As of 2023, South Carolina has over 4.5 million registered vehicles, with trucks accounting for 58% (2.66 million), cars for 39% (1.77 million), and motorcycles for 2.5% (114,514).
With these millions of records, a vehicle plate lookup is a practical way to find key details about a vehicle just by using its plate number. In South Carolina, this process gives access to information like the car’s make, model, year, and title history. It is especially helpful when buying a used car, confirming ownership, or checking for past accidents.
A plate number lookup results may prevent fraud, verify personal information, or assist in legal and administrative processes.
Why Run a License Plate Search in South Carolina?
Vehicle plate search allows individuals and organizations to access crucial vehicle details through publicly available driving records, whether for personal, legal, or business purposes.
Generally, individuals, businesses, and state agencies run this search for various reasons, including:
- To obtain vehicle history reports
- To verify the ownership of a private seller
- To authenticate liens over a vehicle
- To corroborate reported discrepancies in vehicle mileage
- To confirm registration status and any associated issues
- To countercheck accident and damage reports
- To investigate insurance claims related to collisions
- To inspect title brands
- To check if a vehicle is stolen or missing
- To cross-reference vehicle information
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in South Carolina?
Generally, random checking of license plates is prohibited. However, individuals and entities can legally perform such searches for permissible purposes. Still, they must follow laws, regulations, and prescribed procedures to obtain information legally through vehicle plate searches.
In South Carolina, federal and state laws govern how the public can access vehicle information. Some of these laws include the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), the SC Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and the state laws on motor vehicles (Chapter 3, Article 4).
Using the provisions of these laws, license plate details can be legally used for:
- Verifying a vehicle owner’s information
- Investigating claims by insurance providers
- Governmental agency use (law enforcement, public safety)
- Fraud prevention in vehicle sales or financial transactions
- Private investigator services
- Notifying owners of towed or abandoned vehicles
- Legal proceedings (civil, criminal, arbitral, or administrative)
- Employer verification (hiring decisions related to driving)
Personal information is restricted without written consent from the vehicle owner if access or use of information is not one of the permissible uses. It may include Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, birth dates, and any other details that directly identify an individual.
Moreover, misuse of license plate data, such as for stalking, harassment, or unauthorized personal gain, can result in penalties, including fines or legal action under DPPA.
How Can You Conduct a South Carolina License Plate Lookup?
Several methods are available through official state channels and third-party services to conduct a South Carolina vehicle plate lookup. These methods allow users to obtain relevant vehicle details for legal, insurance, and investigative purposes, following state and federal regulations.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)
The SCDMV offers a subscription-based service. With the subscriber account, authorized users can conduct license plate searches through the SCDMV Vehicle Plate Inquiry Application.
This service is primarily used by law enforcement, private investigators, insurers, and other authorized entities needing frequent access to vehicle information.
Below are some important aspects of registering a subscriber account lookup:
- Users must complete and return the DPPA (Driver Privacy Protection Act) agreement, also known as the Personal Information Release Agreement (PIRA).
- Subscribers pay a $75 annual subscription fee for service access.
- Once registered, users can log in to the DMV’s system to perform vehicle searches based on the vehicle plate number.
- Each plate number lookup incurs a $7.25 additional transaction fee on top of the subscriber fee, payable by the subscriber.
Having a subscriber account doesn’t mean holders can randomly run a vehicle plate lookup. This tool and research results are still subject to existing privacy laws and other relevant laws.
If an individual or entity doesn't have a subscriber account, they may contact or visit any of the SCDMV locations for more details.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
In addition to the SCDMV's official services, third-party websites provide another option for conducting vehicle plate lookups. Some of these websites offer free searches, while others charge fees for detailed reports.
However, individuals should only deal with data providers accredited by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). There are several accredited providers, including:
- StateRecords.org
- InfoTracer.com
- Recordsfinder.com
- GoodCar.com
These services aggregate vehicle data from various sources, often making the search process simple and quick. While these accredited providers provide basic information for free, detailed reports usually come with a fee.
The information provided may vary in accuracy and detail but is reliable since these providers are bound by the laws and provisions of accreditation.
What Information Can You Obtain from a South Carolina License Plate Lookup?
A standard license plate lookup typically reveals vehicle specifications such as:
- Model and make
- Vehicle manufacturing year
- Drive type (front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive)
- Transmission (automatic or manual)
- Engine type and size
- Market value
For more in-depth information, comprehensive vehicle reports through plate search may include:
- Title records
- Title brands such as salvage or rebuilt
- Major accidents or damage history
- Odometer readings
- Open recalls
- Records of theft recovery or outstanding liens
Some vehicle records may also include such as emissions inspection results or specialized license plate types (antique or military).
Keep in mind that privacy laws restrict personal information, such as the vehicle owner’s name and contact details. These laws ensure that private data is not disclosed without legal authorization or a permissible purpose.
What Does a South Carolina License Plate Look Like?
The state began to use the "While I Breathe, I Hope" standard license plate in late 2015.
This design prominently features the state’s iconic crescent and palmetto tree, paying homage to the state flag. The plate has an indigo and white color scheme, with "South Carolina" in bold lettering. The state’s motto appears in cursive at the top.
Each plate has a combination of numbers and letters (456 ABC). It has a color-coded sticker on the right-hand side, which contains the month, year, and plate number for registration validation.
The standard plate is available for motor vehicles that have a total weight of 54,000 pounds. Recent updates streamlined the design by removing the requirement for a separate month sticker on the left side of the plate.
License Plate Types in South Carolina
The types of license plates issued in South Carolina can affect the lookup process. Below are some of the most common plate types available in the state:
- Standard License Plate: This plate is issued to most vehicles and features the state’s iconic palmetto tree and crescent. It often comes in pairs, as vehicle owners are required to place one plate in the rear and another in the front of the vehicle.
- Temporary License Plate: Temporary plates are issued for newly purchased vehicles and are valid for up to 45 days.
- Personalized License Plate: Motorists can personalize vehicle plates, selecting a maximum of seven characters for vehicles and six for motorcycles. SCDMV has to approve the combinations before one can use them.
- Antique License Plate: Available for vehicles over 25 years old, these plates are restricted to club activities, parades, and exhibits. They are not for general transportation use.
- Military License Plate: South Carolina offers specialized plates for active duty and veterans of the U.S. Military, with a variety of designs depending on the branch of service.
- Motorcycle License Plate: These vehicle plates are designed for two-wheeled vehicles and are smaller and more compact than standard vehicle plates.
- Special License Plate: Non-profit entities can request custom license plates that reflect their branding, with proceeds supporting their causes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions about performing a vehicle plate number lookup in South Carolina, covering available methods, costs, and timeframes:
Can I Look Up SC License Plates for Free?
Free vehicle plate lookup options are available through various third-party websites that collect publicly available information from government sources. However, these services often lack details.Do All South Carolina License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
Custom or personalized plates are registered and tracked like regular plates. However, free lookup services may have limitations. The best way to obtain information on personalized/vanity plates is through the official SCDMV Inquiry Application or other paid services.How Long Does a Typical South Carolina License Plate Lookup Take?
Lookups through the SCDMV’s vehicle plate inquiry or approved third-party providers are generally instant once individuals have an active subscription. However, delays may occur if manual checks are required.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers direct bulk lookup services through the mail request method. Third-party commercial services may also provide bulk options for businesses or individuals.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in South Carolina?
A VIN lookup is an alternative to obtaining vehicle information through accredited providers. Another option is to request vehicle information through a records request made in person or by mail via the SCDMV.