How to Renew Car Registration in South Carolina

Applying for a car registration renewal in South Carolina is an important process that you must complete every year. If you do not renew your registration before your vehicle’s plates expire, you may incur penalty fees once you do renew your credentials with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).

If you do not apply for DMV registration renewal before your license plates expire, you may also receive a traffic ticket if you are caught operating a vehicle without valid registration.

To apply for a registration renewal before your license plate tags expire, you may visit an SCDMV office to submit your application in person. You may also renew your credentials online if you are eligible to do so. To learn more about the steps to renew your vehicle’s registration, review the information below.

Requirements to Apply for License Plate Renewal in South Carolina

Before you can renew registration online or in person at an SCDMV office, you must meet several important requirements. For instance, you must have an active automobile insurance policy that complies with the state’s minimum requirements. In addition, your personal vehicle property taxes must be paid in full.

If you do not meet these requirements, you cannot renew your registration until you pay your property taxes and/or purchase an insurance policy for your vehicle.

When you visit your county treasurer’s office to pay your property taxes, you may be able to pay your personal property taxes and registration fees at the same time. Many counties also provide you with the option to pay your property taxes online, by mail or by phone.

For detailed information on these registration tag renewal requirements, download our free guide.

Applying for DMV Car Registration Renewal in South Carolina

You can apply for SCDMV vehicle registration renewal in person or online, depending on whether you received a reminder notice in the mail. If you did not receive a renewal notice, you must renew your credentials in person at an SCDMV office.

Renewing Online

To complete your car registration check and renewal online, you must be able to provide your vehicle’s license plate number and the name of your car insurance company. Additionally, you must be able to pay the registration fee with an accepted form of credit.

If you cannot provide this information or you cannot pay your registration fees with a credit card, you must renew your credentials in person at a local SCDMV office.

If you choose to check vehicle registration status online and you find that your address is not current with the SCDMV, you must update this information before renewing your credentials. When changing your address online, you must be able to provide your SCDMV customer number or driver’s license number, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN).

In Person

To perform your SC car reg check and renewal in person, you must visit a SCDMV branch. During your office visit, you will typically need to present proof of paying personal vehicle property taxes and a current automobile insurance card. You must also provide payment for your applicable registration fee.

Download our helpful guide for free information on renewing your vehicle registration.