Registration Renewal in South Carolina

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your registration every 24 months.

Renew SC Registration

It's illegal to drive with an expired registration anywhere in the state. It's also against the law to drive without some sort of financial protection. Most drivers choose to take out auto liability insurance to handle this requirement. If you need insurance or are thinking about switching providers, visit our Insurance Center to find carriers and compare rates.

Learn about your renewal options in our "Check Your Renewal Notice" section below.

Register a Vehicle in SC for the First Time

Did you just buy a car or move to the state? If so, you'll need to register your vehicle. See our main registration page for instructions on how to do this.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

The state doesn't have any special registration policies for non-operational vehicles. So, you'll register your vehicle―and renew its registration―following the same instructions as those with operational vehicles.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Before your registration expires, you should receive a renewal reminder from the state that contains your property tax and renewal fee information. You must pay your property tax before you can renew your registration. These taxes go to the county treasurer, not the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you didn't receive your notice/tax bill, contact your County Auditor's office.

Because the state doesn't require them, you won't find information about an emissions inspection on your renewal notice. However, renewal time is a great time to make sure your car is running as cleanly as possible.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Registration fees vary, just like auto insurance rates.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

If you don't renew your registration by the expiration date, you'll be hit with late fees that begin at $10 and escalate to $75.

4) Renew Online, In Person, or By Mail

Renew Online

1. Have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card credit card ready to pay the fees.
2. Visit the tax payment area of your county's site and enter the required information:
   • Beaufort County
   • Berkeley County
   • Charleston County
   • Chester County
   • Darlington County
   • Dorchester County
   • Greenville County
   • Kershaw County
   • Lexington County
   • Pickens County
   • Richland County
   • Spartanburg County
   • York County

If you complete all your requirements and process your transaction correctly, you should receive your registration stickers in the mail shortly.

However, if you receive an MV1 form in the mail indicating that your registration wasn't processed correctly due to an insufficient payment or necessary additional information, you may properly finish the transaction online.

In Person

1. Locate your notice/tax bill.
2. Have the payment for your fees.
3. Have proper identification.
4. Go to your County Treasurer's office.

By Mail

1. Find your notice/tax bill.
2. Follow the instructions provided.
3. Mail the form along with your payment in the envelope provided.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Once you receive your registration material, make sure to follow the instructions provided to properly place your stickers on your plates.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

Because your renewal fees are partly based on the estimated value of your vehicle, you can use this surcharge as a deduction on your tax return. Talk to a tax attorney for more information.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

It's great to have the renewal matter behind you; however, there are plenty of steps you can take to make driving safer for yourself―as well as other motorists.

Start with maintaining your vehicle. This includes having regular oil changes and tune-ups. Pay attention to your tires, too, and rotate them at least a couple of times a year.

Try to find a dependable, skilled mechanic who can not only take care of these routine matters, but be able to spot trouble before it becomes dangerous.

Investing in an after-market warranty allows you to handle some otherwise expensive repairs. And, joining a roadside assistance program helps you to safely deal with emergency situations.

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