South Carolina License Plate Lookup /DMV Locations

South Carolina County DMV Locations

What Does DMV Stand for in South Carolina?

DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles in South Carolina (SCDMV). The department's responsibilities include issuing driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title, and various other motor vehicle-related services.

The SCDMV plays a pivotal role in promoting road safety and ensuring that all vehicles are correctly registered and drivers are qualified to operate them. Through its network of offices across the state, the SCDMV offers services to residents, facilitating the necessary procedures.

What is Required for South Carolina Car Registration?

To register a vehicle in South Carolina, residents must follow a comprehensive process and provide specific documents to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). This process ensures that all vehicles meet the state's safety and emission standards and that the car's ownership is legally documented.

Proof of ownership (Title or bill of sale for vehicles purchased from a private seller)
Completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form 400)
Proof of South Carolina residency
Payment of applicable registration fees
Proof of insurance compliant with South Carolina's minimum insurance requirements
Vehicle inspection certificate, if applicable

The initial vehicle registration step involves visiting a local SCDMV office with the required documents. The SCDMV website provides detailed information on office locations and operating hours. After submitting the necessary documents and fees, the SCDMV will issue a registration certificate, license plates, and a decal indicating the expiration date.

How Much is Vehicle Registration in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the cost associated with vehicle registration encompasses several fees. The registration fee for most passenger cars is $40. Hybrid vehicles are subject to a $60 registration fee plus the standard registration fee. An Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) is applied, which is 5% of the vehicle's purchase price, capped at a maximum of $500. For new residents moving to South Carolina, the total cost includes a $250 IMF, a $15 title fee, and the $40 registration/license plate fee, excluding the property tax payable to the county of residence.

How to Get a Renewal Vehicle Registration in South Carolina?

You have several convenient options to renew your vehicle registration in South Carolina. The state requires residents to renew their vehicle registrations every two years. You will receive a renewal notice from the SC Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) ahead of your registration's expiration date. Here are the steps to follow for renewal:

Online: You can renew your registration online via the SCDMV website. This is a quick and efficient method if you can access the internet.
SCDMV Express Kiosk: For a fast and easy renewal process without visiting a branch office, you can use the SCDMV Express self-service kiosk. These kiosks allow you to renew your registration and print a receipt on the spot.
In-Person: Visit a local SCDMV branch office. You may need to bring your driver's license or ID, the renewal notice or current registration, and proof of insurance. Payment for your renewal fees can also be made at this time.
Mail: You can renew your registration by mailing the required documents and payment to the SCDMV as instructed in your renewal notice.

Ensure that your vehicle's insurance is current, as you must provide proof of insurance during the renewal process. Always check the SCDMV's official website for current information and specific details about the renewal fees and required documents.

What Do I Need to Get a Driver's License in South Carolina?

Obtaining a driver's license in South Carolina requires applicants to provide several documents and complete specific steps to prove their identity, residency, and driving capabilities. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) has established a clear set of requirements for first-time applicants:

Proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2 form)
Two proofs of South Carolina residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
Proof of insurance for any vehicle you own
Payment of the licensing fee
Completion of a vision test
Passing the knowledge test and road skills test

Applicants under 18 must also complete a driver's education course and submit a PDLA (Parent's or Guardian's Certification of Minor's School Attendance) form to verify school attendance or graduation.

Can I Get My South Carolina Driver's License Online?

Certain services related to driver's licenses in South Carolina can be completed online, but obtaining a new driver's license requires an in-person visit to a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) office. Online services provided by the SCDMV include license renewal, address update, and replacement of a lost or stolen license for eligible individuals. However, first-time applicants and those requiring a road test must visit a SCDMV office to complete the process.

The SCDMV website offers a convenient and efficient online portal for renewals and replacements. Applicants can access forms, pay fees, and submit necessary documents through the secure platform, streamlining the process for those eligible for online services.

How Do I Get a Replacement Driver's License in South Carolina?

If your driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) can help you get a replacement to continue driving legally. Documents required for this procedure are:

A completed application for a driver's license, learner's permit, or identification card. (Form DL-49).
Proof of identity and legal presence.
Payment of the replacement fee.

Applicants may request a replacement driver's license online or in person at a local SCDMV office. The online portal is a quick and convenient option for eligible people. At the same time, an office visit may be required for those who need to update a photo or provide additional documentation.

How Do I Get a Renewed Driver's License in South Carolina?

You have several options to renew your driver's license in South Carolina, including online, in-person, and by mail. The process is straightforward, but there are specific requirements you must meet:

Online Renewal: South Carolina residents can renew their driver's license online via the SCDMV website. This is the most convenient method, allowing you to restore from anywhere with internet access. To be eligible for online renewal, you must be a U.S. citizen with proof of current car insurance. If your last renewal was by mail, you must renew in person this time.
In-Person Renewal: If more than nine months have passed since your license expired or you need to update your photo or information, you must renew in person at a local SCDMV office. Bring the required documents, including proof of identity, residency, and insurance.
By Mail: This option is generally reserved for those who have received a mail-in renewal notice and meet the specific criteria for mail renewal.

Remember, renewing a driver's license in South Carolina must be done every eight years, and your license always expires on your birthday. It may take up to 15 business days from the time it's processed to receive your renewed license in the mail.

South Carolina DMV Contact Information

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Bamberg

Address: 341 Lacey Street, Bamberg, SC 29003, United States

Phone: +1 803-245-0837

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Bamberg

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Columbia

Address: 1630 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

Phone: +1 803-737-8350

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Columbia-Shop-Road

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Myrtle Beach

Address: 1200 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

Phone: +1 843-448-9957

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Myrtle-Beach

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Fort Mill

Address: 3071 US-21, Fort Mill, SC 29715, United States

Phone: +1 803-547-8350

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Fort-Mill

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Mount Pleasant

Address: 1189 Sweetgrass Basket Pkwy #500, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466, United States

Phone: +1 843-884-9760

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Mount-Pleasant

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Aiken County

Address: 1755 Richland Ave E, Aiken, SC 29801, United States

Phone: +1 803-641-7752

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Aiken

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Moncks Corner

Address: 1005 US-52, Moncks Corner, SC 29641, United States

Phone: +1 843-761-3686

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Moncks-Corner---New-Office

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Spartanburg

Address: 1625 Southport Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29306, United States

Phone: +1 864-594-4940

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Spartanburg-87-Southport-Rd

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Blythewood

Address: 10311 Wilson Blvd C, Blythewood, SC 29016, United States

Phone: +1 803-896-5000

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Blythewood

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Gaffney

Address: 451 Hyatt St, Gaffney, SC 29341, United States

Phone: +1 864-488-1386

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Gaffney

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - North Myrtle Beach

Address: 107 State Hwy 57 N #4, Little River, SC 29566, United States

Phone: +1 843-399-5567

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/North-Myrtle-Beach

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Woodruff

Address: 351 S Main St, Woodruff, SC 29388, United States

Phone: +1 864-476-5913

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Woodruff

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - North Charleston

Address: 3790 Leeds Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405, United States

Phone: +1 843-740-6168

Website: https://scdmvonline.com/Locations/Charleston-10-Leeds-Avenue

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Lexington

Address: 122 Park Rd, Lexington, SC 29072, United States

Phone: +1 803-356-8537

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Lexington

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Bishopville

Address: 508 South Lee Street, Bishopville, SC 29010, United States

Phone: +1 803-484-4573

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Bishopville

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Camden

Address: 1056 Ehrenclou Drive, Camden, SC 29020, United States

Phone: +1 803-432-4340

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Camden

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Chesterfield

Address: 100 Laney St., Chesterfield, SC 29709, United States

Phone: +1 843-623-3541

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Chesterfield

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Georgetown

Address: 214 Ridge Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, United States

Phone: +1 843-527-8730

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Georgetown

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Lexington

Address: 400 West Wheeler Circle Saluda, SC 29138, United States

Phone: +1 864-445-2571

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Saluda

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Lancaster

Address: 1694 Pageland Highway, Lancaster, SC 29720, United States

Phone: +1 803-286-4859

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Lancaster

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles - Orangeburg

Address: 1720 Charleston Highway, Orangeburg, SC 29115, United States

Phone: +1 803-531-6866

Website: https://www.scdmvonline.com/Locations/Orangeburg

This information is subject to change, and individuals are encouraged to verify details on the respective county DMV websites or the SCDMV.