A South Carolina vehicle registration card must be renewed every two years, replaced promptly if lost or damaged, and updated within 30 days of a name or address change. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) handles all three, but each has its own steps, fees, and paperwork.
Renewing Your Registration
Registration and license fees in South Carolina are generally paid on a two-year cycle.1Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-610 Before the SCDMV will process a renewal, your county has to tell them your vehicle property taxes are paid. Pay the county first, then renew. Online renewal works if you have a credit or debit card and the name of your insurance company on hand.2SCDMV. Renew My Registration
The base registration fee is $40 biennially. Some vehicles owe more:3SCDMV. Fees
- Standard passenger cars: $40
- Hybrid vehicles: $40 plus a $60 road use fee
- Electric vehicles: $40 plus a $120 road use fee
Active duty military members and their spouses may be exempt from the vehicle property tax if their legal home of record is another state. The county auditor’s office runs the exemption and typically wants to see a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).4SCDOR. Exempt Property FAQ – Section: Active Duty Vehicle Exemption
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Card
If your registration card is lost, damaged, or unreadable, state law says you have to apply for a replacement immediately.5Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-1310 You can order a duplicate on the SCDMV website or walk into a branch. Branches take cash, checks, or cards; online orders take credit or debit only.6SCDMV. Replace My Registration or Decal
The duplicate card costs $1.7Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-1320 A lost plate or year decal is a separate transaction with a different fee; a replacement decal, for example, runs $6 and requires Form 452 if you apply by mail.6SCDMV. Replace My Registration or Decal
Updating Your Name or Address
After a move, state law gives you 30 days to notify the SCDMV in writing and get a corrected registration card.8Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-1300 Address changes can be done online, at a branch, or by mailing Form 4057 (Application for Name and/or Address Change).9SCDMV. Address or Name Change
Name changes have to be handled in person at an SCDMV branch. Bring supporting documentation such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order. Update your name with the Social Security Administration at least 48 hours before your SCDMV visit so their records match.9SCDMV. Address or Name Change
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Card
Operating a vehicle on a public highway without a valid registration and license is a misdemeanor in South Carolina.10Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-110 A conviction for a registration violation generally carries a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail.11Justia. S.C. Code § 56-3-2520
Altering, forging, or counterfeiting a registration card is a separate matter. It is a felony, and a conviction can bring a prison sentence of up to five years.12South Carolina Legislature. S.C. Code § 16-21-10