General information, not legal advice. Your suspension notice, the court and the state agency decide what applies to you. Fees and rules change; confirm with the agency before you pay.

Home / Data by state / South Carolina

SR-22 in South Carolina: Fees, Minimum Coverage and How Long

Last checked · Source: South Carolina DMV

The short answer

In South Carolina, an SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the South Carolina DMV to prove you carry at least the state minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). You must keep it in force for 3 years; if the policy is canceled early, the insurer reports it and your license can be suspended again. The state charges no fee for the SR-22 itself; your insurer may charge its own filing fee. The state's reinstatement fees are $100 to $700, depending on the suspension.

At a glance

Uses SR-22Yes
Minimum liability25/50/25
How long3 years
State reinstatement fee$100 to $700
Who files itYour insurance company

What else to know in South Carolina

South Carolina charges a $100 reinstatement fee for each suspension on your record, and an owner convicted of driving their own uninsured vehicle must also pay a $700 uninsured motorist fee. The proof requirement can be released after 3 years with no new conviction that would cause a suspension.

Steps

  1. Get a liability policy of at least 25/50/25 from an insurer licensed in South Carolina and tell them you need an SR-22. Not every insurer provides it.
  2. The insurer files the SR-22 with the South Carolina DMV. You cannot file it yourself.
  3. Pay the state's fees on your suspension notice. The state's reinstatement fees are $100 to $700, depending on the suspension.
  4. Keep the policy active for 3 years. Before you cancel, confirm with the state that your requirement has ended; canceling early can suspend your license again.

FAQ

How long do I need the SR-22 in South Carolina?

3 years, under South Carolina's rules (see the sources below).

Does South Carolina charge a fee for the SR-22?

No. It is filed by your insurer, which may add its own charge. The state's reinstatement fees are $100 to $700, depending on the suspension.

Can I get an SR-22 without a car?

Yes. Some insurers offer non-owner SR-22 policies for drivers without a vehicle. Coverage depends on the policy; ask the insurer.

What liability limits does South Carolina require?

$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Some states also require other coverage, such as personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage; check with the state agency.

Sources

  1. www.dmv.sc.gov/Insurance-Companies
  2. www.scstatehouse.gov/t56c009.php
  3. www.scstatehouse.gov/t38c077.php
  4. www.dmv.sc.gov/facts-about-driving-uninsured