SR-22 in South Carolina

Checked against official South Carolina sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

South Carolina requires an SR-22, which it calls a Certificate of Insurance, in certain cases, such as when the SCDMV suspends your license after a conviction. Your insurer files it electronically with the SCDMV.

You keep it for 3 years. The SCDMV releases it after that only if you have no new suspendable conviction during those 3 years. [1][2][3]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [3]
After a DUI: Not confirmed
Base reinstatement fee: $100 [4]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25 [3]

Does South Carolina require an SR-22?

Yes. South Carolina requires a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22), filed electronically by your insurer with the SCDMV, in certain cases. [1]

Form: Certificate of Insurance (SR-22). Insurers file it electronically through SCDMV's Automobile Liability Insurance Reporting (ALIR) system. [2]

How long do you need an SR-22 in South Carolina?

3 years. By statute, SCDMV releases the proof after 3 years from the date it was required, if you have no new suspendable conviction in that period. [3]

After a DUI

We haven't confirmed this from an official South Carolina source yet. Check with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

What does reinstatement cost?

$100 reinstatement fee for each suspension, unless another amount is required. Uninsured-vehicle and insurance-lapse suspensions carry higher fees. [4]

We couldn't confirm whether South Carolina charges its own fee to file an SR-22. Your insurer may charge one.

What coverage do you need?

$25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage [3]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If the certified policy is cancelled, the insurer must notify SCDMV. When the proof on file no longer meets the requirement, SCDMV must suspend your license and registration until you file new proof (S.C. Code 56-9-550, 56-9-610). [3]

Don't own a car?

Yes. South Carolina law lets proof be an owner's or an operator's policy, and the certificate need not list vehicles when the policy is issued to someone who doesn't own one. [3]

Who has to file one?

Under S.C. Code 56-9-500, when SCDMV suspends or revokes a license on a conviction (or under its other authority), the license stays suspended until you give and keep proof of financial responsibility. The same applies to unlicensed people convicted of a suspendable offense (56-9-520) and to drivers with unpaid crash judgments. Implied-consent and BAC administrative suspensions (56-5-2951), under-21 alcohol suspensions (56-1-286), and some other suspensions are exempt. [3]

Who handles it

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) [2]

Common questions

When can I stop carrying my SR-22?

By law, the SCDMV can release your proof once 3 years have passed from the date it was first required. If the SCDMV gets a record of a new conviction that could suspend your license during that time, the requirement keeps going. [3]

Do I need an SR-22 for a breath test refusal or failure?

Not for that suspension alone. State law exempts implied-consent and BAC administrative suspensions, and under-21 alcohol suspensions, from the proof requirement. Suspensions based on a conviction generally do require proof, so check your own reinstatement requirements with the SCDMV. [3][5][6]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

The SCDMV charges a $100 reinstatement fee for each suspension, unless another amount applies. If your license was suspended because your insurance lapsed, you could pay up to $400 to get your driving and registration privileges back. If you owe more than $200, you may qualify for an SCDMV payment plan. [1][4]

I don't own a car. Can I still get an SR-22?

Yes. South Carolina accepts an operator's policy, and the certificate doesn't have to list a vehicle if you don't own one. A vehicle owner's proof can also cover a household member or employee, but the SCDMV then puts restrictions on that person's license. [3]

What happens if my SR-22 policy is cancelled?

Your insurer must tell the SCDMV, which then suspends your license and registration until you file new proof. If the old policy was cancelled for nonpayment, the new certificate must be on a policy that can't be cancelled for nonpayment for one year. [3]

Is there an alternative to an SR-22?

Yes. State law lets you deposit $35,000 in cash or securities with the State Treasurer, or file a surety bond, instead of an insurance certificate. [3]

Sources

SCDMV - Facts About Driving Uninsured (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
SCDMV - Insurance Companies (ALIR and SR-22 filing) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
S.C. Code Title 56 Chapter 9 - Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act (incl. 56-9-20, 56-9-500 to 56-9-630) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
SCDMV - Pay Reinstatement Fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
S.C. Code Title 56 Chapter 5 - Uniform Act Regulating Traffic (incl. 56-5-2951) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
S.C. Code Title 56 Chapter 1 - Driver's Licenses (incl. 56-1-286, 56-1-746) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)