SOUTH CAROLINA DMV INFORMATION

OBTAINING A SOUTH CAROLINA DRIVER'S LICENSE

- If you are moving to South Carolina and have a valid driver's license or ID from another state, you MUST apply for a SC license or ID.

- You MUST turn in your out-of-state license or ID when you get your SC license or ID.

- After obtaining your SC driver’s license, you will have 45 days to transfer your vehicle registration to South Carolina.

- If you are relocating from out-of-state without your out-of-state license or ID, you MUST provide a driving record from that state as proof of driving.

- If your out-of-state license is expired by 9 months or more, you MUST PASS the knowledge, road, and vision tests to obtain a new SC license.

REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Before registering your vehicle in South Carolina, it is advisable to first obtain your SC driver's license. You MUST pay any property taxes to your county treasurer before transferring your vehicle's title and registration to South Carolina.

- Update your vehicle insurance provider with your new SC address, ensuring the company is licensed to operate in SC.

- Contact your county's auditor's office and provide them with the VIN of the vehicle you're registering. You will also need the last registration card or title issued for the vehicle.

- Bring the last title or registration card to your county auditor's office; they will generate a property tax bill for the vehicle. You MUST pay this property tax bill to the county treasurer before completing the registration process.

- Bring the original paid property tax receipt to the South Carolina DMV.

WHAT TO BRING TO SCDMV

1. Completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400)  

   - Available on the SCDMV website  

2. Out-of-state vehicle title and registration  

   - If there is a lien on your vehicle, include the name and address of the lien holder along with your most recent registration.

3. Acceptable Identification  

   - This includes a valid SC or out-of-state beginner's permit, driver's license, identification card, a valid passport with visa, Employment Authorization Document, or a permanent residency card.

4. Liability insurance company information.

5. Power of Attorney  

   - Required if you’re leasing your vehicle, and the Title Application (SCDMV Form 400) is signed by the lessee (registrant) on behalf of the lessor (title holder).

6. Original paid vehicle property tax receipt from your county treasurer's office.

7. $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee.

8. Title and registration payment.

***All this information was taken from the SCDMV website***