Registering a vehicle is a legal requirement for every motor vehicle driven, operated, or moved on a South Carolina highway. As the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-3-110 mandates, all vehicle owners must register and license their vehicles before they can be operated on state roadways. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor charges for the driver and vehicle owner.
Vehicle registration is a process in which the state government ensures that all vehicles on the road are correctly identified and meet specific safety and environmental standards. It proves ownership and helps authorities track and monitor vehicles for various purposes, including law enforcement, taxation, and public safety.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is the state agency responsible for managing vehicle registration. It oversees the registration process, issues license plates, and collects registration fees.
By familiarizing themselves with these regulations, vehicle owners can easily navigate the registration procedures and avoid legal issues and penalties.
How To Register a Car in South Carolina?
Individuals must follow specific guidelines when registering a car in South Carolina. The process varies based on circumstances, such as registering as a South Carolina resident, registering newly purchased or gifted vehicles, registering as a military member, and registering foreign cars.
Vehicle Registration for South Carolina Residents
In South Carolina, residents are required to obtain a certificate of vehicle registration within 45 days of acquiring a vehicle.
Before registering, one must pay the vehicle property tax to the county auditor. After making the payment, obtaining the authentic receipt of the paid vehicle property tax is crucial, as it will be necessary for the registration process. Additionally, residents will need to pay an infrastructure maintenance fee.
Once all the receipts are in hand, individuals can title and register their vehicles in person or by mail.
For in-person registration, residents should visit a SCDMV location and bring the following:
- A furnished Title or Registration Application Form
- Auto insurance company name
- The receipt of the paid vehicle property tax
- Payment of the registration fees
If individuals choose registration by mail, they must send the above documents and a money order or check to the address specified on the form.
Registration of Gifted or Newly Purchased Vehicles in South Carolina
When purchasing a vehicle from a dealer in South Carolina, the dealership typically handles the registration process by forwarding the necessary paperwork to the SCDMV. However, if the car is purchased privately or received as a gift, the new owner must register it promptly.
The registration process can be done through mail or in person, and the requirements for both methods are the same.
For in-person registration, individuals can visit their SCDMV office and bring the following:
- A completed Title or Registration Form
- Car insurance proof (give the insurance provider's name, as the SCDMV will electronically verify it)
- The receipt of the paid vehicle property tax
- Payment of registration fees
If choosing to apply by mail, the necessary documents and payment should be sent to the specified address on the Title or Registration Application Form.
Registration of Foreign Vehicles
In South Carolina, non-residents temporarily visiting and driving with a foreign vehicle can avoid the hassle of applying for vehicle registration, given that they meet certain conditions.
Firstly, the vehicle must already be registered in their home country. Secondly, they must not lease or own any property in South Carolina. Lastly, they should not drive the car in the state for over 150 days.
If applicants do not meet the above criteria, they must register the foreign vehicle by visiting an SCDMV office. They will need to complete a Title or Registration Form, provide car insurance proof (with the insurance provider's name, not the agent), present a property tax receipt, and pay the necessary fees for vehicle registration.
For convenience, individuals can also mail these requirements to the specified address in the form if visiting an SCDMV office in person is not feasible.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members in South Carolina
Out-of-state military members stationed in the state are not obligated to register their vehicles with the SCDMV. They can drive with their out-of-state plates as long as their out-of-state registration is current and they possess car insurance.
Military members stationed outside of South Carolina who wish to register a vehicle with the SCDMV can do so through the mail. They must send a completed Title or Registration Form, car insurance proof, the receipt of the paid vehicle property tax, and payment of registration fees to the specified address on the registration form.
Meanwhile, South Carolina residents disabled because of military combat are eligible for waived license plate expenses. This necessitates submitting the abovementioned paperwork to the SCDMV, supporting papers from either the county's Veterans Affairs administrator or Veterans Administration, and a completed Military License Plate Application form.
Moreover, South Carolina residents who were war prisoners during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War were entitled to free license plates. These plates can be obtained by meeting the standard vehicle registration prerequisites and submitting the Military License Plate Application form.
South Carolina License Plates
After completing the registration process in South Carolina, license plates, also known as tags, are issued for regular passenger vehicles. These come with a registration card and a color-coded decal or sticker placed in the lower right-hand corner of the plate to signify a valid registration.
In addition to regular plates, the SCDMV offers numerous specialty plates. These plates serve as identifiers and add a customized touch to the vehicle, reflecting individual preferences and interests.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in South Carolina?
Acquiring a vanity or personalized license plate in South Carolina follows a straightforward procedure.
Individuals must first meet specific criteria to be eligible, such as the vehicle intended for the plate must have an empty weight not exceeding 9,000 pounds and a gross vehicle weight of no more than 11,000 pounds. Additionally, applicants must possess an up-to-date tax receipt corresponding to the expiration date of their current plate.
Once eligibility is confirmed, individuals can complete the Personalized License Plate Application Form. This form, accompanied by the required payment, should be submitted to the SCDMV via mail at the following address:
SCDMV
Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
Note that approval by the SCDMV is required for all personalized plate combinations.
The maximum limit for cars and trucks is seven characters, while motorcycles and specialty personalized plates are limited to six characters.
A combination of numbers and letters is allowed, and a blank space is considered a character. The only symbol permitted is the "&" symbol.
The cost of obtaining a vanity plate in South Carolina can vary. Individuals are encouraged to visit the Plate Gallery page on the official SCDMV website for detailed information.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in South Carolina?
When registering a vehicle in South Carolina, interested parties must be mindful of associated fees, which differ based on the type of vehicle being registered. Below is a breakdown of registration fees in the state:
- Most passenger cars: $40
- Motorcycles and mopeds: $10
- Permanent Trailer Plate: $87
- RVs: $40
- Trailers with an empty weight of more than 2500 lbs: $20
- Utility or Camper Trailers: $10
- Electric vehicles: $120 + registration fee
- Hybrids: $60 + registration fee
Note that there are special fee considerations for older individuals planning to register a vehicle and those with disability:
- People who are 64: $38
- People who are 65 or older or who have a disability: $36
Individuals with disabilities must provide a statement from a medical doctor to establish the permanency of their disability.
In addition to the base registration fees, there are other charges that individuals need to be aware of when registering a vehicle. These include:
- Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF): 5% of the purchase price (no more than $500)
- One-time payment of a fee for new vehicles previously registered in another state: $250
- Title Fee: $15
- Expedited Title (only available in person): $35
The SCDMV accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards. However, card transactions incur a $1 service fee and a 1.7% surcharge.
Late Registration Fee
For individuals who miss their registration deadline, the state imposes penalties based on the duration of the delay. These include:
- 46 - 60 day delay: $10
- 61 - 75 day delay: $25
- 76 - 135 day delay: $50
- Over 135-day delay: $75
For more information about the costs associated with registering a vehicle in South Carolina, visit the Fees page on the official SCDMV website.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in South Carolina?
The SCDMV requires residents to renew their vehicle registration every two years. Before the expiration date, the SCDMV sends a renewal notice to inform individuals about the upcoming renewal period, which typically aligns with the month the vehicle was initially registered.
The renewal notice provides information on the renewal fee, vehicle property tax, vehicle details, and any necessary insurance verification. Regardless of whether a renewal notice is received, individuals are responsible for renewing their registration promptly.
To proceed with the registration renewal process, paying the vehicle property tax first is essential. Once this requirement is fulfilled, residents can renew their South Carolina registration in several ways, including online renewal, utilizing kiosks, or opting for mail or in-person renewal.
Online Renewal
Residents of specified South Carolina counties, including Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Chester, Darlington, Dorchester, Greenville, Lexington, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg, and York, can renew their vehicle registration online.
To utilize this service, individuals must have received a mailer from the SCDMV prompting insurance verification or addressing additional fees. Furthermore, they will need their license plate number, insurance company details, and a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card for payment.
Upon meeting these prerequisites, individuals can navigate the online renewal portal and follow the outlined steps. Keep in mind that the accuracy of the address displayed on the registration certificate or renewal document is paramount. Any address alterations will trigger a mailer sent to the previous address on record.
After completing the online renewal, individuals can expect to receive their new SC registration certificate and stickers by mail the next day.
Kiosks Renewal
The SCDMV has introduced an efficient solution for vehicle registration renewal through SCDMV Express, a self-service kiosk. These kiosks allow individuals to conveniently renew their vehicle registration without visiting a branch office.
To complete the renewal process, users must scan their driver's license or input their license number, plate number, and the last six digits of their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). After that, they must pay for registration and other fees using a credit or debit card.
Once the transaction is complete, the registration and stickers will be printed directly from the kiosk.
Mail or In Person Renewal
Vehicle registration renewal in South Carolina can still be done through mail or in person.
For those opting for the mail-in method, individuals must review the renewal notice or tax bill. Afterward, they must follow the instructions in the notice and mail the completed form and payment using the provided envelope to the SCDMV. The new certificate and stickers will be mailed to the applicant upon receipt and processing.
Meanwhile, those who prefer to renew in person must visit an SCDMV branch. The necessary documents must be presented, including the SCDMV renewal notice or current registration certificate, fee payment, car insurance proof if required, and a driver's license or other identification.
After paying fees, the new registration decals will be sent overnight to the provided address by the SCDMV.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in South Carolina?
Currently, the SCDMV does not offer any online lookup tool that allows interested parties to verify a vehicle's current registration status. However, alternative methods are available to obtain this information.
One can email the SCDMV through the form provided on the official SCDMV Contact Us page. Upon receiving the email, the SCDMV's response team will promptly respond during regular business hours. Alternatively, individuals can inquire by visiting any SCDMV branch or contacting the department at (803) 896-5000.
Regardless of the method used, information such as the license plate number, title number, or VIN is required for a successful registration status inquiry.