Alert
All SCDMV branches will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas break. Branches will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27. Online services and SCDMV Express kiosks are available.
2018 Driver Suspension Eligibility Week
March 12, 2018
You may hear this week referred to as Amnesty Week.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will hold the 2018 Driver Suspension Eligibility Week statewide for drivers with licenses suspended for various reasons April 16 – 20, 2018.
During the week, drivers licensed in South Carolina, who lost their driving privileges due to certain suspensions, may be able to reduce or clear the remaining time of their suspension. Drivers with the following types of suspensions are eligible for the program:
- Excessive points for someone under the age of 18
- Operating an unlicensed taxi
- Operating an uninsured vehicle that they did not own
- Operating or allowing someone else to operate an uninsured vehicle
- Driving under suspension, excluding alcohol or drug related convictions
“This annual event gives South Carolina drivers an opportunity to get back on the road,” said Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “It’s a busy time for the SCDMV, so we want to make sure that all drivers who can take advantage of Driver Suspension Eligibility Week know that they should prepare early to make their visit to the SCDMV as easy as possible. Make sure you arrive with all required documents early in the week. Once this week is gone, you won’t have another chance to take advantage of the program until 2019.”
Drivers who may qualify for the program must complete the Driver Suspension Eligibility Application (SCDMV Form DL-601) and visit an SCDMV branch during the week of April 16 – 20, 2018. The Allendale branch is only open on Tuesday and Thursday. Only drivers who clear all suspensions may apply for a license. Depending on the type of suspension, drivers may be required to pass the knowledge and road tests before receiving a new license.
Qualified drivers must meet all conditions of their suspension. Drivers must pay all fees. None will be waived. If required, suspended drivers must get a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) filed by their insurance company. If a driver has more than one suspension, the SCDMV will recalculate the suspension time. Drivers with suspensions not covered by the program will need to continue serving those suspensions.
Drivers who do not have all required documents on file with the SCDMV to purchase a REAL ID license are only eligible for a standard license that says “Not for Federal Identification” upon clearing their suspension(s) and applying for a new license unless they bring all required documents during their visit.
In order to receive a REAL ID license, you must bring with you or the SCDMV must have on file all of the following:
- Proof of Identity (Government-issued birth certificate or unexpired US Passport)
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Two Proofs of Current, Physical SC Address
- Proof of All Legal Name Changes
While there are six Saturday offices open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 21, those offices will not be offering services related to Driver Suspension Eligibility Week. The 2018 Driver Suspension Eligibility Week is only Monday through Friday.
During Driver Suspension Eligibility Week, many SCDMV branches may experience longer wait times due to an increase in customers. For questions related to your eligibility, call the Contact Center at 803-896-5000.