License Plate FAQs

My tag is missing! What should I do?

Complete Form 452 if your South Carolina license plate has been stolen or lost. Submit the form in person to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or by mail to:

• Department of Motor Vehicles

• DMV Customer Service Unit

• Attention: Mail-In Registration

• P.O. Box 1498

• Blythewood, SC 29016-0019

The DMV will issue you a new tag number for a $6 fee. If you had a personalized or vanity plate, the DMV will issue a standard tag. You can apply for a replacement of your vanity plate using the same combination of letters and numbers after one year, on most tags. For more information, call (803) 896-9638.

If there's a chance your license plate was stolen, it's a good idea to report it to the police, although the DMV doesn't require a police report before it will issue a replacement.

I backed into my husband's truck and damaged my license plate. Some of it is hard to read. Should I replace it?

Yes. It's the same process as a lost or stolen tag described above, except that you'll also need to surrender the damaged tag to the DMV.

I'm buying my first car this weekend. How do I get a tag for it?

You'll need to title and register your car with your local DMV. Check out the special section on DMV.ORG for comprehensive title and registration information.

Is it hard to get a personalized tag for my car?

No. Just complete an Application for Personalized License Plate and pay the additional fees. For passenger cars, a personalized license plate will cost $30 in addition to taxes and your $24 registration fee.

Can I get a temporary tag for my car?

Yes. Just complete an Application for 45-Day Temporary Plates, pay the $5 fee, and the DMV will issue you a temporary tag valid for 45 days.

Does the DMV offer antique plates?

Yes, it does. Actually, it also allows motorists to use model-year plates, too.

Visit our License Plates & Placards page for information on both types of plates.

I just moved to South Carolina. How long do I have to register my vehicles?

Welcome! You have 45 days to register and title your vehicle. Be sure to also check out DMV.ORG's special section devoted to new residents for all the vehicle- and driver-related info you'll need, along with some fun information, too.

If I move out of state, do I need to surrender my license plates?

Absolutely. Register your vehicle in your new state, then surrender your South Carolina plates at any DMV office, or by mailing them to:

• SC Department of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 1498

• Blythewood, SC 29016-0019

Ask for a receipt so that you can apply for any applicable property tax refunds.