How long do I have to register a vehicle in South Carolina?

Q: How long do I have to register a vehicle in South Carolina?

South Carolina registration is administered by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) . 1. Deadlines - New residents : 45 days from establishing residency (S.C. Code § 56-3-210). - Purchased vehicle : 45 days to title and register. - Property tax must be paid to the county auditor before registration. 2. Required Documents - Vehicle title (out-of-state title accepted). - Application for Certificate of Title (Form 400) . - Paid vehicle property tax receipt from county auditor (this is unique to SC — pay first, register second). - Proof of SC insurance : 25/50/25 minimum (S.C. Code § 38-77-140). - Valid SC driver license . - Bill of sale for sales tax calculation. 3. Fees - Title fee : $15. - Registration : $40 (passenger biennial). - Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) : 5% of purchase price, capped at $500 (replaces sales tax on vehicles). - EV biennial fee : $120 (S.C. Code § 56-3-660). - Hybrid biennial fee : $60. - Property tax : Annual, varies by county (1.5% to 10.5% assessment ratio × millage). 4. Penalties - Late registration: $10 penalty + driving fine $100 to $200. - Operating uninsured: $100 to $200 fine + $5 to $200 reinstatement fee (S.C. Code § 56-10-520). - Late title: included with registration penalty. 5. No Inspections South Carolina has no annual safety inspection and no emissions testing program . 6. Online Renewal Renew at scdmvonline.com. Initial registration requires in-person visit after county property tax is paid. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

South Carolina registration is administered by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

1. Deadlines

New residents: 45 days from establishing residency (S.C. Code § 56-3-210).

Purchased vehicle: 45 days to title and register.

Property tax must be paid to the county auditor before registration.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (out-of-state title accepted).

Application for Certificate of Title (Form 400).

Paid vehicle property tax receipt from county auditor (this is unique to SC — pay first, register second).

Proof of SC insurance: 25/50/25 minimum (S.C. Code § 38-77-140).

Valid SC driver license.

Bill of sale for sales tax calculation.

3. Fees

Title fee: $15.

Registration: $40 (passenger biennial).

Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF): 5% of purchase price, capped at $500 (replaces sales tax on vehicles).

EV biennial fee: $120 (S.C. Code § 56-3-660).

Hybrid biennial fee: $60.

Property tax: Annual, varies by county (1.5% to 10.5% assessment ratio × millage).

4. Penalties

Late registration: $10 penalty + driving fine $100 to $200.

Operating uninsured: $100 to $200 fine + $5 to $200 reinstatement fee (S.C. Code § 56-10-520).

Late title: included with registration penalty.

5. No Inspections

South Carolina has no annual safety inspection and no emissions testing program.

6. Online Renewal

Renew at scdmvonline.com. Initial registration requires in-person visit after county property tax is paid.

This is legal information, not legal advice.