Freedom of Information Act

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Overview

A request can be made for any public record as defined in the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), SC Code 30-4-20(c). The release of customer information is governed by federal and state laws in addition to FOIA, including the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act and the South Carolina Family Privacy Protection Act of 2002.

The Federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) keeps your personal information safe by limiting the circumstances under which your information is released by the SCDMV. The DPPA limits the public’s access to an individual’s social security number, driver’s license number, address, phone number, and medical or disability information. The DPPA does not protect against information gathered through collision reports, traffic tickets, or your current license status.

The SCDMV does not:

• Store audio, video, or photographs related to accidents, such as 911 calls or dash cam videos, or track the accident history of specific road locations. You should contact the SC Department of Public Safety.
• Document road or bridge conditions or monitor road signs. You should contact the SC Department of Transportation.

Requesting Documents / Records Under FOIA

You must not obtain or use personal information received from a state agency, a local government, or other political subdivision of the state for commercial solicitation. Violating this law is punishable by up to a $500 fine, a year in prison, or both.

SCDMV FOIA request process:

• You must submit the request in writing through the online form, by email, or by postal mail. Be as clear and specific as possible in describing the documents or records requested. 
• Once the written request is received, the SCDMV will respond within 10 business days.
• The SCDMV will provide the estimated cost to you. 
• You must send the appropriate payment in the form of a check or money order to the SCDMV.  
• The payment must be received before the documents or records are provided to you. See payment instructions under the Fees section below.

Members of the Media

If you're a member of the media, you must submit all requests for agency information in writing as a FOIA request. You may submit your request through the online form, by email, or by postal mail.

For general news questions, you may contact the SCDMV's Strategic Communications & Community Affairs office at 803-896-8198 or by email

General Information

If you're an attorney, a representative of an attorney's office, insurance company, or business looking to verify information, you may complete a form below for information:

• Request for Driver Information (SCDMV Form MV-70)
• Request for Vehicle Information (SCDMV Form 5027-A)
• Request for Collision Report (SCDMV Form FR-50)
• Request for Dealer License Information (SCDMV Form DLA-11)

You should mail it to the appropriate address on the form. Most of these requests are $6 per individual report or record. For questions, call 803-896-5000.

Submitting a FOIA Request

You can submit a FOIA request to the SCDMV online, by email, or by postal mail. You must include your name, contact information, and organization (if any). 

For all FOIA requests, be as specific as possible about what you are requesting.

Online

You may submit a FOIA request online by clicking the button below and completing the webform. 

FOIA REQUEST FORM

By Email

You may submit a FOIA request by sending an email to the SCDMV's FOIA Manager. 

By Mail

You may submit a FOIA request by sending a written letter to:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Data Research/FOIA Manager
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0253

FOIA Fees

*If the information you requested is less than $5, there is no charge.

Payment Instructions

For payments for a FOIA request, you must send a check or money order, made out to South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, to the address below:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Data Research/FOIA Manager
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0253