCDMV with documentation of the error, such as a court order dismissing a charge or a police report correcting details. The SCDMV will investigate and update your record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes two to four weeks.