Car Registration Requirements for New South Carolina Residents

Relocating to South Carolina with a vehicle from another state triggers immediate registration obligations. State law establishes deadlines and documentation requirements for establishing legal residence through employment, property ownership, or extended presence in the state.

Timeline for New South Carolina Residents

New residents must transfer vehicle registration within 45 days of establishing residency. This deadline applies to all vehicles brought into South Carolina from other states.

Late registration results in financial penalties. Vehicles not registered within the required timeframe incur the following penalty amounts:

• 46 to 60 days late: $10
• 61 to 75 days late: $25
• 76 to 135 days late: $50
• Over 135 days late: $75

Establishing South Carolina Residency

S.C. Code Regs. § 62-603 defines residency requirements for vehicle registration purposes. Individuals establish residency when maintaining a South Carolina physical address through property ownership, lease agreements, or employment in the state.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in South Carolina

New residents must submit required documentation, including proof of identity, vehicle ownership, and insurance coverage, when transferring registration.

Essential Documents

For Vehicles with Outstanding Liens:

• Completed Title Application (Form 400)
• Statement of Vehicle Operation (Form TI-006)
• Out-of-state registration
• Original paid property tax receipt from the county treasurer
• South Carolina driver's license, beginner's permit, or identification card
• Title and registration fees

For Vehicles without Liens:

• Completed Title Application (Form 400)
• Statement of Vehicle Operation (Form TI-006)
• Out-of-state title
• Original paid property tax receipt from the county treasurer
• South Carolina driver's license, beginner's permit, or identification card
• Title and registration fees

Property Tax Requirements

South Carolina requires payment of county property taxes before vehicle registration can be completed. New residents must visit their county treasurer's office to pay property taxes and obtain a paid receipt. The SCDMV accepts only original paid property tax receipts.

Insurance Requirements

South Carolina mandates specific minimum insurance coverage for all registered vehicles. State law requires minimum coverage as follows:

Application Submission Methods

New residents may submit registration applications through the following methods:

In-Person Submission: Visit any SCDMV branch office with all required documentation. Branch locations process title and registration applications during regular business hours.

Mail Submission:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016-0038

Registration Fees and Costs in South Carolina

Fee amounts vary based on vehicle type, age, and owner characteristics.

Standard Registration Fees

Biennial registration fees for most vehicles are:

• Passenger cars: $40
• Motorcycles and mopeds: $10
• RVs: $40
• Owners age 64: $38
• Owners age 65 or older: $36
• Trailers with an empty weight more than 2500 lbs.

Additional Mandatory Fees

One-Time Fees for New Residents:

• Title fee: $15
• One-time fee for new vehicle previously registered in another state

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees:

• Hybrid vehicles: $60 additional
• Electric vehicles: $120 additional

Contact Information

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
TTY: (803) 896-5099
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles