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.
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.
Driving Smarter: Understanding South Carolina's New Hands-Free Law As your trusted independent insurance agency, we're committed to keeping you informed about important changes that impact your driving and, by extension, your insurance. South Carolina is taking a significant step towards safer roads with the new South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, which goes into effect on September 1, 2025. This law is a crucial update to our state's distracted driving regulations, and it's essential for all drivers to understand its implications. What Does the New Law Prohibit? Beginning September 1, 2025, the new law prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices in the following ways while operating a motor vehicle on public roads: Holding or supporting a mobile device with any part of their body. This means no more holding your phone to your ear, resting it on your lap, or wedging it against your shoulder. Reading, composing, or transmitting texts, emails, app interactions, or website information on a mobile device. Watching any motion, including videos, movies, games, or video calls, on a mobile electronic device. It's important to note that this law applies to a broad range of "mobile electronic devices," including cellphones, portable computers, GPS receivers, and electronic games. Are There Any Exceptions? Yes, there are some specific exceptions where you can still use your device: When you are lawfully parked or stopped. When initiating a voice-based communication that is automatically converted to text, as long as you are not holding or supporting the device. When reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public safety official. For navigation, listening to audio-based content, or obtaining traffic/road condition information, provided the device is not held or supported by your body. To initiate or end a cellular call without typing, and without holding or supporting the device. When using equipment or services installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. Penalties for Violations To allow drivers time to adjust, law enforcement officers will only issue warnings for violations during the first 180 days after the law goes into effect (from September 1, 2025). After this warning period, the penalties will be: First offense: A fine of $100. Second or subsequent offense (within three years): A fine of $200 and two points assessed against your driver's license. It's important to remember that officers can stop you if they have a clear and unobstructed view of you unlawfully using a mobile electronic device. While you cannot be arrested solely for a hands-free violation (unless you fail to appear in court or pay a fine), accumulating points on your license can impact your driving record and potentially your insurance rates. Why This Matters for Your Insurance Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. This new hands-free law aims to reduce those accidents, making our roads safer for everyone. For you, as a driver, adhering to this law is not just about avoiding fines and points; it's about reducing your risk of being involved in a collision. Fewer accidents can lead to: Lower insurance premiums: A clean driving record with no distracted driving violations can help keep your car insurance rates down. Avoiding claims: Preventing accidents means you won't have to go through the hassle of filing an insurance claim, dealing with repairs, or managing potential injuries. Protecting your deductibles: Each claim typically involves paying a deductible, so avoiding accidents saves you money out-of-pocket. As your independent insurance agency, we work with multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the most competitive rates. By driving responsibly and complying with the new hands-free law, you're not only contributing to safer communities but also actively helping to protect your insurance standing. If you have any questions about how this new law might affect your specific insurance policy or if you'd like to review your current coverage, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you're well-protected on the road.
South Carolina Teens will have to wait! Coming Soon: Stronger, Safer SC Driver's Licenses Are On The Way! As your trusted independent insurance agency in Spartanburg, we're always looking out for updates that impact our community. That's why we want to bring your attention to an important change coming to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) this fall: the rollout of more secure driver's licenses, beginner's permits, and identification cards. This isn't just a cosmetic update; it's a significant step forward in protecting South Carolinians from identity fraud and ensuring the integrity of our official identification documents. What's Changing and Why It Matters The SCDMV is modernizing the way licenses and ID cards are produced, incorporating advanced security features and upgraded materials. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect and why these changes are so beneficial: Enhanced Security Features: The new cards will be made from stronger materials and utilize state-of-the-art printing techniques, including laser engraving. This makes them significantly more resistant to counterfeiting, providing better protection against identity theft for you and a more reliable credential for law enforcement and businesses. Centralized Issuance: South Carolina is joining at least 45 other states and the District of Columbia in centralizing the production of all licenses, permits, and ID cards. This process enhances efficiency and allows for the inclusion of high-level security elements that weren't previously feasible. New Look, Familiar Symbols: While specific design details are still to be announced, the new cards will prominently feature iconic South Carolina symbols like the Palmetto Tree and the State House, making them both secure and a proud representation of our state. What Does This Mean for You? Good news! You do not need to take any immediate action. Your current South Carolina driver's license or identification card remains valid until its listed expiration date. However, here's what to keep in mind for new applications or renewals: In-Person Application, Mail Delivery: Beginning this fall, you will still apply for licenses or ID cards in person at SCDMV branches. You'll present your required documentation and complete any applicable testing. Temporary Certificate: Instead of walking out with your permanent card, you'll receive a temporary driving certificate or identification certificate. This temporary document will be valid for driving, voting, and other uses while you await your permanent card. Mail Delivery for Permanent Card: Your new, permanent, secure card will arrive by U.S. mail within 7-15 business days. Don't Wait Until the Last Minute: If your license is nearing expiration, the SCDMV encourages you not to wait until the very last day to renew. Since the new cards will be mailed, allow ample time for delivery. REAL ID Remains Important: While separate from this security upgrade, remember the importance of a REAL ID. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID compliant driver's license (indicated by a gold star) or another federally approved identification (like a valid U.S. Passport) is required to board domestic commercial flights or enter secure federal facilities. If you plan to fly or access federal buildings, ensure your current license is REAL ID compliant or plan to obtain one during your next renewal. We believe these advancements from the SCDMV are a positive step for all South Carolinians. A more secure driver's license helps protect your personal information and provides greater peace of mind in our increasingly digital world. As always, if you have any questions about how these changes might impact your insurance needs, or if you need assistance with any of your personal or business insurance policies, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you navigate these updates and ensure you're always well-protected. More information here: South Carolina DMV - Roll Out