What a South Carolina driving record shows and who can request it
Your South Carolina driving record is a document maintained by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) that lists your driving history — traffic violations, accidents you reported, license suspensions, and points on your record. It does not include criminal charges unrelated to driving, insurance claims, or accidents you did not report to police.
You can request your own record at any time. Employers, insurance companies, courts, and other authorized parties can also request it, but they need your permission or a court order. The SCDMV keeps records for a set number of years depending on the violation type — minor infractions typically stay for three years, while serious violations like DUI remain longer.
South Carolina offers two types of records: a certified copy (which has an official seal and is accepted by courts and government agencies) and an uncertified copy (which is faster and cheaper but not accepted for official purposes). You choose which one you need based on why you are requesting it.
Key Takeaways
- You can request your own driving record online through the SCDMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office without needing a reason.
- A certified record with an official seal costs more and takes longer but is required for court cases, employment verification, and government forms.
- An uncertified record is faster and cheaper and works for personal reference, insurance inquiries, and most employer background checks.
- The SCDMV processes online requests within one to two business days and mailed requests within five to seven business days.
- You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to request your record, and payment by credit card, debit card, or check depending on the method.
Requesting your record online through the SCDMV website
The fastest way to get an uncertified copy is through the official SCDMV website. Go to scdmv.org, find the "Driving Records" section, and select "Order Your Driving Record Online." You will need your South Carolina driver's license number or Social Security number, your date of birth, and your current address.
You can choose to receive your record by email (usually within one to two business days) or by mail. Email delivery costs less and arrives faster. Payment is by credit card or debit card only for online orders. Once you submit your request, you will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to check the status or contact the SCDMV about your order.
The online system only issues uncertified records. If you need a certified copy with an official seal, you must use the mail or in-person method.
Requesting a certified record by mail or in person
To request a certified driving record, fill out Form DL-43 (process for Driving Record), which you can read from scdmv.org or pick up at any SCDMV office. Include your driver's license number or Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Specify whether you want one or multiple certified copies — you can order up to five at once.
Mail your completed form and payment to the SCDMV address listed on the form. Payment can be by check or money order made out to "SCDMV." Processing takes five to seven business days from the date the SCDMV receives your request, plus mailing time in both directions. If you need the record urgently, this method is slower than the online option.
You can also request a certified record in person at any SCDMV office. Bring your completed Form DL-43, a valid ID, and payment by check, money order, or cash. You will receive your record the same day or within one business day, making this the fastest option for certified copies if an office is near you.
Understanding what appears on your record and how long violations stay
Your driving record shows your name, license number, address, license class, and any restrictions or endorsements. It then lists violations in reverse chronological order (newest first), including the violation date, type of violation, fine amount, and points assessed. Accidents you reported to police appear as well, along with any license suspensions or revocations.
How long a violation stays on your record depends on its severity. Minor infractions like speeding typically remain for three years from the violation date. More serious violations like reckless driving stay for five years. DUI convictions remain for ten years. License suspensions and revocations stay on your record for the duration of the suspension plus additional years depending on the reason.
Points accumulate on your record and can lead to license suspension if you collect too many in a short time. In South Carolina, accumulating 12 points in a 12-month period, 18 points in a 24-month period, or 24 points in a 36-month period triggers a suspension. Points from a single violation do not disappear when ready — they remain for the full time period even if you do not receive another violation.
Correcting errors on your driving record
If your record contains an error — a violation you did not commit, a wrong date, or a violation that should have been removed — you can request a correction. Contact the SCDMV directly by phone at 803-896-5000 or visit an office in person with documentation of the error, such as a court dismissal letter, a corrected ticket, or a police report.
The SCDMV will investigate your claim and may request additional documents from you or from the court that issued the violation. If the error is confirmed, the SCDMV will issue a corrected record. This process can take several weeks, so request a correction as soon as you discover the error.
If the SCDMV denies your correction request, you have the right to request a hearing before the SCDMV or to pursue the matter through the court system. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents you submit.
Scam alerts and safety information
Do not use third-party websites that claim to retrieve your driving record for you. Many charge high fees (sometimes $20 to $50) for a service the SCDMV provides directly for a few dollars. Some of these sites may also collect your personal information for other purposes. Always go directly to scdmv.org or visit an SCDMV office.
Be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from the SCDMV asking you to verify your license information or pay a fee to access your record. The SCDMV does not contact people unsolicited by phone or email to request personal information. If you receive such a message, do not respond and report it to the SCDMV.
When you receive your driving record, review it carefully for accuracy. If someone else has accessed your record without permission, contact the SCDMV when ready. You can also place a fraud alert on your record by contacting the SCDMV directly.
Using your driving record for insurance, employment, and court purposes
Insurance companies request your driving record to set your rates and determine whether to cover you. A record with violations and accidents typically results in higher premiums or denial of coverage. You can request your own record before shopping for insurance to see what insurers will see and to correct any errors beforehand.
Employers often request driving records for positions that involve driving or for jobs where a clean record is a requirement. You will need to authorize the employer to request your record, and they will receive only the information you have authorized them to see. A certified record is usually required for employment verification.
If you are involved in a court case related to a traffic violation or accident, the court may request your record as evidence. You can provide a certified copy of your record to the court yourself, or the court will request it from the SCDMV. Having a certified copy on hand can speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get my driving record?
An uncertified record ordered online costs between $5 and $10 depending on delivery method. A certified record costs between $10 and $15 for the first copy and slightly less for additional copies ordered at the same time. Prices may vary, so check the SCDMV website for current fees.
Can I get someone else's driving record?
No, not without their written permission or a court order. The SCDMV will only release records to the person whose record it is, authorized representatives with a power of attorney, or parties with a legal right such as a court or law enforcement agency.
How long does it take to receive my record if I order online?
Email delivery typically takes one to two business days. Mailed copies take longer depending on postal service. If you need it urgently, ordering online for email delivery is the fastest option.
Will old violations disappear from my record automatically?
Yes, violations are removed automatically after the retention period expires — usually three to ten years depending on the violation type. You do not need to request removal. However, the SCDMV may keep records of very serious violations longer for internal purposes.
What should I do if my record shows a violation I did not commit?
Contact the SCDMV with documentation such as a court dismissal letter or corrected ticket. Bring these documents to an SCDMV office or mail them with a written explanation. The SCDMV will investigate and issue a corrected record if the error is confirmed.