Last Update: August 24, 2026

Temporary Permits for Private or Commercial Vehicles in South Carolina

South Carolina issues limited-use credentials that allow motor vehicles to operate on public highways before permanent registration is completed and additional credentials that allow commercial motor carriers to operate before full apportioned registration or fuel tax licensing is in place.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Permit in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a temporary vehicle permit for a standard motor vehicle is a traceable temporary license plate issued under the temporary license plate program administered by the SCDMV. The program is authorized under Section 56-3-210, which directs the Department to regulate the issuance of temporary license plates for items required to be registered in the State and for items purchased in the State that may be registered in another jurisdiction.

For commercial carriers, South Carolina distinguishes between registration-related trip permits and size-and-weight permits. A motor carrier with infrequent trips into and through the State may obtain a temporary motor carrier permit under Section 56-11-220, valid for a single motor vehicle for 10 consecutive days beginning and ending on the dates specified on the face of the permit. Vehicles or loads exceeding State size or weight limits require separate oversize/overweight permits.

Who May Need a Temporary Permit

A temporary credential may be required in the following situations:

• A private vehicle has been purchased, and a permanent metal license plate cannot be issued immediately.
• Ownership records required for title and registration are delayed.
• A commercial vehicle enters South Carolina before South Carolina apportioned registration is active under the International Registration Plan (IRP).
• A qualified motor vehicle enters South Carolina before an IFTA license and decals are active under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA).
• A vehicle or load exceeds South Carolina's size or weight limits.

Private Vehicle Temporary Tags in South Carolina

For private vehicles, the SCDMV issues a traceable temporary license plate on Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45-A). The traceable plate is assigned to a specific vehicle record and may be issued when a permanent plate cannot be produced immediately, and supporting ownership documentation demonstrates a legitimate transaction. The traceable plate is valid for up to 45 days from issuance.

South Carolina permits paper temporary plates issued by dealers and other agents prior to the SCDMV issuing a permanent plate; the SCDMV temporary plate program replaces both the legacy paper plates and the earlier handwritten dealer tags with a single standardized credential that can be verified through the Department's vehicle database.

Commercial Vehicle Temporary Permits in South Carolina

Commercial vehicles may require temporary operating authority in place of full credentials. South Carolina recognizes the following temporary commercial permits:

• IRP trip permit authorizing temporary operation in lieu of full apportioned registration.
• IFTA trip permit authorizing temporary operation in lieu of full fuel tax licensing and decals.
• Combined IRP/IFTA trip permit authorizing both temporary apportioned registration and fuel-tax compliance.
• Motor carrier temporary permit under Section 56-11-220 authorizing 10 consecutive days of operation in lieu of biennial registration and highway use taxes for infrequent trip carriers.
• An oversize/overweight permit authorizing extra-legal movement of vehicles or loads exceeding statutory size or weight limits.

When a Temporary Permit Is Required

A private vehicle generally requires a temporary license plate after purchase, when a permanent South Carolina plate cannot be produced at the point of sale. The traceable temporary plate allows lawful operation during the 45-day window during which title and registration are completed.

A commercial vehicle generally requires a trip permit when both of the following apply:

• The vehicle is subject to IRP, and South Carolina has not been added as an apportionment jurisdiction, or the vehicle is subject to IFTA, and the carrier does not hold a South Carolina IFTA license.
• The vehicle is not eligible for a South Carolina base plate under the SCDMV Motor Carrier Eligibility Checklist.

Movement is also subject to SCDOT oversize/overweight permitting when the vehicle, combination, or load exceeds dimensions or weights published on the SCDOT OS/OW Permits page.

How to Get a Temporary Permit in South Carolina

Where To Apply

For private vehicles, the Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45-A) is submitted in person at an SCDMV branch office along with the supporting ownership document. Authorized South Carolina dealers may also issue temporary plates prior to SCDMV issuance, with the credential remaining traceable through the Department's vehicle database.

For commercial carriers, IRP and IFTA trip permits are obtained through the SCDMV Motor Carrier Services online portal. New users must request portal credentials before purchasing permits, and approval may take up to 48 hours. Questions regarding trip permit purchases may be directed to the SCDMV Motor Carrier Information Center at (803) 896-3870.

Oversize/overweight permits are issued by SCDOT's Oversize/Overweight Permits office. Standard applications may be submitted through the SCDOT contact form; loads over 16 feet wide, mobile homes, and other special movements require direct coordination through the office phone line at (803) 737-6769 or toll-free (855) 467-2368.

Documents Commonly Required

Under the SCDMV temporary plate program, the Department requires the following at issuance:

• Completed and signed Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45-A).
• Title, bill of sale, or lease contract from the seller of the vehicle.
• Proof of paid South Carolina personal property tax receipt for the county in which the vehicle is being registered.

For commercial IRP/IFTA trip permits purchased through the SCDMV Motor Carrier Services portal, the carrier must provide:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration or unit number, license plate number, and owner name.
• Vehicle type, make, year, gross vehicle weight, number of axles, and state of registration.
• Insurance policy number, issuing company, and effective and expiration dates.
• USDOT number and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
• For vehicles with a declared gross vehicle weight of 55,000 lbs or more, the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Schedule 1 from IRS Form 2290 validated by the IRS for the current tax year.

Temporary Permit Fees in South Carolina

South Carolina issues temporary permits for both private and commercial vehicles at standardized rates:

Commercial trip permit fees are subject to current Motor Carrier Services fee schedules and vary based on permit type and duration. Carriers should contact the SCDMV Motor Carrier Information Center at (803) 896-3870 or access the online Motor Carrier Services portal for current pricing and availability. Third-party permit vendors typically charge approximately $59.26 for 10-day trip permits, though official SCDMV rates should be confirmed directly during purchase.

For specialized oversize/overweight movements such as house moves or mobile homes, contact the SCDOT OS/OW office at (803) 737-6769 or toll-free at (855) 467-2368 for custom fee calculations.

Can a South Carolina Temporary Permit Be Used Across State Lines?

A South Carolina traceable temporary license plate is linked to the specific vehicle record for which it was issued in the SCDMV vehicle database and remains valid for operation across state lines for its 45-day period. A current IRP trip permit authorizes temporary operation in jurisdictions that are members of the International Registration Plan, and a current IFTA trip permit authorizes fuel-tax-compliant travel in IFTA member jurisdictions. The 10-day motor carrier temporary permit issued under Section 56-11-220 operates in lieu of biennial registration and highway use taxes incurred during the permit period and must be carried in the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is in the State.

An OS/OW permit authorizes movement only on approved South Carolina highways and within the dimensions, weights, and dates stated on the permit.

Penalties for Driving Without the Proper Temporary Permit

Operators should consult the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56 and SCDOT OS/OW regulations for the complete penalty structure.

Contact Information

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-3870
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles