South Carolina Vehicle Registration

Registering a Vehicle in South Carolina

You must register your vehicle by mail or in person at your local South Carolina DMV office.

What to bring to the South Carolina DMV:

• Proof of vehicle ownership (e.g., vehicle title).
• A valid driver’s license or ID.
• A completed Title Application (Form 400).
• Proof of South Carolina car insurance.
• Paid property tax receipt, if applicable.
• Acceptable form of payment for SC car registration fees and taxes.

Continue reading below for more specific details about how to register a vehicle in South Carolina.

Registering Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership

When you purchase either a new or used vehicle from a licensed South Carolina car dealer, the dealer will submit your registration and title paperwork for you. This process usually takes 45 days.

NOTE: You may request a Temporary Registration Permit for your newly purchased vehicle. Submit an Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45A) along with the $5 fee to your local SC DMV office.

Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party

To register your vehicle in South Carolina, please visit your local SC DMV office and present:

• Proof of identification (e.g., a valid SC driver’s license).
• A Title Application (Form 400).
• A Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (SCDMV Form TI-006), only if you do not have an SC driver’s license or ID.
• A copy of the bill of sale,if the title does not contain a section for the sale price.
• Your vehicle title – please fill out the “First Assignment” section.
• A paid property tax receipt, if you are requesting a new plate.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• Payment for SC title and registration fees, and the applicable sales tax.

You may also send your documents and payment (a check or money order payable to SCDMV) via certified mail to:

SC Vehicle Registration for New Residents

New to South Carolina?

As a new resident, you may register by mail or in person at a local SC DMV office.

Notably, South Carolina law requires you to transfer your out-of-state title and register your vehicle within 45 days of becoming an SC resident.

Before you can register your vehicle, you must first complete the following steps:

• Secure a South Carolina car insurance policy.
• Get a property tax bill for your vehicle from the county treasurer’s office.

To register your vehicle, visit your local SC DMV and present:

• A valid driver’s license or ID.
• A completed Title Application (Form 400).
• Proof of ownership (e.g., your vehicle title or registration).
• Proof of vehicle insurance.
• An original vehicle property tax receipt.
• A power of attorney, if applicable.
• Payment for the one-time $250 Infrastructure Maintenance fee.
• Payment for SC car registration, fees, and taxes.

To register by mail, you may send everything to the address on your title application.

SC Registration for Military Drivers

Registration for Non-Residents

The South Carolina DMV does NOT require service members who are stationed in South Carolina (but live out of state) to register their vehicles in South Carolina.

However, you’ll need to carry a Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (Form TI-006) and the following documents available at all times when operating a vehicle:

• A valid military identification card.
• Orders indicating duties in South Carolina.
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) showing assignment in the state.

Non-Resident Military Member Registration in South Carolina

Non-resident military members must maintain current registration and car insurance from their home state during deployment.

If you are a service member and become a resident of South Carolina, you’ll need to apply for vehicle registration. See Vehicle Registration for New Residents.

NOTE: The South Carolina Infrastructure Maintenance fee may apply.

South Carolina Military Residents

Active duty military residents in South Carolina must follow the steps outlined in our Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party section.

If you were disabled during military combat, the SCDMV will waive your license plate fees. You must complete an Application for Military License Plate (Form MV 37) and any other additional required supporting documentation.

South Carolina military residents stationed out-of-state can register vehicles by mail following the steps above in Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party section.

Renewing Your Registration in South Carolina

NOTE: You may not renew your registration if you have outstanding vehicle property taxes.

In South Carolina, you can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, and in person at your local DMV office. You must renew your registration every 2 years.

The SC DMV will send a registration renewal notice several weeks before your registration is set to expire. Your renewal notice will contain the following details:

• Your renewal fees and vehicle property tax.
• Insurance verification (you must provide your insurance company name).
• Vehicle information.

To learn more about renewing your registration, please see South Carolina Renewals.