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How to Get Your Driver's License Back After a DUI in South Carolina

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to do to reinstate your license after a DUI

After a DUI conviction in South Carolina, your driver's license is suspended automatically. To drive legally again, you must complete several specific steps in order: serve your suspension period, pay reinstatement fees, show proof of insurance, and in most cases complete a substance abuse program. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will not reinstate your license until all requirements are met.

The length of your suspension depends on whether this is your first offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first offense typically means a six-month suspension; a second offense within ten years means a two-year suspension. If you refused the test, add an extra six months to your suspension period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your suspension begins on the date of your arrest, not the date of conviction, so you may have already served part of it.
  • You must complete a Substance Abuse Program (SAP) before reinstatement, which costs money and takes several weeks.
  • You will need an SR-22 insurance form from your insurance company, which proves you carry the minimum required coverage.
  • The SCDMV reinstatement fee is separate from any court fines and must be paid before your license is restored.
  • You can apply for a Provisional License (also called a Restricted License) during your suspension if you meet specific work or medical needs.

How long your license stays suspended

Your suspension period starts on the date of your arrest, not the date you are convicted. If you were arrested three months ago and convicted last month, you have already served three months of your suspension. Check the paperwork from your arrest or call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 to confirm your suspension start date.

A first DUI offense in South Carolina carries a six-month suspension. If you refused the breath or blood test, add six additional months, making it one year total. A second offense within ten years carries a two-year suspension; a third or subsequent offense carries a three-year suspension. These periods do not change based on the outcome of your case — the suspension is automatic once you are arrested.

The Substance Abuse Program requirement

Before the SCDMV will reinstate your license, you must complete a Substance Abuse Program (SAP). This is a state-mandated course, not optional. The program typically runs for eight hours and covers alcohol and drug education, the effects of impaired driving, and risk assessment. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you must submit to the SCDMV.

SAP courses are offered by approved providers throughout South Carolina. You can find a list of providers on the SCDMV website or by calling 803-896-5000. The cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $100 to $300. You must complete the program before your suspension ends, not after. If you complete it after your suspension period has ended, you will still need to submit the certificate to the SCDMV before reinstatement.

Getting an SR-22 insurance form

An SR-22 is a form that proves to the state you are carrying the minimum required auto insurance. After a DUI, South Carolina requires you to maintain an SR-22 for three years from the date of your conviction. You cannot get your license back without one.

Contact your current insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. If you do not have insurance, you will need to purchase a policy first, then request the SR-22. The form is filed directly with the SCDMV by your insurance company — you do not file it yourself. There is usually no extra cost for the SR-22 form itself, but your insurance rates will likely increase. Keep proof that your SR-22 has been filed; you may need to show it when you apply for reinstatement.

Paying the reinstatement fee and applying for restoration

Once your suspension period has ended, you have completed your SAP course, and your SR-22 is on file, you can apply for reinstatement. The SCDMV charges a reinstatement fee of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. This fee is separate from any court fines you owe.

You can apply for reinstatement in person at any SCDMV office or by mail. If applying in person, bring your driver's license, proof of SAP completion, and payment for the reinstatement fee. If applying by mail, send the same documents to the SCDMV address listed on their website. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you will receive your reinstated license by mail or can pick it up at an SCDMV office.

Applying for a Provisional License during suspension

If you need to drive before your suspension ends, you may be able to get a Provisional License (also called a Restricted License). This allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, but not for other purposes. You can apply for a Provisional License only after you have served at least 30 days of your suspension.

To apply, you must show the SCDMV that you have a legitimate need to drive and that you have enrolled in or completed your SAP course. You will also need an SR-22 on file. The Provisional License costs $50 and is valid for the remainder of your suspension period. When your full suspension ends and you have met all reinstatement requirements, you can apply for full license restoration.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

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 carries a fine of $200 to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. These penalties are in addition to any penalties from your original DUI case.

If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may face additional charges. Even if you have applied for a Provisional License, you can only drive for the specific purposes listed on that license. Driving for any other reason is a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license back before my suspension ends?

Only if you obtain a Provisional License, which allows limited driving after 30 days of suspension. You must show a legitimate need (work, school, medical, or court-ordered programs) and have your SAP course underway. Full reinstatement requires you to complete your entire suspension period.

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 still complete all South Carolina requirements before you can drive legally anywhere.

Do I have to pay court fines before I can get my license back?

Court fines and SCDMV reinstatement fees are separate. You do not have to pay court fines to get your license reinstated, but you are still legally required to pay them. The SCDMV only requires the reinstatement fee, SAP completion, and SR-22 proof.

How long does the SAP course take?

The course is typically eight hours long and can usually be completed in one or two days, depending on the provider. Some providers offer weekend or evening classes. You must complete it before your suspension ends, so plan ahead — courses sometimes have waiting lists.

What if I fail the SAP course?

If you do not pass the course, you can retake it with the same or a different provider. Failure does not extend your suspension period, but you cannot be reinstated until you complete it successfully. Contact the provider about retesting options.