Motorists need to change car registration address in South Carolina after moving to another residence. Changing car registration address is a procedure that must be finalized through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by car owners who moves within the state or to SC from another state. The vehicle services agency will need a current address to sent important notifications such as registration renewals.

Regardless of the method chosen for the address change on car registration documents, owners will need to furnish certain information to update their vehicle registration. Drivers will also be able to change their driving license records at the same time. To learn more about how to change car registration address in SC and to review the methods available to residents of the state, continue reading the following sections.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your South Carolina Car Registration

Car owners must complete the South Carolina address change on vehicle registration when they permanently move from the address listed on their registration documents. Vehicle owners who move within South Carolina with out-of-state registration certificates must also complete the transaction.

In such cases, new state residents will complete the SC address update on auto registration when they transfer their out-of-state documents and apply for a new car title and registration card. To inquire about other situations when you may be required to update vehicle and driver records, contact the department.

South Carolina Address Change Time Limits for Updating Your Car Registration

The time limit to change your car registration address in South Carolina is currently set at 10 days after changing permanent residences. Failure to complete the address change on car registration in the allotted time period may lead to certain consequences.

For instance, if you do not update your record, then you may receive a traffic citation for operating a motor vehicle with outdated documents. If the department does not have your current address on file, then you will not receive your car registration renewal reminder as well.

How to Change Your Address on Your South Carolina Car Registration Online

The best way to update your vehicle registration address in South Carolina is to submit your request via the department’s online services section, accessible through the official DMV website. In order to access the online address change on car registration application, you will be required to enter a combination of the different types of information such as your driving license or an ID card number, Social Security Number, date of birth and/or your license plate number.

You can then finalize the process by entering your personal data, vehicle information and new address. After processing your request, the state DMV make the corresponding changes in its database and mail you a new vehicle registration card.

How to Change Your Address on Your South Carolina Car Registration in Person

Car owners who are unable to change a vehicle registration address in South Carolina via the internet can always submit their request in writing through a nearby DMV branch office. To successfully complete the address change on car registration in person, applicants will be required to deliver a filled out application to modify the address associated with the vehicle.

Before accepting your application, the DMV agent may also ask you to submit additional documentation. For example, you may be required to present an official form of ID. After processing your request, the state DMV will update all of your vehicle and driving license records.

How to Change Your Address on Your South Carolina Car Registration by Mail

Instead of requesting a South Carolina address update on car registration in person, you can change your address by mailing the application to the DMV Alternative Media unit in Blythewood. Prior to submitting your written request to change a vehicle registration address, ensure that the form is properly filled out and contains your legal signature.

Note that, if you attempt to update records with a fraudulent request form, then you will be subjected to certain fines and penalties. The department will make the necessary changes to your DMV records once it receives and verifies the application.

When to Renew Instead of Update Your Registration in South Carolina

Completing the South Carolina address change on car registration while renewing your current registration documents is an option the can be utilized under specific circumstances. Vehicle owners can update a car registration address and renew their tags only if they are within their renewal period.

Depending on the method chosen to renew a car registration address, the application steps may vary. For example, auto owners who choose to renew online will be able to complete the address update via the same online services section prior to accessing the online renewal application.

South Carolina DMV Address Change Fees

Changing a car registration address in South Carolina is a procedure that can be completed free of charge. However, vehicle owners who choose to finalize other DMV transactions simultaneously may be required to pay a certain fee. For instance, if you are updating your auto registration address in SC and renewing your vehicle tags at the same time, then you will be required to pay the standard costs for the vehicle registration renewal.

Likewise, if you request replacement vehicle registration documents with your new address, then you will have to pay the fees for updated paperwork. A replacement registration decal costs $6 in South Carolina.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.