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South Carolina Vehicle Registration

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South Carolina Vehicle Registration

South Carolina Vehicle Registration: A Comprehensive Guide

If you own a vehicle in South Carolina, you need to register it with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to comply with state laws. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the process of registering your vehicle in South Carolina.

Registration Requirements

The following vehicles require registration in South Carolina:

– Passenger cars
– Trucks
– Motorcycles
– Trailers
– Recreational vehicles
– Boats

To register your vehicle, you will need:

– Proof of ownership (title or registration certificate)
– South Carolina driver’s license or state-issued ID
– South Carolina Department of Environmental Control inspection certificate (if applicable)
– Application for Title and Registration
– Payment for registration fees and taxes
– Proof of insurance

Registration Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to registering your vehicle in South Carolina:

1. Obtain a title for your vehicle.

If your vehicle is new or was previously titled in another state, you’ll need to obtain a South Carolina title. You can do this by visiting a local DMV office.

2. Obtain South Carolina insurance.

You’ll need to provide proof of insurance when registering your vehicle. South Carolina requires minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25.

3. Obtain a Department of Environmental Control inspection (if applicable).

If your vehicle is over a certain age or located in a specific county, it may require a Department of Environmental Control inspection before it can be registered. Check with your local DMV office to see if your vehicle requires an inspection.

4. Complete the Application for Title and Registration.

The application is available on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website or at a local DMV office.

5. Submit your application and fees.

You can submit your application and fees in person at a local DMV office.

6. Receive your registration and license plates.

After your application is approved, you will receive a registration certificate and license plates. Place the license plates on the front and back of your vehicle.

Registration Fees

South Carolina registration fees vary based on the type of vehicle you own. Passenger cars have a base fee of $40 for one year. Additional fees may apply for vehicles over specific weights and ages.

Other fees may apply, such as a late fee if you fail to register your vehicle by the expiration date.

Conclusion

Registering your vehicle in South Carolina is necessary to comply with state laws. By following the registration requirements outlined in this article, you can easily register your vehicle and avoid fines or penalties. Remember to keep your registration up to date to avoid any complications while operating your vehicle, and don’t forget to renew your registration every year.


If you buy a new or used vehicle or if you move to South Carolina from a different state, you must apply for a new title and SC vehicle registration. You may apply for your title and SC registration by mail. Motor vehicles have to complete SC vehicle registration every two years. Passenger vehicle SC registrations undergo renewal every other year in the specific month you first completed the SC vehicle registration in South Carolina. A renewal registration sticker will be given each year after you pay your required vehicle property taxes. You can renew your SC vehicle registration by mail when you pay the required vehicle property taxes.

First-Time South Carolina Vehicle Registration

If you are moving to South Carolina from another state, you have forty-five (45) days to transfer your out-of-state title and registration. You can apply for the title and SC vehicle registration by mail. Form 400, the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration, which has to be completed, contains the correct mailing address.

In order to transfer out-of-state title and registration and complete your South Carolina vehicle registration, you need the following documents:

• Your out-of-state title and registration for the SC vehicle registration.

• If there is currently a lien on your motor vehicle, you must have the name and the address of the company which holds the lien for the SC registration.

• Liability Insurance information: you must give the name of your liability insurance company rather than the name of the agent.

• Acceptable Identification for the SC vehicle registration.

• Completed Form 400, the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration. This will require your odometer mileage reading and current lien information for your SC registration.

• Original Paid Vehicle Property Tax Receipt which shows proof of your payment of the vehicle property taxes in the county you reside in.

South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fees

Depending on the type of vehicle, there are different South Carolina vehicle registration fees. Aside from the SC registration fees, there are additional fees that are applied at the time of your SC vehicle registration. They include the following:

• Title fee: $15.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for passenger cars: $24.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for RV’s: $24.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for persons up to 64 years old: $22.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for persons 65 or older: $20.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for motorcycles – $10.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for Utility or Camper Trailers: $10.00

• South Carolina vehicle registration for trailers more than 2500 pounds: $20.00 fee

• Truck trailers, trucks, and road tractors: Depends on gross vehicle rate, ranges from $30.00-$100.00