Registering your car with South Carolina’s Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is the first step to driving freely on state roads. License plates are legal in South Carolina. One can choose a plate from the personalized, specialized, or disabled license plates of the state.
What Are the Rules for License Plates in South Carolina?
License plates are tags that help easily identify the car. For instance, in case of theft, having a plate can make the related procedures seamless. However, the state made license plates compulsory only in 1917. The amendment in 1974 made only the backplate compulsory as opposed to both front and back.
Meanwhile, South Carolina requires its cars to have a regular or a temporary license plate that can be used for 45 days. This is in case you have lost yours or until you have a permanent plate issued.
Which Are the Types of License Plates Available in the State?
The state allows you to use the license plates as a statement. Customization to express personal views or endorsements is allowed by the state. Owners are required to change their plates every ten years. There are three kinds of license plates in South Carolina.
Standard Plates
These are the most common plates seen in South Carolina. A standard plate will typically carry a crescent and indigo palmetto tree. There are 2 available variants of the standard license plates.
Sunrise
This plate is similar to the recent plate in circulation, but with sunrise as a backdrop. However, this will go out of circulation by 2025.
While I Breath, While I Hope
It hosts the state motto, the palmetto tree, and the crescent moon present in the state flag.
Special Interest Plates
The special interest plates are used to endorse any cause you support. However, heavy documentation fees are charged for customized plates. But you can still opt for an existing special interest license plate at an affordable price.
Meanwhile, you can order a special interest plate by mail or in person at the nearest DMV office. A filled MV-95 Form and the required payment can be sent to the mentioned address for the same.
Here are the available options for existing special plates.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Costing $30 every two years in addition to the registration fees, this plate uses the standard recycling arrows.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
It costs $20 every two years to hold the “Look Twice, Save a Life” logo on your license plate. The profits from this go to MADD South Carolina.
Endangered Species
These raise awareness about the endangered and threatened species of the state. Some of the species featured on this series of license plates are red drum, white-tailed deer, and loggerhead sea turtles.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources uses the revenue from the sale of these license plates for management of fish and wildlife and conservation programs, as authorized by SC law.
Drivers for a Cure
The proceedings of this for cancer research are split between two organizations, namely Duke Cancer Institute and MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. You should pay $30 in addition to registration fees every two years.
Breast Cancer Awareness
The costliest among the special interest plates, the proceeds from this go to the breast screening and the life programs by the American Cancer Society. The plate will display a pink ribbon, and you will have to pay $70 in addition to the standard registration fees.
Special Plates
The type of vehicle you own or your profession determines the kind of special plate you can opt for. These are the types of special plates available in South Carolina.
Motorcycle Plates
There are unlimited options for license plates if you own a motorcycle in South Carolina. It certainly follows a procedure similar to that of a car, but the forms might be different.
Plates for Antique Cars
Those owners of vehicles that qualify for the special antique plates can apply for the same by filling out Form MV-95 B or Form RG 505A (if it is older than 30 years)
Disability Plates
Form RG-007A should be filled out if you are a person with a disability or a disabled veteran. This will feature the International Symbol of Access on your standard plate. Similarly, it will also give closer parking privileges to the disabled.
Plates for Active Military Members and Veterans
Military members and veterans can apply for these by filling out Form MV-37. It represents an honor for their service, and the recent plates issued after May 2022 grant them free parking in the state.
College and Sports
You can display the name of your university or extend support to your favorite sports team in the state.
Personalized License Plates
One can always opt for a personalized license plate in the state of South Carolina. But you need to pay an additional $30, and the number of characters is limited to 7, along with the use of the symbol &.
How to Get a South Carolina License Plate
The state will automatically issue license plates once you have completed the vehicle registration. Moreover, if you are applying for a specialized plate or replacing a lost plate, then a temporary paper license plate will be issued.
How to Obtain a Personalized License Plate in South Carolina
- Print the required form (MV-96), which is the Application of Personalized License plate, from the SCDMV website or from the DMV office.
- Fill in the personal information and the fee details.
- Fill in the details of your car, such as the VIN number, current license plate number, and car make and model.
- Insurance coverage is mandatory for the registration and application of license plates. Details of your coverage and provider need to be filled out.
- Sign the application along with 3 choices for a regular personalized license plate. Make sure you list your choices in order of your preference. No other symbol other than & can be used. Moreover, the blank boxes are counted as characters, so none of the boxes must be left blank.
Are License Plate Covers Allowed in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina doesn’t permit the use of license plates. However, the state permits the use of license plate frames. Similarly, the frames shouldn’t cover the numbers and letters on the plate. Violation of the required standard of the frame can result in a fine of $137.
Does South Carolina Need 2 License Plates?
The state law in South Carolina requires you to have a license plate only on the rear of a standard passenger vehicle. You need not place a plate at the front of your car.
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