How To Register a Car in South Carolina

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in South Carolina

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roads in South Carolina. This requirement is established under the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 56, which governs all aspects of motor vehicle operation and registration within the state.

New residents must register their vehicles within 45 days of establishing South Carolina residency. Residency is typically established when you obtain employment, register to vote, or enroll children in South Carolina schools. Military personnel stationed in South Carolina but maintaining legal residence in another state are not required to register their personal vehicles in South Carolina, provided their home state registration remains current and valid.

Students attending South Carolina educational institutions while maintaining legal residence in another state may continue using their home state registration for the duration of their studies. However, if students establish permanent residence in South Carolina through employment or other means, the 45-day registration requirement applies.

Temporary visitors and tourists may operate vehicles with valid out-of-state registration for the duration of their visit, provided the registration remains current. Business fleets and commercial vehicles must comply with South Carolina registration requirements if the vehicles are based in South Carolina or regularly operate within the state.

Licensed dealers must register demonstration and service vehicles according to South Carolina requirements, while vehicles held for sale may operate under dealer plates. Interstate commercial carriers may participate in the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles traveling in multiple jurisdictions, which provides proportional registration based on miles traveled in each state.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in South Carolina

South Carolina requires registration for various vehicle categories, each subject to specific classification requirements and fee structures:

• Passenger vehicles including cars, station wagons, and sport utility vehicles used for personal transportation
• Motorcycles and mopeds used on public roads, with different fee structures based on engine size and capabilities
• Commercial vehicles including trucks, vans, and buses used for business purposes with weight-based fee classifications
• Buses used for passenger transportation, including school buses, transit buses, and commercial charter vehicles
• Recreational vehicles including motor homes, travel trailers, camping trailers, and fifth-wheel recreational equipment
• Trailers and semi-trailers used for hauling cargo, equipment, or recreational purposes, with fees based on empty weight classifications
• Antique and classic vehicles meeting specific age requirements, eligible for special registration with usage restrictions and reduced fees
• Special purpose vehicles including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and utility trailers with specific fee structures

Vehicle classifications determine registration fees and requirements. Heavy commercial vehicles require fees based on gross vehicle weight, while electric and hybrid vehicles incur additional fees to offset fuel tax contributions.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in South Carolina

Several vehicle categories are exempt from South Carolina registration requirements under [South Carolina Code Section 56-3-120](SECTION 56-3-120.Exemptions from registration and licensing requirement.), though some may require alternative permits or registrations:

Agricultural implements and farm equipment operated exclusively for farming purposes are exempt when used on agricultural property or traveling between farm locations for legitimate agricultural operations. Farm vehicles used solely for agricultural purposes may qualify for special registration alternatives rather than standard motor vehicle registration.

Government-owned vehicles operated by federal, state, and local government agencies are exempt from standard registration requirements but may display special government plates for identification purposes. Military tactical vehicles and equipment owned by the armed forces operate under federal authority and do not require state registration.

Off-highway vehicles including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) designed exclusively for off-road use are exempt from motor vehicle registration but must be registered under specialized programs. These vehicles require registration through South Carolina's ATV programs administered by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Vehicles operated exclusively on private property for industrial, construction, or agricultural purposes do not require registration, provided they never operate on public roads or highways. This exemption includes mining equipment, construction machinery, and specialized industrial vehicles that remain on private property.

Golf carts and similar low-speed vehicles operated exclusively on private property or designated areas are exempt from registration requirements. However, golf carts modified for street use or operating on public roads must meet motor vehicle standards and registration requirements.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in South Carolina

Registering a vehicle in South Carolina requires specific documentation, property tax payments, and fee payments. The process has unique requirements that differ from many other states.

Required documents for registration include:

• Completed application using SCDMV Form 400 (Title Application)
• Proof of ownership such as manufacturer's certificate of origin, properly assigned title from another state, or bill of sale with appropriate signatures
• Valid identification including South Carolina driver license or acceptable government-issued identification
• Proof of liability insurance meeting South Carolina's minimum coverage requirements of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury and property damage liability
• Vehicle property tax receipt showing all county property taxes have been paid in full
• Lien documentation if the vehicle is financed, including complete lienholder information and security agreements

Vehicle property tax payment is mandatory before registration and represents a unique South Carolina requirement. Property taxes must be paid annually to the county auditor's office based on the vehicle's assessed value, typically 6% of retail value for privately owned passenger vehicles and 10.5% for business-owned vehicles.

VIN inspection requirements do not apply to most standard passenger vehicles in South Carolina, as the state does not require safety or emissions inspections for passenger cars. However, commercial vehicles over 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight require annual safety inspections.

Fees and taxes include several components:

• Title fees of $15 for new titles or transfers, with expedited service available for $35
• Registration fees of $40 for most passenger cars, $10 for motorcycles and mopeds, $10 for utility trailers
• Senior citizen discounts available: $38 for ages 64, $36 for ages 65 and older
• Alternative fuel vehicle fees: $60 additional for hybrids, $120 additional for electric vehicles
• Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of 5% of purchase price, maximum $500 for vehicles not previously registered in South Carolina
• One-time fee of $250 for vehicles previously registered in another state

Timing requirements mandate registration within 45 days of establishing residency, with late penalties ranging from $10 to $75 depending on the length of delay.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in South Carolina

South Carolina operates vehicle registration services through SCDMV branch offices located throughout the state's 46 counties. These offices provide comprehensive title and registration services for all vehicle types.

Major SCDMV branch offices include:

Charleston DMV - Orleans Road
946 Orleans Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
(843) 727-6477
Charleston DMV - Orleans Road

Columbia DMV - Shop Road
1630 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
(803) 737-8350
Columbia DMV - Shop Road

Greenville DMV
123 Edgeworth Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
(864) 241-1060
Greenville DMV

Florence DMV
3102 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29506
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
(843) 317-4007
Florence DMV

County auditor offices handle vehicle property tax assessment and collection, which must be completed before SCDMV registration. These offices work in conjunction with SCDMV branches to provide the complete registration process.

A complete directory is available at the SCDMV locations page. SCDMV Express kiosks located in retail locations throughout South Carolina provide self-service options for registration renewals and routine transactions.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in South Carolina?

South Carolina provides limited online registration services through the SCDMV Online Services portal, which allows certain transactions to be completed electronically. However, initial vehicle registration and complex transactions require in-person processing.

Available online services include:

• Registration renewals for current registrations without changes to ownership or lien information
• Duplicate registration documents and replacement decals for lost or damaged items
• License plate replacements for damaged or illegible plates
• Address changes for existing registrations when moving within South Carolina
• Driving record requests and various administrative services

Limitations of online services require in-person processing for:

• Initial vehicle registration from out-of-state or first-time registration requiring title transfers
• Title transfers between owners or when adding/removing names from ownership
• Out-of-state transfers requiring complete documentation verification and property tax assessments
• Commercial vehicle registration requiring weight certifications or special permits
• Lien-related transactions involving new financing or complex ownership arrangements

Eligibility requirements for online services include:

• Current registration that has not been suspended or canceled
• No outstanding holds or violations preventing online transactions
• Paid property taxes for the current tax year
• Valid payment method including credit cards or debit cards in the customer's name

The online system operates through secure authentication requiring driver license numbers, identification card numbers, or vehicle plate numbers. SCDMV Express kiosks provide additional self-service options at retail locations throughout the state for registration renewals and duplicate document services.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in South Carolina

South Carolina uses a dual expiration system with different schedules for registration plates and annual decals, creating a unique renewal structure compared to other states.

Registration plates are issued for two-year terms and expire based on the registration issue date. Annual decals expire yearly and must be renewed to maintain valid registration, with expiration dates typically falling in December for most passenger vehicles.

Vehicle property taxes must be paid annually before decal renewal, creating an annual renewal requirement even though the registration plate itself has a two-year term. This system requires vehicle owners to pay property taxes to the county auditor and then obtain the annual decal from SCDMV or authorized agents.

Decal color coding helps law enforcement identify current registrations, with color-coded decals placed in the lower right-hand corner of the license plate. The decal color changes annually and indicates the current registration year.

Validity requirements for maintaining active registration include:

• Annual property tax payments to the county auditor based on the vehicle's assessed value
• Current liability insurance meeting South Carolina's minimum coverage requirements
• Accurate address information with changes reported to maintain proper registration records
• Payment of all fees including registration renewals and applicable penalties

Consequences of expired registration include traffic violations with fines and potential vehicle impoundment. Operating with expired registration is a misdemeanor offense under South Carolina law, with penalties escalating based on the length of expiration.

Late penalty structure applies progressive fees:

• 1-14 days late: $10 penalty
• 15-30 days late: $25 penalty
• 31-90 days late: $50 penalty
• Over 90 days late: $75 penalty

Special schedules may apply to commercial vehicles, with some categories requiring different renewal intervals based on gross vehicle weight and usage classifications.