How to Get License Plates in South Carolina

1.

In most states, you cannot apply for or replace a license plate online. Instead, most states require you to request a new or duplicate license plate in person at a DMV office. However, certain states or counties may allow you to complete these transactions online. In any case, you must apply for a new license plate within a few days of your vehicle’s date of purchase. To do so, you must provide a certificate of title, odometer disclosure, smog certification (if applicable) and bill of sale (if needed). Then, you must pay any applicable DMV service fees. To prepare for this procedure and save time, download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know about standard and custom license plates. In it, you will also learn about requesting, renewing and replacing a car registration.

2. By Mail

In most states, you cannot apply for a license plate by mail. However, many states allow you to replace or surrender a license plate by sending the required materials through the mail. When replacing a plate, you will be required to send a completed application form containing personal details and vehicle specifications to the appropriate DMV mailing address. If you wish to surrender an existing license plate after selling your vehicle, you may do so by mailing the plate to the correct DMV branch in your state. Due to mailing and processing times, be mindful that the mail-in method may subject you to certain delays.

3. In Person at a DMV Office

You will most likely need to visit a DMV office in person to apply for a license plate in your state. During your visit, you will be asked to provide proof of identity, documents that verify your car ownership and a completed application form. In addition, you will be required to pay the applicable DMV fees, which vary depending on whether you apply for a standard or personalized license plate. When visiting a DMV, you may also replace or transfer an existing license plate, as long as those procedures are offered in your state. To avoid mistakes or taking additional trips to the DMV, make sure that you are fully prepared for license plate transactions prior to filing your application.

Car registration plates in South Carolina are required to be displayed on all South Carolina vehicles that are driven in the state. You will receive an SC DMV license plate and a registration card when you register your vehicle with the state. Valid car registration helps law enforcement officers to see at a glance that you possess a registered tag and vehicle.

Additionally, drivers can be identified based on the license plate number, which can be helpful in emergency situations. You can get a license plate easily online, in person or by mail. To learn more about license plate services and when you need to renew, replace or transfer your SC tags, continue reading the information below.

Types of License Plates in South Carolina

South Carolina offers many types of DMV license plates, including the standard “While I Breathe, I Hope” design. It features the state’s Palmetto tree and crescent in a white and indigo color palette. As in most states, the standard-issue SC DMV car tag is the least expensive tag option.

Other special car registration plates include antique plates, fraternity and sorority plates and license plates featuring health and charity causes and military-related affiliations. You can also car tags that have unique personalization, such as your name or a favorite word or phrase. Most specialty and personalized car registration plates require an additional fee.

How to Apply for a License Plate in South Carolina

Part of how to get a license plate in South Carolina involves applicants being current on any applicable property tax payments before obtaining a car tag. New registration plates in South Carolina are obtainable in person at one of the SC DMV branch offices or service centers located throughout the state.

If you have a car bought in a private transaction, you may apply for your car registration plates through the official SC DMV online portal. You will need your driver’s license, the vehicle’s title or bill of sale, proof of insurance and payment for the associated fees. You must also complete the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in South Carolina

As with applying for new plates, you cannot renew license plate tags without having paid all property taxes due to the appropriate county. Once that is accomplished, you may get your license plate renewal in person, online or by mail. If renewing license plate tags online, you will simply need to enter your insurance information, credit card number and any information requested from your plate renewal notice.

To renew in person, bring those documents to your local SC DMV branch office. If you are wondering how the renewal process works by mail, you should know that that process is very simple. Simply send your renewal notice, insurance info and payment to the DMV.

Renewing your vehicle registration typically occurs at the same time that you renew your license plates. This process saves you both time and effort as you can accomplish both tasks simultaneously.

How to Replace License Plates in South Carolina

If your car tag is lost or stolen, you can replace your license plate in South Carolina for a small fee. Notify your local law enforcement authority as soon as you notice your license plate is missing, or if you have reason to believe it was stolen, so that you can begin replacing your license plate as soon as possible. When researching how to replace a license plate in South Carolina, you will need to show proof of insurance.

Replacement services for license plates are available online. If you wonder how to replace plate tags by mail, note that you can mail a request to the address above. However, it will take longer to receive your new plates than if you apply online or in person.

How to Transfer License Plates in South Carolina

You can transfer an SC DMV car tag to another vehicle as long as you can show proof of insurance on the new vehicle. Car registration plate transfers need to be handled in person at an SC DMV service center. If you choose not to transfer a tag from an old vehicle to a new one, you must relinquish the old tag to the SC DMV in person or by mail.

South Carolina License Plate Fees

There is a $30 fee for replacing license plate registration, in addition to a separate fee for license plate transfers. Moreover, personalized plates for passenger cars typically cost $40.

License Plate Lookups in South Carolina

SC DMV license plate lookups are available, but only if the applicant has permission from the individual to whom the information pertains. You may complete a Request for Vehicle Information and submit it with its applicable fee payment.

You will get a license plate or title information, including odometer information. The name and address of the registered owner will not be available due to privacy laws.

License Plate Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Monday, March 11 2019.

Sources

  1. License Plates from SCDMVOnline.com

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