How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in South Carolina

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The South Carolina registration renewal process isn’t difficult if you have the appropriate paperwork, pass the requirements, and have a bit of time. You should receive a notice some weeks before your vehicle’s registration expiration date detailing the status and requirements of the renewal.

Your renewal is handled by the SC DMV in tandem with your country treasurer. Those forgoing their renewal can face fines from $10 – $75 beyond the expiration date. Other penalties may apply.

You can renew your vehicle’s registration:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • By Mail

Want to make this process hassle-free and quick? Follow the sections below.

SC Car Registration Renewal: Step-by-Step

Auto insurance is your main requirement when renewing your registration in SC. Any other requirements should show on your renewal notice – or listed in the appropriate sections below. Check with a DMV or the SCDMV website for details by submitting your personal and vehicle information.

Renewing In-Person

Rather handle business face-to-face? Can’t renew online because you don’t meet the requirements? Follow the steps below:

  1. Find and visit an SCDMV/treasurer office
  2. Provide your information:
    1. Driver’s license or ID
    2. Renewal notice or current registration
    3. Proof of insurance
  3. Pay the renewal fees

In-person renewals still require waiting for documents mailed to your address on file.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is only available to select counties:

  • Beaufort
  • Berkeley
  • Charleston
  • Chester
  • Darlington
  • Dorchester
  • Greenville
  • Lexington
  • Pickens
  • Richland
  • Spartanburg
  • York

You can only renew online if you receive a mailer from the SCDMV. You must pay your personal vehicle property taxes before a license plate is renewed or decal issued. You can pay these fees at a local treasurer’s office – doing so will deliver the mailer.

  1. Visit the SCDMV Renewal Form
  2. Show your information:
    1. Driver’s license or ID
    2. Renewal notice or current registration
    3. Proof of insurance
  3. Pay your renewal fees

You’ll receive your documents the following day.

Renewing by Mail

You can combine the renewal when paying your vehicle tax. Your mailer will include information where you’ll send documents. Include the renewal notice, payment, and any mentioned documents in the provided envelope to the address noted on the mailer.

The SCDMV mailing address is:

SCDMV

PO Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016

It will take about 2-weeks to receive your documents when renewing by mail.

South Carolina Registration Fees and Taxes

How much does it cost to renew your registration in South Carolina?

  • Filing Fee: $6
  • Wheelage: $10

Most registration fees and taxes depend on the vehicle and county of residence.

Refer to the 2018 Tax Manual for a complete list of taxes and fees you may pay when processing.

Congratulations, You’re Done!

You’ve successfully completed your SC vehicle registration renewal.

Note the expiration date on your forms and plan to redo this process annually. Forgoing the renewal could cause fines and additional penalties. Likewise, drive safe whenever you’re on the road and don’t forget to carry insurance!