Registration Renewals

In South Carolina, you must renew your vehicle registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) every two years. Because you have to pay property taxes before you can renew your registration, the state will send you a renewal reminder notice in the mail.

You'll pay the property taxes directly to your county treasurer, and you can renew your registration at the same time. The DMV will mail your new validation sticker to you the next day.

Even though you renew your registration every two years, you pay property taxes each year―so the two don't always go hand in hand.

Visiting the DMV

Most of the time, you can renew your registration by mail with the county treasurer, but there are certain situations when you are required to go in person to your local DMV: if your registration needs to be changed or corrected, if your tax bill needs an adjustment, or if you owe a penalty.

You'll also need to go in person if you do not receive your previously ordered tag or renewal stickers in the mail within 10 working days of application.

Renewing Online

The following counties allow you to pay your property taxes and registration renewal fees online:

• Beaufort County

• Berkeley County

• Charleston County

• Chester County

• Darlington County

• Dorchester County

• Greenville County

• Horry County

• Lexington County

• Pickens County

• Richland County

• Spartanburg County

• York County

Additionally, if you have already paid your taxes and renewal fees but the DMV sent you form MV1 requesting insurance verification or additional fees, you can fulfill those additional steps online to complete your renewal transaction. You will need a credit card for payment.

Fees and Penalties

The fee to renew the two-year registration for a regular passenger car is $24. If you're 64 years old, this fee goes down to $22, and once you're 65, the fee is only $20. Other types of vehicles have different registration fees.

If you don't pay your renewal fees on time, the DMV will levy an additional charge. Late fees range from $10 if you pay up to two weeks late to $75 if your renewal payment is 90 days late or more.