How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in South Carolina?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all South Carolina residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system. However, in South Carolina, vehicle property taxes must be paid to the appropriate county auditor or treasurer before vehicle registration can be renewed and a new decal issued.
South Carolina Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
South Carolina vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Paid Vehicle Property Tax Receipt: Property taxes must be paid to the appropriate county auditor or treasurer before registration renewal
- Insurance Company Name: Proof of current liability insurance by providing the insurance company name
- Current Registration or Renewal Notice: SCDMV registration certificate or renewal notice received by mail
- Payment Method: Valid VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express (AMEX) card for online renewals; cash, check, or money order for in-person or mail-in renewals
Property Tax Payment Requirement
South Carolina law requires that personal vehicle property taxes must be paid on a yearly basis before a license plate can be renewed and a new decal issued. This is a mandatory prerequisite for registration renewal.
Process: Vehicle owners must pay property taxes to their county treasurer's office. After payment, the county treasurer forwards the tax receipt to the SCDMV, and the registration decal is mailed to the customer the next working day.
Online Tax Payment: Many South Carolina counties allow payment of vehicle taxes and registration fees online. Check your county's online services through the South Carolina Government Portal:
If your county does not offer online tax payment, you must pay at the county treasurer's office in person.
Renewal Timeline and Registration Periods
- Registration Period: South Carolina vehicle registrations are issued for biennial (two-year) periods
- Property Tax Due Date: Vehicle property taxes are due annually by the last day of the month shown on the vehicle decal, even though registration fees are paid biennially
- Grace Period: South Carolina law provides a built-in grace period of 30 days from the date of expiration of the decal to renew vehicle registration
- Decal Mailing: If you do not receive your license plate decal within ten business days after paying taxes, you may obtain one at an SCDMV branch with your original paid property tax receipt
- New Residents: Must register their vehicle within 45 days of moving to South Carolina and establishing residency
Late Registration Penalties
Late registration renewal penalties are assessed as follows:
- 1 to 14 days late: $10.00
- 15 to 30 days late: $25.00
- 31 to 90 days late: $50.00
- Over 90 days late: $75.00
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in South Carolina in 2025
2025 South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
South Carolina vehicle registration fees are based on vehicle type, age, and weight classification. The following table shows the biennial (2-year) registration fees effective in 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Base Registration Fee (Biennial) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Most Passenger Cars | $40.00 | Standard passenger vehicles |
| Motorcycles and Mopeds | $10.00 | All motorcycles and mopeds |
| RVs (Recreational Vehicles) | $40.00 | All RV types |
| Utility or Camper Trailers | $10.00 | Standard trailers |
| Permanent Trailer Plate | $87.00 | One-time permanent registration |
| Trailers (empty weight > 2,500 lbs.) | $20.00 | Heavy-duty trailers |
| Senior Citizens (Age 64) | $38.00 | Two-year registration |
| Senior Citizens (Age 65+) or Persons with Disabilities | $36.00 | Two-year registration with required documentation |
Note: Senior citizens and persons with disabilities receive reduced registration fees. Disability status must be verified by a medical doctor statement regarding permanency of the disability.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Registration Fees
Additional fees apply to hybrid and electric vehicles to offset road maintenance funding:
| Vehicle Type | Additional Fee (Biennial) | Total Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Vehicles | $60.00 | $100.00 ($40.00 base + $60.00 hybrid fee) |
| Electric Vehicles | $120.00 | $160.00 ($40.00 base + $120.00 EV fee) |
Gross Vehicle Weight Registration Fees
Commercial vehicles and heavy trucks pay additional registration fees based on gross vehicle weight (GVW):
| Gross Vehicle Weight Range | Biennial GVW Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 - 4,000 lbs. | $30.00 |
| 4,001 - 5,000 lbs. | $40.00 |
| 5,001 - 6,000 lbs. | $60.00 |
| 6,001 - 7,000 lbs. | $70.00 |
| 7,001 - 8,000 lbs. | $80.00 |
| 8,001 - 9,000 lbs. | $90.00 |
| 9,001 - 10,000 lbs. | $100.00 |
| 10,001 - 11,000 lbs. | $110.00 |
Note: Additional fees apply to trucks over 11,000 lbs. GVW. Consult the SCDMV Schedule of License Fees for complete commercial vehicle fee information.
Additional Mandatory Fees
The following additional fees may apply to vehicle registration transactions:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $15.00 | New title issuance |
| Expedited Title Fee | $35.00 | Available in person only |
| Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) | 5% of purchase price (max $500) | New vehicle purchases |
| One-Time Fee for Out-of-State Registration | $250.00 | Vehicles previously registered in another state |
| Credit/Debit Card Service Fee | $1.00 + 1.7% of transaction | Processing fee (not an SCDMV fee) |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in South Carolina
Online Renewal Platform
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides online renewal services through the SCDMV Online Services Portal. Vehicle registration renewal can be completed online once property taxes have been paid to the appropriate county.
Important Prerequisite: Before attempting online renewal, you must pay your vehicle property taxes to your county treasurer. The county must notify the SCDMV of your payment before online renewal becomes available.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Pay Vehicle Property Taxes
Complete the following prerequisite steps:
- Contact your county auditor's office to obtain a vehicle tax bill
- Pay vehicle property taxes to your county treasurer's office (online, by mail, or in person)
- Allow time for the county to forward your tax receipt to the SCDMV (typically processed the next business day)
- Verify that your county has notified the SCDMV of your payment
Step 2: Verify Eligibility
Confirm the following before beginning online renewal:
- Your property taxes have been paid to the appropriate county
- The county has notified the SCDMV of your payment
- Your registration address is correct (update your address if necessary before renewing)
- You have your insurance company name available
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Prepare the following information before starting your online renewal:
- Current vehicle registration certificate or renewal notice
- License plate number
- Insurance company name
- Valid VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express (AMEX) card
- Billing address for credit card verification
Step 4: Complete Online Renewal
- Access the SCDMV Online Registration Renewal Portal
- Enter your vehicle and personal information
- Provide your insurance company name
- Review all information for accuracy
- Submit payment using a valid credit or debit card
- A service fee of $1.00 + 1.7% of the transaction amount will be charged for credit/debit card processing
Step 5: Receive Registration Materials
- Your new registration certificate and decal will be mailed to the address on file
- The SCDMV processes renewals and mails registration materials the next working day after approval
- Allow adequate time for delivery by mail
Alternative Renewal Methods
County Treasurer's Office Renewal
You may pay both vehicle property taxes and registration renewal fees at your county treasurer's office:
Required documents:
- Vehicle tax bill from county auditor's office
- Current registration certificate
- Insurance company name
- Payment for taxes and registration fees (cash, check, or credit card)
After payment, the county treasurer forwards your tax receipt to the SCDMV, and your registration decal is mailed to you the next working day.
SCDMV Express Self-Service Kiosks
SCDMV Express is a self-service kiosk system that offers a fast and easy way to renew your vehicle registration without visiting an SCDMV branch office. Kiosks also allow you to print a duplicate registration and replace a lost or stolen decal.
Kiosk locations are available at select grocery stores throughout South Carolina. Visit the SCDMV Express Kiosk Locations Map to find a kiosk near you.
Kiosk hours: Available during grocery store operating hours, including evenings and weekends when SCDMV branch offices are closed.
In-Person Renewal at SCDMV Branch Offices
Visit an SCDMV branch office with the following:
- Original paid property tax receipt
- Current registration certificate or renewal notice
- Insurance company name
- Payment for registration fees (cash, check, or credit/debit card)
Important: The SCDMV only accepts original paid property tax receipts for in-person registration renewal transactions.
Mail-In Renewal
If applicable, follow the instructions on your renewal notice and mail the required documentation to the address specified on the form. Include:
- Completed renewal form
- Original paid property tax receipt (if required)
- Check or money order payable to SCDMV
Mail to the address specified on the renewal form or SCDMV transaction form.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: SCDMV
