How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in South Carolina From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in South Carolina requires adherence to regulations established by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Individuals establishing residency in South Carolina must complete vehicle titling and registration transactions within 45 days, which involve multiple fee components, including state-mandated charges, county property taxes, and infrastructure-related assessments. The SCDMV administers these transactions through branch offices located throughout the state.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The complete cost structure for transferring an out-of-state vehicle encompasses a one-time Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), a title fee, and a two-year registration/plate fee, plus applicable vehicle-specific charges. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles fee schedule establishes uniform pricing for transactions processed at all branch locations statewide.
Standard Registration Fees
Registration fees in South Carolina operate on a biennial renewal cycle, with most passenger vehicles required to pay every two years. The fee structure distinguishes between vehicle classifications and operator demographics. Electric and hybrid vehicles incur supplemental charges beyond base registration costs.
Biennial Registration Fee Schedule:
| Vehicle Classification | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger vehicles | $40 |
| Motorcycles and mopeds | $10 |
| Recreational vehicles | $40 |
| Operators aged 64 years | $38 |
| Operators aged 65 years and older | $36 |
| Operators with permanent disability | $36 |
| Utility trailers and camper trailers | $10 |
| Trailers exceeding 2,500 pounds empty weight | $20 |
| Permanent trailer registration | $87 |
| Hybrid vehicle supplemental fee | $60 |
| Battery electric vehicle supplemental fee | $120 |
Title Application Fees
Title fees apply to all motor vehicle ownership transfers regardless of the vehicle's model year or origin state. The SCDMV title fee structure includes options for expedited processing for customers requiring same-day service.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Standard Fee | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Original title application | $15 | $35 |
Expedited title processing requires in-person submission at SCDMV branch offices.
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
South Carolina imposes a one-time infrastructure maintenance fee on vehicles registered in the state under Section 56-3-627 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This statutory requirement supports road maintenance and transportation infrastructure needs throughout the state.
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee Structure:
| Registration Circumstance | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle purchased from South Carolina dealer | 5% of purchase price (maximum $500) |
| Vehicle purchased from private party in South Carolina | 5% of fair market value (maximum $500) |
| Vehicle previously registered in another state | $250 |
The $250 flat-rate fee applies specifically to vehicles that were titled or registered outside South Carolina before the current registration transaction. This charge represents a one-time assessment that does not recur at subsequent renewal intervals.
Gross Vehicle Weight Registration
Commercial vehicles, trucks, and heavy-duty automobiles incur registration fees calculated according to gross vehicle weight classifications. These charges apply in addition to standard passenger vehicle fees.
Gross Vehicle Weight Fee Schedule:
| Weight Classification (pounds) | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 – 4,000 | $30 |
| 4,001 – 5,000 | $40 |
| 5,001 – 6,000 | $60 |
| 6,001 – 7,000 | $70 |
| 7,001 – 8,000 | $80 |
| 8,001 – 9,000 | $90 |
| 9,001 – 10,000 | $100 |
| 10,001 – 11,000 | $110 |
County Property Tax Assessment
South Carolina counties impose annual property taxes on motor vehicles based on fair market valuation and local millage rates. Vehicle owners must satisfy property tax obligations with their county auditor and treasurer before the SCDMV will issue registration credentials. Property tax calculations utilize an assessment ratio applied to the vehicle's appraised value, with the resulting assessed value multiplied by the jurisdiction's millage rate.
South Carolina Vehicle Property Tax Assessment Rates
| Vehicle Category | Taxable Value |
|---|---|
| Personal Passenger Vehicles | 6% of fair market value |
| Commercial Vehicles | 10.5% of fair market value |
| Heavy Trucks | 10.5% of fair market value |
South Carolina County Millage Rate Ranges
| Rate Component | Millage Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| County Millage Rates | 200 - 400+ mills | Varies by county based on local government funding and school district operations |
Salvage Vehicle Title Conversion
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations must complete inspection procedures before receiving rebuilt title status and standard registration credentials. The SCDMV conducts these inspections to verify proper repairs and roadworthiness of previously damaged vehicles.
Salvage Vehicle Processing Fees:
| Service Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage title issuance | $15 |
| Rebuilt vehicle inspection | $40 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles maintains administrative oversight for vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing operations throughout the state. The department coordinates with county auditors and treasurers to facilitate property tax collection and registration credential issuance through a statewide network of branch offices.
South Carolina DMV Branch Offices
The SCDMV operates branch offices in major population centers across South Carolina. Complete office listings with current wait time information are available through the SCDMV locations directory.
Charleston DMV Office - Orleans Road
946 Orleans Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 852-2636
Official Website: Charleston DMV Office
Columbia DMV Office - Shop Road
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 737-8350
Official Website: Columbia DMV Office
Greenville DMV Office
122 Edgeworth St., Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 232-6123
Official Website: Greenville DMV Office
Spartanburg DMV Office
1625 Southport Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Phone: (864) 594-4940
Official Website: Spartanburg DMV Office
Rock Hill DMV Office
305 Hands Mill Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Phone: (803) 329-6332
Official Website: Rock Hill DMV Office
North Augusta DMV Office
1711 Ascauga Lake Road, North Augusta, SC 29841
Phone: (803) 279-6659
Official Website: North Augusta DMV Office
Ladson DMV Office
135 Wimberly Drive, Ladson, SC 29456
Phone: (843) 572-7854
Official Website: Ladson DMV Office
Florence DMV Office
3102 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29506
Phone: (843) 317-4007
Official Website: Florence DMV Office
Anderson DMV Office
331 Highway 29 Bypass North, Anderson, SC 29625
Phone: (864) 260-2205
Official Website: Anderson DMV Office
Aiken DMV Office
1755 Richland Avenue East, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 641-7752
Official Website: Aiken DMV Office
