Regaining your driving privileges in South Carolina is a multi-step process that requires more than just waiting for a calendar date to pass. You must clear all legal hurdles, satisfy SCDMV-specific requirements, and settle state fees. In 2026, the state has fully transitioned to the dmv.sc.gov portal, making it easier to manage your reinstatement online, provided you have met your court-ordered obligations.
This guide provides the 2026 requirements, updated fee structures, and the exact sequence of actions needed to restore your license.
Step 1: Verify Your Reinstatement Eligibility and License Points
The SCDMV will not process your restoration until you have served the full duration of your suspension and cleared any “holds” from the court. Your first step should be to check points on your license in SC to verify your current status.
2026 SCDMV Statutory Reinstatement Fee Schedule
As of January 1, 2026, the SCDMV has updated its fee structure. While the standard reinstatement fee remains $100 for most violations, specific offenses carry much higher penalties.
| Reason for Suspension | Statutory Reinstatement Fee | Additional Requirements |
| Standard (Points/Failure to Pay) | $100.00 | Compliance form (DL-53) from the court. |
| Uninsured Motorist (Section 56-10-520) | $700.00 | Effective Jan 2026; requires SR-22 filing. |
| DUI / Alcohol Offense | $100.00 | Mandatory ADSAP enrollment and possible IID. |
| Out-of-State Conviction | $100.00 | Clearance from the home state’s DMV. |
Step 2: How to Reinstate Your Suspended SC License Online
If your suspension was for a simple points accumulation or a cleared traffic ticket, you can likely reinstate your suspended license in SC through the state’s digital portal without visiting an office.
- Step 1: Visit the SCDMV Online Reinstatement Portal.
- Step 2: Enter your license number, SSN, and date of birth.
- Step 3: Upload any required documents, such as the Form DL-53 (if your suspension was for a ticket).
- Step 4: Pay your fees using a credit or debit card.
- Step 5: Verify your address. If you have moved, you must perform a South Carolina DMV address change before your new physical license is mailed.
Restricted Driving Permits: TAL, Provisional, and Route Restricted Licenses
If your license was suspended for a DUI or an “implied consent” violation (refusing a breathalyzer), you may be eligible to drive during your suspension period under specific conditions.
- Temporary Alcohol License (TAL): If you have requested an administrative hearing to challenge your suspension, you can pay $100 to get a TAL. This allows you to drive until the date of your hearing.
- Provisional License: For first-offense DUI convictions where your BAC was .14% or less, you may be eligible for a six-month provisional license. You must enroll in ADSAP and provide an SR-22 insurance certificate (required for 3 years).
- Route Restricted License: Available once in a lifetime for certain alcohol violations. It limits your driving strictly to work, school, and ADSAP meetings.
SCDMV Reinstatement Fee Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
If you owe $200 or more in reinstatement fees and have served all your suspension time, you may be eligible for the SCDMV Payment Plan.
- How it works: You pay a $40 administrative fee and can obtain a restricted license valid for 12 months while you make monthly payments toward your balance.
- Requirement: The first and final payments must be made in person at an SCDMV branch. You can schedule a DMV SC appointment to handle these payments in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Driving Under Suspension (DUS) is a serious criminal offense in South Carolina. A conviction results in a mandatory extension of your suspension and can lead to jail time. If you need to move a vehicle but cannot drive, you may still apply for a temporary license plate in South Carolina for a licensed driver to use the car, but you must not operate it yourself.
You must contact the South Carolina Department of Social Security (DSS) at 1-800-768-5858. Once you have settled your arrears or reached a payment agreement, DSS will electronically notify the SCDMV to clear your “hold.” You will still need to pay the $100 SCDMV reinstatement fee.
If your license has been expired or suspended for more than nine months, the SCDMV will require you to pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests again before issuing a new card.
Conclusion:
Reinstating your South Carolina license is a process of clearing court “holds,” serving your mandatory term, and settling updated 2026 state fees. By utilizing the online portal and the $700 uninsured motorist fee guidelines, you can ensure your application isn’t rejected. Your next step should be to log into the SCDMV website to verify your “Eligibility Date” and download your personalized compliance list.
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