Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Blvd. Building C
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 896-5000 | www.scdmvonline.com
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1993
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 896-7920 | www.schp.org
Department of Transportation (DOT)
955 Park Street
P.O. Box 191
Columbia, SC 29202-0191
(803) 737-2314 | www.dot.state.sc.us
Every owner of a vehicle in South Carolina for which the Department of Motor Vehicles has issued no certificate of title must apply for a certificate of title.
An application for a certificate of title for a vehicle must be made by the owner to the Department on the form it prescribes and must contain or be accompanied by: the name and residence and mailing address of the owner; (2) a description of the vehicle, including, so far as the following data exists, its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, type of body, odometer reading at the time of application, and whether the vehicle is new or used; (3) the date of acquisition by applicant, the name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired, and the names and addresses of any lienholders in the order of their priority and the dates of their security agreements; (4) an odometer disclosure statement made by the transferor of the vehicle and acknowledged by the transferee; and (5) any further information or documentation the Department reasonably requires.
If the application is not for the 1st certificate of title, the last certificate of title previously issued for the vehicle must accompany it.
If the application refers to a vehicle purchased from a dealer, it must contain the name and address of any lienholder holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of the sale signed by the dealer as well as the owner, and the dealer must promptly mail or deliver the application to the Department. If the application refers to a new vehicle purchased from a dealer, the application must also be accompanied by the manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
Whenever an owner transfers his ownership in a motor vehicle, he or she must immediately notify the Department in writing of the transfer by providing the Department with the name and address of the new owner and the date of transfer.
Whenever any person purchases a vehicle which was registered in South Carolina, the person receiving the vehicle must make an application with the Department for the transfer of the vehicle within 30 days of the date of transfer.
New or used mobile homes or manufactured homes must be titled. Owners must submit the previous title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin, a $15.00 fee, and a bill of sale if the title does not have the Bill of Sale on the back.
No sales tax is required on mobile homes if it was purchased between individuals. The title fee is $15.00.
Every motor vehicle, trailer, and semitrailer operated on South Carolina highways must be registered.
Newly purchased vehicles must be registered with a new plate or a plate transferred from another vehicle within 45 days of purchase. All vehicles operating on the streets or highways of South Carolina must display a regular license plate or a temporary license plate. The temporary plate is only valid for 45 days from the date of purchase of the vehicle and is available at local DMV offices or county auditor’s offices. During the 45-day period, a copy of the registration for the older vehicle, the bill of sale, title, rental contract, or a copy of any of these documents must be kept in the new vehicle at all times to verify the dates of purchase to law enforcement. Temporary license plates cannot be used to test drive a vehicle or to operate a vehicle until it is sold.
Application for registration must be made on the form prescribed by the Department. Every application must contain the following: (1) the name, residence, and mailing address of the owner or business address of the owner if a firm, association, or corporation and the county, municipality, if applicable, and school district in which the applicant resides; (2) a description of the vehicle including the make, model, type of body, number of cylinders, serial number, and engine or other number of the vehicle, whether the vehicle is new or used, the date of sale by the manufacturer or dealer to the person intending to operate such a vehicle, in the event a vehicle is designed, constructed, converted, or rebuilt for the transportation of property, a statement of the load capacity for which it is to be registered; and (3) any additional information as may reasonably be required by the Department to enable it to determine whether the vehicle is lawfully entitled to registration and licensing.
In addition to the information required above, if the application is for a motor vehicle which has been transferred from a previous registrant to the applicant, the applicant must complete the odometer disclosure statement on the application.
In addition to the other registration requirements, the Department must collect a federal employer identification number or social security number when a vehicle is registered with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of more than 26,000 lbs. or as a bus common carrier.
A signed statement must accompany the application stating that all county and municipal taxes legally due by the applicant on the vehicle being registered have been paid.
There is a 45 day grace period for late registration.
A non-resident owner of a vehicle that is registered in another state has to register his or her vehicle in South Carolina when that non-resident becomes a resident or if that person has operated the vehicle in South Carolina over 45 days.
Military personnel on active duty in South Carolina may maintain out-of-state vehicle registration.
A vehicle must be registered every 2 years.
A person cannot renew his or her motor vehicle registration if he or she has not paid his or her property taxes.
No statewide emissions inspections required.
There is no statewide safety inspection requirement.
| Automobile | Motorcycle | Duplicates | ||||||
| Title Fee | Registration Fee | Title Fee | Registration Fee | Plate Fee | Registration Fee | Driver’s License Fee | Title Fee | Special Plates |
| $15.00 | Depending on age * | $15.00 | $10.00 | n/a | $1.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 | Varies |
* For persons 65 years or older or handicapped, the fee is $20.00; if age 64, the fee is $22.00; if under age 64, then $24.00.
The Department upon registering and licensing a vehicle must issue to the owner 1 license plate. This license plate must be attached to the outside rear of the vehicle, except that on truck tractors and road tractors the license plate must be attached to the outside front of the vehicle.
License plates are revalidated by stickers.
The license plate color scheme is blue, orange and white with black characters.
A disabled license plate or placard is available from DMV by completion of RG-007. $1 fee for each placard. Only one placard may be issued to each applicant.
Whenever the owner of a registered and licensed vehicle transfers his or her ownership, he or she must immediately notify the Department in writing, giving the name and address of the new owner and the date of transfer. The license plate issued for the vehicle must remain with the prior owner. Within 30 days of the transfer, the prior owner must either apply to transfer the plates to another vehicle or return the plates to the Department. In either event, the registration card must be concurrently returned to the Department.
The Department, upon application and payment of a fee, must transfer the license plate previously assigned to an owner or lessee for 1 vehicle to another vehicle of the same general type owned or leased by the same person.
If the transferred plate is within three months of expiring, the plate should be renewed before transferring.
The Department must examine every applicant for a driver’s license, unless the Department waives this requirement. The examination must include a test of the applicant’s eyesight (20/40 visual acuity required), his or her ability to read and understand highway signs and all South Carolina traffic laws. This test must also include an actual demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of the type motor vehicle for which a license is sought. The Department may require a further physical and mental examination if it considers this necessary to determine the applicant’s fitness to operate a motor vehicle. The Department must make provisions for giving an examination in the county where the applicant resides.
State has a system of graduated licensing for teen-drivers.
At 15, teens are eligible for a beginner’s permit. Beginner’s permit holders may drive from 6 a.m. to midnight if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least 1 year of driving experience accompanies the driver in the front seat. Beginner’s permit holders may drive from midnight to 6 a.m. if a licensed parent or guardian accompanies him or her in the front seat.
At 15 and 6 months, beginner’s permit holders who have passed a certified driver’s education course, successfully passed a road test, acquired 40 hours (10 hours at night) of supervised driving and have satisfied the school attendance requirement are eligible for a conditional/restricted license.
Restricted license holders may drive alone during daylight hours from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time). From 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time) until midnight, the restricted license holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. Between midnight and 6 a.m., restricted license holders may drive if a licensed parent or legal guardian accompanies them.
At age 17, teens are eligible for a full license. Teens applying for a full unrestricted license must have held an restricted license for 1 year and have no traffic offenses or have ever been involved in any at-fault accidents.
A person 17 years old who has held a beginner’s permit for 180 days is eligible for an unrestricted license.
Every application for a driver’s license or permit must: (1) be made upon the form furnished by the Department; (2) be accompanied by the proper fee and any identification required by the Department; (3) contain the full name, date of birth, sex, race, and residence address of the applicant and briefly describe the applicant; (4) state whether the applicant has been licensed as an operator or chauffeur and, if so, when and by what state or country; and (5) state whether a license or permit has been suspended or revoked or whether an application has been refused and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension, revocation, or reason for refusal.
School attendance is a requirement for the issuance of a conditional license. The Department may not issue a license to a person unless the person has a high school diploma or certificate, or a General Education Development Certificate, or is enrolled in a public or private school which has been approved by the State Board of Education or a member school of the South Carolina Independent School’s Association, a parochial, denominational, church-related school, or other programs which are accepted by the State Board of Education. Also to obtain a conditional license a person must do the following: (1) conform to the attendance laws, regulations, and policies of the school, school district, and the State Board of Education, as applicable; and (2) the person must not be suspended or expelled from school.
The Department may issue a special restricted driver’s license to a person who is between 16 years of age and 17 years of age, who has held a beginner’s permit for 180 days and who has successfully passed the road test or other requirements the Department may require. The special restricted driver’s license allows the license holder to operate a vehicle between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (or 8 p.m. during daylight savings time). The holder of a special restricted driver’s license may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by the holder’s licensed parent or guardian. The restrictions on a special restricted license may be modified or waived by the Department if the restricted licensee proves to the Department’s satisfaction that the restriction interferes with the license holder’s employment, opportunity for employment, or ability to attend school.
License includes a color photograph. Social security number is not displayed on license.
The following persons do not have to obtain a beginner’s/learner’s permit to operate a motor vehicle: (1) students regularly enrolled in a South Carolina high school that conducts a driver’s training course while the student is participating in the course and when accompanied by a qualified instructor of the course; and (2) a person 15 years or older enrolled in a driver training course conducted by a licensed driver training school. This person must be accompanied by an instructor of the school and can only drive the school’s automobile.
The expiration dates on non-citizens’ driver’s licenses and I.D. cards are linked to the expiration date of the person’s visa.
Every license expires on the licensee’s birth date on the 10th year after the year in which the license was issued. Persons who are 65 years of age or older must renew every 5 years. Every license is renewable on or before its expiration date by filling out an application and the payment of the required fee.
The Department requires all applicants to take a vision test. The vision examination can be waived if the license holder submits a certificate from a person authorized by law to examine eyes.
The Department may renew a driver’s license of a resident by mail upon payment of the required fee, if the renewal is a digitized license.
Any person licensed to drive a motor vehicle in this state who is involved in 4 accidents in any 24-month period, may, at the discretion of the Department, be required to take any portion of the driver’s license examination. Any person who has had 4 accidents and fails to submit to such test within 30 days after having been notified by the Department will have his or her driver’s license suspended until he or she takes and passes the examination.
Any valid driver’s license issued to a person on active duty out of the state, or the person’s spouse, is effective without requirement for renewal until 60 days after the date of the person’s discharge from the service.
Class D vehicles are passenger vehicles and all non-commercial vehicles that do not exceed 26,000 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
Class E vehicles are non-commercial single unit vehicles that do not exceed 26,000 lbs. GVW.
Class F vehicles are non-commercial combination vehicles that exceed 26,000 lbs. GVW.
Class M vehicles are motorcycles.
Class G vehicles are mopeds.
There is no statewide distracted driving law. Texting while driving is prohibited by some localities, including Columbia.
Citizen band radio channel 9 is monitored for emergency calls in some areas.
No prohibition on wearing of headsets while driving.
State law requires drivers to reduce speed and, if safe to do so, vacate the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles, including tow trucks and recovery vehicles.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers age 6 and older.
Violation of the seat belt law is a standard offense.
Riding in the cargo area of a pickup truck is not permitted for persons under age 15 unless an adult is present or when secured by passenger restraint; some other exceptions apply.
Children ages 1 until 6 and weighing more than 80 lbs. must be restrained in a seat belt. A child under 6 years who can sit with his or her knees bent over the vehicle seat edge when sitting up straight with his or her back firmly against the seat may wear a seat belt.
Children ages 1 until 6 and weighing 40 to 80 lbs. must be properly restrained in a booster seat.
Children ages 1 until 6 and weighing 20 to 40 lbs. must be properly restrained in a child seat.
Children under age 6 must ride in the rear seat of the vehicle. This does not apply if all rear seats are taken by children under 6.
Children under age 1 or under 20 lbs. must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat.
Violation of the child restraint law is a standard offense.
Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing, the driver of the vehicle must stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of the railroad and must not proceed until he or she can do so safely. The requirements apply when: (1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device gives warning of the immediate approach of a railroad train; (2) a crossing gate is lowered or when a flagman gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or passage of a railroad train; (3) a railroad train approaching within approximately 1,500 feet of the highway crossing emits a signal audible from such distance and the train, by reason of its speed or nearness to the crossing, is an immediate hazard; or (4) an approaching railroad train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the crossing.
A person must not drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
The DOT and local authorities with the approval of DOT may designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of railroads and erect stop signs at those crossings. When such signs are erected, the driver of any vehicle must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and must proceed with care.
Notwithstanding the indication of a traffic signal to proceed, a driver must not enter an intersection, a marked crosswalk, or drive onto a railroad grade crossing unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the intersection, crosswalk, or railroad grade crossing to accommodate the vehicle the driver is operating without obstructing the passage of the other vehicles, pedestrians, or railroad trains.
When stopping as required at a railroad crossing, the driver must keep as far to the right of the highway as possible and must not form 2 lanes of traffic unless the roadway is marked for 2 or more lanes of traffic on the driver’s side of the center line of the highway.
The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped on the highway must stop before reaching the bus if the bus’s flashing red lights are in operation, and the driver must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the flashing red lights are no longer on.
The driver of a vehicle does not have to stop upon meeting a stopped school bus when the bus is in a passenger loading zone completely off the main travel lanes and when pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway, and on highways where the roadways are separated by an earth or raised concrete median.
The driver of a vehicle must stop upon meeting or passing a stopped school bus on any 2-lane highway, on any 4-lane or multi-lane highway where the opposing highway is separated only by painted lines on the roadway or a narrow gravel median, or when overtaking a school bus which has its red or amber signal lights on.
It is illegal to elevate or lower passenger vehicle more than 6 inches from the original height.
Headlights must be used when wipers are in use.
Hazard lights may be used for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing.
Tire chains are permitted.
Studded tires are permitted if they do not project more than 1/16 inch when compressed.
A sunscreening device must be nonreflective and may not be red, yellow, or amber in color.
A sunscreening device may be used only along the top of the windshield and may not extend downward beyond the AS1 line. If the AS1 line is not visible, no sunscreening device may be applied to the windshield.
A single sunscreening device may be installed on the sidewings or side windows, or both, located at the immediate right and left of the driver and the side windows behind the driver, or the rearmost window. The sunscreening device must be nonreflective and the combined light transmission of the sunscreening device with the factory or manufacturer-installed sunscreening material must not be less than 27%.
If a sunscreening device is used on the rearmost window, 1 right and 1 left outside rearview mirror is required.
Each vehicle equipped with an after-factory sunscreening device, whether installed by a consumer or professional, at all times must bear a certificate of compliance containing the following information: the percentage of light transmission allowed by the sunscreening device; the identity of the installer by name, address, and telephone number; and the date of installation.
These light transmittance requirements apply to windows behind the driver on pickup trucks but do not apply to windows behind the driver on other trucks, buses, trailers, mobile homes, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
A person must not drive a motor vehicle equipped with any television screen which is visible to the driver while he or she is operating the motor vehicle.
Radar detectors are permitted.
A person must not drive a motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other non-transparent material on the front windshield which obstructs the driver’s clear view of the highway.
Any motorcycle carrying a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, must be equipped with footrests for that passenger.
A person must not operate a motorcycle unless it is equipped with a rearview mirror which will afford the operator ample rear vision at all times.
It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to operate or ride on a motorcycle or a moped unless he or she wears a protective helmet approved by the Department. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides.
It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to operate a moped or a motorcycle unless he or she wears goggles or a face shield of a type approved by the Department.
The provisions with respect to goggles and face shields do not apply to the operator of moped or a motorcycle equipped with a wind screen.
Any person who operates a motorcycle or moped must have the headlights on at all times.
Every motorcycle and every moped must have at least 1 rear reflector.
Every motorcycle and every moped must be equipped with at least 1 and not more than 2 headlamps.
The headlamp or headlamps upon every motorcycle and moped may be of the single-beam or multiple-beam type and must be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a distance of at least 100 feet when the motorcycle or moped is operated at any speed less than 25 mph and at a distance of at least 200 feet when the motorcycle or moped is operated at a speed of 25 mph.
Helmets are required for riders under 21.
A motorcycle vehicle examination will be provided where the knowledge and skills examination for a commercial driver’s license is offered.
No statewide motorcycle noise limit restriction.
A person may not ride on a moped other than on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the moped.
A moped may not be used to carry more persons at 1 time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
It is unlawful for a person to operate a moped without: operable pedals if the moped is equipped with pedals; at least 1 rearview mirror; operable running lights; and brake lights which are operable when either brake is deployed.
The operator of a moped must have the operating lights turned on at all times while the moped is in operation on the public highways and streets of South Carolina.
It is unlawful for a person to modify or change the equipment of a moped so that the vehicle exceeds 2 brake horsepower and produces speeds in excess of 30 mph on level ground.
It is illegal for a person to operate a moped without displaying the metal identification plate, which must be attached to the vehicle.
To ride a moped, a person must either have a valid driver’s license or a moped license.
A person must be at least 14 years old to obtain a moped license.
Total length: not specified; trailer length: 48 feet; width: 102 inches (allows total width to exceed 102 inches if the excess is due to an appurtenance); height: 13 feet 6 inches.
Every combination of vehicles must be equipped with service brakes that are capable and adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle with any load and on any grade on which it is operated.
Every vehicle manufactured or assembled after June 7, 1949 must be equipped with brakes on all wheels except trailers and semitrailers of a gross weight less than 3,001 lbs. as long as the total weight on and including the wheels of the trailers does not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle when connected to the trailer.
Every motor vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1964 and used to tow a trailer or semitrailer must be equipped with a means for providing that the towing vehicle is capable of being stopped by the use of its service brakes.
Every motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must be equipped with brakes that have a braking system arranged so that 1 control device can be used to operate all service brakes.
Drawbar or other connection must be of sufficient strength to pull all weight towed. Drawbar or other connection must not exceed 15 feet from 1 vehicle to the other except when transporting objects which cannot readily be dismembered. When 1 vehicle is towing another vehicle and the connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, there must be displayed upon such connection a white flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.
Tail, license plate, and brake lights are required. Turn signals and reflectors are also required.
Every motor vehicle that is constructed or loaded so that the driver’s rear view is obstructed, the driver’s position must be equipped with a rearview mirror that reflects the driver’s view of the highway for at least 200 feet.
Manufactured, modular, or mobile homes must not be transported at a speed in excess of 10 miles below the maximum posted speed limit when the maximum posted speed limit is in excess of 45 mph, and never in excess of 55 mph.
A person driving a vehicle towing a house trailer must not drive faster than 45 mph.
N/A.
Crashes are required to be reported when damage exceeds $1000.00.
The deadline to report a crash is 15 days.
Mandatory recognition of AAA arrest bond certificates up to $500.
Insurance in South Carolina is compulsory. Upon driver’s license issuance and renewal, applicants must certify that they hold required coverage. Motor vehicle owners must certify when they register the vehicle and each year upon re-registration that they have and will maintain the required coverage.
All motor vehicles must have liability insurance as follows: (1) $25,000 for bodily injury to 1 person in any 1 accident; (2) $50,000 for bodily injury to 2 or more persons in any 1 accident; and (3) $25,000 for injury to or destruction of the property of others.
Owners must maintain proof of financial responsibility in the motor vehicle at all times and it must be displayed upon demand by a police officer or any other person duly authorized by law.
State has non-resident service of process law and has no guest suit law.
If the Department has reason to believe that the weight of a vehicle and load is unlawful, it may require the driver to stop and submit to a weighing of the vehicle and load either by means of portable or stationary scales and may require that the vehicle be driven to the nearest public scales.
Whenever an officer upon weighing a vehicle and load determines that the weight is unlawful, he may require the driver to stop the vehicle in a suitable place and remain standing until the portion of the load necessary to reduce the axle weight, or gross weight of the vehicle, or both, is removed.
All material unloaded must be cared for by the owner or operator of the vehicle at his own risk. The scaled weights of the gross weight of vehicles and combinations of vehicles cannot be closer than 10% to the true gross weight.
There is no statewide law for bicycle helmets.
Drivers passing a bicycle rider traveling in the same direction must pass on the left at a safe distance.
South Carolina is party to the Non-resident Violator Compact.
