How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in South Carolina in 2026
South Carolina operates vehicle registration cancellation through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), which manages all motor vehicle transactions across the state. Unlike some jurisdictions, South Carolina does not offer an online registration cancellation system. Vehicle owners must cancel their registration by visiting an SCDMV branch in person or submitting required documentation by mail.
Canceling your vehicle registration removes the vehicle's legal authority to operate on South Carolina roads. After cancellation, you must return your license plate to the SCDMV, as South Carolina law requires the physical surrender of active license plates for all registration cancellations.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
South Carolina vehicle owners may need to cancel their registration under various circumstances:
- Selling your vehicle to a private buyer or trading it to a dealership
- Donating your vehicle to a charitable organization or transferring ownership to a family member
- Moving your permanent residence outside of South Carolina
- Returning a leased vehicle to the leasing company upon lease completion
- Taking your vehicle to a salvage yard or scrap facility for disposal
- Having your vehicle declared a total loss by an insurance carrier
- Reporting your vehicle stolen with no subsequent recovery
- Placing your vehicle in long-term storage where insurance will not be maintained
- Transferring vehicle ownership through probate or estate administration
- Permanently retiring your vehicle from road use
- Registering your vehicle in another state while maintaining South Carolina residency
Available Cancellation Methods
The SCDMV provides two methods for canceling vehicle registration: in-person cancellation at any SCDMV branch office or cancellation by mail submission. No online cancellation option exists in South Carolina.
In-Person Cancellation at SCDMV Branch
Vehicle owners may visit any SCDMV branch location throughout South Carolina to cancel their registration. In-person cancellation provides immediate processing and confirmation of your transaction.
Required Items:
- Current South Carolina license plate (must be physically surrendered)
- Valid photo identification (South Carolina driver's license, ID card, or other government-issued ID)
- Current vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- For sold vehicles, accomplish a Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416)
- Completed License Plate Turn In (SCDMV Form 452)
- Proof of insurance cancellation or statement of intent to cancel vehicle insurance
Processing Procedure:
Present all required documentation and your active license plate to an SCDMV representative at the counter. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the registration details, and process the cancellation in the SCDMV system. You will receive a stamped cancellation receipt showing the effective date of cancellation. Retain this receipt for your insurance company and personal records.
Mail-In Cancellation
Vehicle owners who cannot visit an SCDMV branch may cancel their registration through mail submission. Mail-in cancellations require additional processing time compared to in-person transactions.
Required Documentation:
- Current South Carolina license plate (must be mailed)
- For sold vehicles, accomplish a Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416)
- Completed License Plate Turn In (SCDMV Form 452)
- Copy of current vehicle registration certificate
- Written statement explaining the reason for cancellation
- Copy of valid photo identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope if you require a mailed confirmation receipt
Mailing Address:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Plate Turn-In
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
Processing Timeline:
The SCDMV processes mail-in cancellation requests within 10-15 business days of receipt. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your submission if you need the SCDMV to mail a confirmation receipt. Otherwise, contact the SCDMV by phone at (803) 896-5000 to verify cancellation processing after three weeks.
Mailing Your License Plate:
Place your license plate in a padded envelope or small box to prevent damage during transit. Include all required documentation in the same package. Consider using certified mail or a trackable shipping method to confirm delivery to the SCDMV.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
South Carolina Code Section 56-3-900 permits refunds of registration fees under specific circumstances when you cancel your registration. The SCDMV evaluates refund claims based on the reason for cancellation and the timing of your request.
Refund Eligibility
South Carolina recognizes three distinct situations that may qualify for registration fee refunds:
Full Refund for Non-Operated Vehicles:
If your vehicle was registered and licensed but has not been operated in South Carolina or elsewhere under South Carolina registration since the beginning of the registration period, you may qualify for a full refund of the biennial registration and license fee. You must file a refund claim within 90 days after the date of registration and licensing. The claim requires evidence of non-operation satisfactory to the SCDMV. It must be accompanied by the return of your registration card and license plates or sufficient proof that the card or plates have been lost.
Proportional Refund for Junked or Totally Destroyed Vehicles:
When your vehicle is junked or destroyed during the registration period, you may be eligible for a proportional refund. You must file a refund claim within 90 days after the date the vehicle was junked or destroyed. The SCDMV calculates the refund based on complete calendar months remaining in your registration period:
- Annual registration: One-twelfth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining
- Biennial registration: One twenty-fourth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining
- Six-month registration: One-sixth of the fee paid for every full calendar month remaining
The SCDMV does not issue refunds of less than ten dollars under this provision.
Refund for Sold Vehicles with Apportioned License Plates:
If your vehicle is sold and was licensed and registered with a South Carolina apportioned license plate, you may apply for a refund of the South Carolina apportioned fee based on the full months remaining in the license period. You must submit notification of the sale to the SCDMV within 90 days of the date of sale, along with the license plate and registration card. The SCDMV does not issue refunds of less than ten dollars under this provision.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Complete Registration Cancellation
Cancel your registration using either the in-person or mail-in method described above. The SCDMV cannot process refund requests until your cancellation appears as completed in the state registration system.
Step 2: Submit Written Refund Claim
Prepare a written refund claim letter including:
- Your complete legal name and current mailing address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- License plate number
- Registration effective date and expiration date
- Date of cancellation, non-operation, vehicle destruction, or sale
- Detailed explanation for requesting the refund with supporting evidence
- Daytime contact phone number
Attach required supporting documents:
- Registration cancellation receipt issued by the SCDMV
- Copy of original registration receipt showing fees paid
- Registration card and license plates (or satisfactory proof that they have been lost)
- Evidence of non-operation, vehicle destruction, or sale, as applicable to your situation
Mail your refund claim with all supporting documentation to:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Refund Section
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
Step 3: SCDMV Review and Refund Issuance
The SCDMV reviews all refund claims for compliance with state regulations. The department determines whether your claim is supported by satisfactory evidence. Approved refunds are processed within 6-8 weeks of receiving a complete application. The SCDMV issues refund payments by check, mailed to the address provided in your refund claim letter.
Governing Laws and Regulations
South Carolina vehicle registration cancellation procedures derive from state statutes and SCDMV administrative regulations:
- South Carolina Code Title 56 Chapter 10 mandates continuous financial security (auto insurance) for registered vehicles, requiring owners to show proof for registration, suspending registration if insurance lapses, and penalizing uninsured operation
- South Carolina Code Title 56 Chapter 3 governs Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing, mandating that all vehicles driven on SC highways must be registered and licensed with the DMV
Government Agencies
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Building C, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
SCDMV Branch Offices in Major Cities
The following SCDMV branch locations throughout South Carolina provide in-person registration cancellation services:
Columbia (O'Neil Court) SCDMV Branch
228-A O'Neil Court, Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 419-9403
Official Website: Columbia (O'Neil Court) SCDMV Branch
Chesterfield SCDMV Branch
100 Laney St., Chesterfield, SC 29709
Phone: (843) 623-3541
Official Website: Chesterfield SCDMV Branch
Greenwood SCDMV Branch
510 W. Alexander Ext., Greenwood, SC 29646
Phone: (864) 227-6434
Official Website: Greenwood SCDMV Branch
Orangeburg SCDMV Branch
1720 Charleston Highway, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Phone: (803) 531-6866
Official Website: Orangeburg SCDMV Branch
Newberry SCDMV Branch
275 Mt. Bethel-Garmany Road, Newberry, SC 29108
Phone: (803) 276-4816
Official Website: Newberry SCDMV Branch
Saluda SCDMV Branch
400 West Wheeler Circle, Saluda, SC 29138
Phone: (864) 445-2571
Official Website: Saluda SCDMV Branch
Florence SCDMV Branch
3102 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29506
Phone: (843) 317-4007
Official Website: Florence SCDMV Branch
Abbeville SCDMV Branch
1331 Haigler Street Ext., Abbeville, SC 29260
Phone: (864) 459-2147
Official Website: Abbeville SCDMV Branch
Woodruff SCDMV Branch
351 South Main Street, Woodruff, SC 29388
Phone: (864) 476-5913
Official Website: Woodruff SCDMV Branch
Aiken SCDMV Branch
1755 Richland Ave East, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 641-7752
Official Website: Aiken SCDMV Branch
