Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
In order to request a certified driving record, you can get a copy online, in person or by mail. If you would like to ask for an online drivers record, visit the SC Public Services website. The website will ask you to enter key information to identify yourself. For example, you will be asked to enter the following details:

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
In South Carolina, you may be granted the option to complete a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course in order to have up to four points removed from your driving record. You are required to take this defensive driving course in the state, and it will be completed in eight hours. If you would like to find out more, contact the South Carolina DMV.

If you have accumulated 12 or more points, your drivers license will be suspended. When you have six points on your record, you can expect to receive a warning letter in the mail.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
The state of South Carolina allows drivers to pay traffic tickets in person, by mail or online. In order to pay in person, you will have to contact the clerk of courts in the county which you were issued your citation. Refer to your ticket for instructions on how to send your payment by mail. You can also pay online by visiting South Carolina s state government website.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you have reason to believe that an unauthorized individual has gained access to your DMV driving record, contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at your earliest convenience. You can reach the department by calling 803-896-5000 during their regular business hours of Monday to Friday. Their hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. To reach them on Wednesdays, call between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
The state of South Carolina allows drivers to obtain an online driving record, in person or by mail. To complete this process online, you will need to visit the SC Public Services website. If you would like to make your request in person, make sure to bring your drivers license with you. Visit a nearby branch to get started.

By mail, send a completed Request for Driver Information to this address:

Alternative Media PO Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016 – 0035

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
In order to try and have your traffic ticket dismissed, you will need to fight it in court, either by representing yourself or with legal counsel. If you dispute your ticket in court, you will need to plead not guilty. A traffic ticket attorney will also be able to represent you on your court date and fight your citation for you. In some instances, you may have the option to take a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course to remove up to four points from your driving record.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
If you would like to obtain a copy of another person s SC driving record, authorized individuals can do so online, in person or by mail. If making your request by mail, you will need to fill out a Request for Driver Information and send it to the below address:

Alternative Media PO Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016 0035

To make your request in person, you must visit a nearby DMV branch and speak to a representative for further assistance.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
If you have an SC suspended drivers license as the result of a chemical test refusal, you will then face drivers license suspension for six months. In order for it to be established that you can legally drive again, you will first need to complete your suspension period. The terms of your suspension period will be noted on a letter you receive from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
The state of South Carolina allows drivers to remove up to four points from their driving record when they complete a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. This defensive driving school lasts eight hours and must be taken in the state. Points can only be reduced from your driving record once every three years. You can also consult the legal advice of a traffic ticket attorney to assist you with fighting your ticket.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
In South Carolina, if you accumulate 12 or more points on your record, your driver s license will be suspended. After a year has passed, points on your driving record will be reduced by half. In order to have your drivers license reinstated, you will need to abide by the rules and regulations as stated on your suspension summary. You will also be required to pay a reinstatement fee.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
In South Carolina, you can have up to four points removed from your record when you take a National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course. This defensive driving program must be completed in the state and lasts up to eight hours. You are only allowed to reduce your points once every three years. If you would like to learn more about the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course, contact the SC DMV at 803-896-5000.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
If you are unable to locate your parking ticket, contact the county or municipality that issued the ticket. They will be able to provide you further information and better assist you. To pay for your ticket, you will need to have payment readily available. The amount of time you have to pay for your citation will depend on the date in which it was issued.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
order to reinstate suspended drivers licenses, you will need to adhere to the requirements of your suspension summary. Some of these requirements may include the completion of an Alcohol Awareness Program, possible jail time, community service hours, fulfilling the length of your suspension period, and paying fees and fines. You will not be able to restore your driving privileges until all reinstatement requirements have been met.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

What are the different types of driving records?
The state of South Carolina offers two different driving records:
  • A three-year Driver Record
  • A 10-year Driver Record

You can also obtain either an official “certified” copy of your driving record or an unofficial version. If you are requesting a certified copy, your drivers record will be sent out to the address on file with the SC DMV. If your address recently changed, you must notify the DMV of your new residence.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
Your DUI penalties will depend on the type of offense you have committed. Below are a few of the most common examples by the SC DMV:
  • First DUI Offense: Six-month suspension period
  • Second DUI Offense: Indefinite suspension period

In addition to a suspension period, you may also need to abide by the following:

  • Complete an Alcohol Awareness Course
  • Complete jail time
  • Retake written knowledge exam
  • Retake road skills test

Once you have fulfilled your suspension requirements, you will be required to get SR22 insurance to have driving privileges reinstated.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
If you are a commercial driver in South Carolina, you are required by law to notify your employer of any traffic ticket conviction within a period of 30 days. If you want to dispute your traffic ticket, you or your legal counsel will need to attend your court hearing on the assigned date and plead not guilty.

In certain instances, you may even lose your driving privileges if you have been convicted of a serious offense, such as driving under the influence or refusing to take a chemical test.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

What information does a driving record contain?
A SC drivers record usually contains the following information:
  • The driver s name
  • The driver s license number
  • The status of the license
  • Violations and offenses
  • Car accidents

If you would like to request your driving record online, you will need to identify yourself with the information below:

  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Driver s license number
  • Issue date of driver s license number

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
In South Carolina, the cost for DUI convictions varies, depending on a number of factors. You may be required to pay high fines and penalties, in addition to a reinstatement fee. For each drivers license suspension, you will be ordered to pay a $100 reinstatement fee (may change without notice). Since 2011, the SC DMV has enacted a reinstatement fee payment program to allow drivers with a suspended driving license to pay necessary fees in portions.

To find out more about your specific case, contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles by calling 803-896-5000. You can also email them at: help@SCDMVonline.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
The cost of traffic ticket will depend on the type of citation you received. Certain violations, such as a speeding ticket, will carry higher fines than others to find out the exact amount owed, review the front and back of your citation. If you choose to pay after the assigned date, you will be charged a late fee. Your ticket will also contain information about how you can pay your SC traffic ticket fine in person or by mail.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The state of South Carolina charges a $6 fee to request a driving record. This cost is subject to change without notice. You can obtain a copy of your driving record in one of three ways:
  • Online
  • In person
  • By mail

If submitting your request by mail, you will need to send a Request for Driver Information to the address below:

Alternative Media PO Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29016 – 0035

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
If you are a South Carolina commercial driver convicted of a DUI/DWI, you will be required to notify your employer immediately. Your drivers license will be suspended, and you will need to adhere to the penalties and consequences of a CDL DUI. This will depend on the type of offense you have committed, and whether or not this was your first DUI violation.

Before you can have your CDL drivers license reinstated, you may need to complete an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP), and retake certain tests, such as the ones below:

  • A written knowledge exam
  • A road skills test

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
If you are a minor convicted of DUI, your license will be suspended for a lengthy amount of time. You will be required to surrender your license immediately and fulfill the terms of your license suspension period. If this is your second or subsequent DUI offense, you will then face a longer drivers license suspension.

To find out more about your case, contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles by calling 803-896-5000. You can also email them at: help@SCDMVonline

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
Before you can begin the process of a South Carolina suspended drivers license reinstatement, you must first complete your suspension period. The penalties and consequences that may arise due to your DUI will depend on the type of offense you have committed, and whether or not this was your first time. You will be required to surrender your drivers license for the length of your suspension.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
Drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence in South Carolina as a second or subsequent offense must have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in the vehicle. Drivers who are required to install an IID yet refuse to do so face drivers license suspension for a period of three years.

In order to find an ignition interlock device provider in your area, contact the SC DMV IID Program Manager at 803-734-9220. You can also reach the Manager by email when you write to: ignition@ppp.state.sc.us.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
For your convenience, South Carolina makes it easy to pay traffic tickets online through the official website of the state. To begin the process, you will need to have your case number ready, as well as the proper form of payment. Select the county or municipality where your citation was issued and follow the instructions on the screen. If you would like to pay for your ticket in person, visit the county clerk in your area.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
Any violation or offense you have committed in the state of South Carolina will be reflected on your driving record. However, in some instances, it may not show up immediately. If you would like to receive further information about your traffic ticket, contact the clerks office of the county in which you were issued your citation.

For more information: Your South Carolina Driving Record

Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
Depending on the type of citation you have received and whether or not you are fighting your ticket, you may have points added to your driving record. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your South Carolina drivers license will be suspended. You will receive a notice in the mail stating so. In order to restore your driving privileges, you will need to adhere to the terms of your suspension period.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
Depending on the type of citation you have received and whether or not you are fighting your ticket, you may have points added to your driving record. If you accumulate 12 or more points, your South Carolina drivers license will be suspended. You will receive a notice in the mail stating so. In order to restore your driving privileges, you will need to adhere to the terms of your suspension period.

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in South Carolina

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
In the state of South Carolina, if you are convicted of DWI, you will be required to take a mandatory Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP). You must take this course in order to either get a provisional license (a temporary license that allows driving to and from work, to and from school, and to and from any other authorized activity) or to reinstate your license.

If you would like to know how you can enroll, visit the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services website. You can also reach one of the ADSAP coordinators by phone when you call 803-896-5592 or 803-896-1158.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for South Carolina