Answers to the most Common South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Questions (SC DMV)
Doug Stockman • October 24, 2024
Not sure how to handle vehicle registration?
Understanding and complying with the regulations of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is crucial to avoid fines and suspensions. Below are detailed answers to some of the most common questions related to SCDMV regulations.
Registration and License Plates
- How many days do you have to register a newly purchased vehicle in South Carolina?
Answer: You must register a newly purchased vehicle within 45 days.
- Is there a grace period for registering a vehicle in South Carolina?
Answer: Yes, residents have 30 days to renew their car tags after the expiration date. If an officer pulls you over after this period, you could be charged with a misdemeanor. Remember to cancel your insurance effective on the date you turn in the tag.
- Why did the SCDMV send me a new license plate/tag?
Answer: New plates are issued after paying county taxes at the end of the year in which your individual plate is up for reissue. In South Carolina, license plates are up for reissue every 10 years.
- Can I use my old license plate on my new car in South Carolina?
Answer: Yes, if you have a valid tag from a vehicle you sold, parked, or traded, you can transfer that tag to a new vehicle as long as the name on the new vehicle's title was also on the old vehicle's title.
Driving Without Plates and Penalties
- Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in South Carolina?
Answer: No. Every vehicle on South Carolina roads must have either a regular license plate or a temporary plate, which is valid for only 45 days. If you have a temporary plate, carry the bill of sale, rental contract, or title in the vehicle at all times.
- What is the penalty for not registering a vehicle in South Carolina?
Answer:
First 14 days - $10.00
15 to 30 days - $25.00
31 to 90 days - $50.00
91 days or more - $75.00
Note: The SCDMV considers the postmark date as the date of receipt when assessing penalties.
License Plate Turn-In and Transfer
- How long do you have to turn in your license plate in South Carolina?
Answer: You are required to surrender the license plate within 30 days of selling or disposing of a vehicle. You can request a refund from the Auditor's office for the unused months on the registration after you've surrendered the plate.
Note: Do not cancel your insurance until you have turned in the tag to the SC DMV.
- How do I transfer my license plate to a new car in South Carolina?
Answer: Take the registration of your previous vehicle and the bill of sale for your replacement vehicle to the DMV to register your new vehicle and perform the transfer. Be sure to contact your insurance company to make the policy change. It is the owner’s responsibility to request the change; do not rely on the dealership or lender to add your newly purchased vehicle.
- Can I throw away old license plates in South Carolina?
Answer: If your license plate is expired, it does not need to be decommissioned. Only active plates require decommissioning. You may return the plate to any SCDMV branch. Tags/plates can also be turned in or decommissioned online via the Virtual SC DMV Tag Return or Decommission.
Temporary Tags and Grace Period
- How long can you drive on a bill of sale in South Carolina?
Answer: You have 30 days to drive with just a bill of sale until you are required to get a new tag. Ensure that you keep the bill of sale in the car and have informed your insurance company.
- Is there a grace period for tags in South Carolina?
Answer: Yes, South Carolina residents have 30 days to renew their vehicle tags after expiration. If you move from out of state, you have 45 days to transfer your vehicle's title and registration. Registration can be applied for online or in person at your local DMV. Obtain South Carolina car insurance before registering your vehicle.
We hope you find this helpful. For complete SC DMV information please click the link below:
*Based on information from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles as of October 2024. Car owners should always use the most current information from the SC DMV.he body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
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