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How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in South Carolina

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies vehicle owners of the expiration date of their vehicle registration by mail every two years. Vehicles can be renewed at the time of payment of vehicle property tax at the local county treasurer's office, when a registration renewal sticker is issued. Vehicle registrations can be renewed before the expiration date by mail, using the DMV's online service, or in person.

REGISTRATION RENEWAL BY U.S. MAIL

  • Send the completed application for registration renewal and the appropriate payment to: 
    South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Licensing & Title/Registration: (803) 896-5000
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, South Carolina 29016

REGISTRATION RENEWAL VIA THE INTERNET

  1. Some counties in South Carolina permit vehicle registration renewals online. These are Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Chester, Darlington, Dorchester, Greenville, Horry, Lexington, Pickens, Richland, Spartanburg and York.
  2. Go to the South Carolina DMV Online Services website.
  3. Have your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card handy to pay for the renewal.
  4. There might be a need for Insurance verification or additional fees for which the DMV will send an MV1 form, which you can fill online.
  5. There is no additional fee for online renewals.

REGISTRATION RENEWAL IN PERSON

  1. Registration renewal in person happens if you are late in renewal and have to bear a late charge, if registration needs to be changed or if an adjustment is required on your tax bills.
  2. Locate the DMV office in your area.
  3. You need to bring along cash, credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover to pay for the renewal.

FEES

Registration for different categories of vehicles in South Carolina will have different fees that range from $10 to $800 or $1600 depending on whether it is an annual or biennial renewal, as seen here. Senior citizens can also avail of discounted fees.

FOR CORRECTIONS

  1. Before renewal, check for errors in the pre-printed vehicle renewal notice that arrived in the mail.
  2. For correction or change of address, you can use the online services, go in person or get it done via mail.
  3. For changing address via mail you need to fill in the application form and mail it to the following: 
    DMV Alternative Media Office 
P.O. Box 1498 
Blythewood, SC 29016-0035

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION