New to South Carolina? One of the many questions I’m asked as a Realtor is, how do I go about registering my vehicles once I relocate to South Carolina?
It is not as complicated as it may sound, although there are some upfront one-time fees. When my wife and I relocated to Spartanburg County, we found that the process, although somewhat confusing at first, was actually quite simple, and the visit to the motor vehicle department wasn’t bad either, they were pretty fast, efficient, and friendly.
Best times to go to the DMV 
Some of the best days to go to the DMV are in the middle of the week, also preferably sometime in the middle of the month. Most licenses expire by the end of the month, which means many people will be pouring into the DMV during the early and late parts of the month. Mid-month should be the ideal time to schedule your visit. You can also expect your visit to be less stressful on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
Avoid Going During Your Lunch Hour
It’s true that you can conveniently run quick errands during your lunch break, especially if you’re unable to get a day off from work. Many people take advantage of this, which is why there’s normally an influx of people in DMV offices at lunch time, around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can try dropping by during your lunch break if you have no other choice, but you should expect long lines and a sudden flood of people.
1.You Must get a South Carolina Drivers License 
If you have a valid driver’s license or identification card from another state and permanently move to South Carolina, you must apply for an SC license or ID within 45 days of moving to the state. You must turn in your out-of-state license and/or ID when you get an SC license or ID.
Any licenses and ID cards previously issued by another jurisdiction (state or province) will be canceled. If a license or ID card is later issued to you by another jurisdiction, your SC license or ID card will be canceled.
If you are surrendering a REAL ID from a REAL ID-compliant state, you must go through the steps of providing the SCDMV with the required documentation to receive a South Carolina REAL ID.
You must visit an SCDMV branch and bring all of the following information and types of documents that prove your identity:
- Proof of identity, US citizenship, and date of birth (Government-issued birth certificate or valid US Passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of current, physical SC address (two proofs for a REAL ID)
- Proof of legal name change, if applicable.
The United States Citizens’ Checklist(SCDMV Form MV-93) and International Customers’ Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94) have a complete list of accepted documents for each category above.
In addition to providing the required documentation, you must pass a vision test to get a driver’s license and pay all applicable fees. An eight-year driver’s license is $25.
You must surrender all out-of-state-issued licenses and ID cards to the SCDMV. If you were issued an out-of-state license and do not have it to surrender, you must provide a driving record from that state as proof of driving. If your out-of-state license is expired by nine months or more, you must also pass the knowledge and road tests.
- Vehicle Registration
If you move to South Carolina from another state, Before you transfer your title and registration, you must pay any property taxes with your county treasurer.
You cannot receive your new title in the mail until your out-of-state title is cleared through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. Once cleared, your new SC title will be mailed to your SC address. You will receive your new registration before this check is complete.
If you’re titling/registering your vehicle in SC for the first time, you must follow the steps below:
Update your vehicle insurance company with your new SC address. The company must be licensed to do business in SC.
Contact your county of residence auditor’s office and share the VIN of the vehicle you’re registering in SC. You must pay the property tax bill to the county treasurer before you can register your vehicle in this state. You must bring the original paid property tax receipt to the SCDMV
Visit the SCDMV with all of the following:
- Completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400)
- Out-of-state vehicle title and/or registration
If there is a lien on your vehicle, you must bring the name and address of the company that holds the lien. You will need your most recent registration. - Acceptable identification
Includes your valid SC or out-of-state beginner’s permit, driver’s license, or identification card, a valid passport with visa, Employment Authorization Document, or a permanent residency card. - Liability insurance company information
- Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is needed if you’re leasing your vehicle and if the Title Application (SCDMV Form 400) is signed by the lessee (registrant) on behalf of the lessor (title holder). - Original paid vehicle property tax receipt from your county treasurer’s office
- $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF)
- Title and registration payment
And that’s it, your registration and Tag will be given to you at your visit. Your title will be mailed to you, ours took about a week. I even got a specialized plate, which I had to order online once the car was registered, in about 6 days. Personalized plates will take a bit longer.
