When you apply for or renew your South Carolina driver's license, you must certify that you are insured by an automobile liability policy under a company licensed to do business in this state. If you do not own a vehicle or a vehicle is not in your household, you must mark that on the second page of the Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (SCDMV Form 447-NC) or the Application for a Commercial Driver's License (SCDMV Form 447-CDL), depending on which type of card you have.

You must provide the name of your insurance company the first-time you register your vehicle in this state and every time you renew your vehicle registration. South Carolina verifies vehicle liability insurance electronically through the Automobile Liability Insurance Reporting (ALIR) system. Licensed insurance companies automatically transmit policy changes to the SCDMV to ensure continuous coverage. If the ALIR system cannot verify your insurance, your vehicle registration and license can be suspended. If you're new to this state and have a policy with a national insurance company, you should change your address with the insurance company before you register your vehicle in SC. If you received notice requiring proof of insurance from the SCDMV, please reach out to your insurance provider so they can electronically report coverage through ALIR. 

Proof of Insurance Inside Your Vehicle

If a law enforcement officer stops you and you are unable to prove you have insurance, you may receive a ticket, have to pay a fine, or be taken to jail. If you receive a ticket, you must show that you had insurance on the vehicle you were driving within 30 days of receiving the ticket if you want to avoid having a suspended driver's license.

If your license is suspended, you will owe a $100 reinstatement fee.