Suspended drivers have opportunity to reduce remaining suspension time during week in March

March 04, 2019


The SCDMV will hold the 2019 Driver Suspension Eligibility Week statewide for drivers with licenses suspended for various reasons Monday, March 18 through Friday, March 22, 2019.

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

“It’s that time of year again at the SCDMV, and we want to make sure that every driver who can take advantage of this program is prepared to do so,” said Executive Director Kevin Shwedo. “Driver Suspension Eligibility Week gives drivers the opportunity to get back on the road faster. It always occurs during the agency’s busiest time of year, so eligible drivers need to prepare now to make their visit smooth and efficient. Make sure you arrive with all required documents early in the week. As of 5 p.m. on Friday, March 22, you will not have this opportunity again until 2020.”

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 March 18-22, 2019. 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. The SCDMV will not waive fees. 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 must 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 with them during their visit.

In order to buy 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

During Driver Suspension Eligibility Week, many SCDMV branches may experience longer wait times due to an increase in customers. For real-time wait times, hours, and branch locations click here or call the Contact Center at 803-896-5000.