Moving to South Carolina: How Long Do You Have to Get an SC Driver's License and Plates?

Last updated October 2026

I started in real estate in the Poconos of Pennsylvania in 1995, and today I am licensed in both North and South Carolina. Buyers who move here from out of state ask me about the DMV almost as often as they ask about the house. The rules are simple once you know the order. Doing things out of order is what costs you extra trips.

How long do I have to get a South Carolina driver's license?

You have 45 days after you move to apply for an SC license or ID card. The SCDMV says this on its Moving to SC page, and state law (Section 56-1-20) uses the same 45 days for turning in your out-of-state license. Active duty military members have a different rule, so check with the SCDMV if that applies to you.

Here is what to expect at the counter:

• You turn in your out-of-state license. You cannot hold licenses from two states.
• You pass a vision test.
• You bring proof of identity and date of birth, your Social Security number, and proof of your SC address.
• A REAL ID needs two proofs of your SC address. Your closing papers or a utility bill may help, so ask the SCDMV what they accept.
• An eight-year license costs $25.

If your old license has been expired nine months or more, the SCDMV says you also need to pass the knowledge and road tests. Do not let it lapse during a long move.

How long do I have to register my car in South Carolina?

The SCDMV says you have 45 days to transfer your vehicle registration. If you own a vehicle and live here, it must be registered here. The SCDMV lists three steps in this order:

• Step 1. Call your insurance company and give them your new SC address. The company must be licensed to do business in South Carolina.
• Step 2. Contact your county auditor with your VIN and your most recent registration card. The auditor creates a property tax bill. You pay it to the county treasurer.
• Step 3. Visit the SCDMV with your documents, your paid tax receipt, and your fees.

Bring a completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400), your out-of-state title or registration, your ID, and your insurance information. If a bank holds your title, bring the lender's name and address too.

Why do I pay county vehicle tax before I get SC plates?

South Carolina will not register your car until the county property tax is paid. The SCDMV says you must bring the original paid receipt from your county treasurer. In South Carolina, vehicle taxes are paid a year ahead.

Horry County spells out the steps for new residents:

• Get a vehicle tax notice from the Horry County Auditor's Office. Bring your registration, title, or bill of sale.
• Pay the notice at the Horry County Treasurer's Office. The county takes check, money order, cash, and major cards. Card payments have a convenience fee.
• Take the receipt to the SCDMV for your plate and registration.
• Keep the receipt. Horry County notes you may want it for your income taxes.

The tax amount depends on your vehicle and where you live in the county. I do not quote numbers for it. The Auditor's Office can tell you your bill.

What does it cost at the SCDMV to title and register a car?

For a typical passenger car, the SCDMV says you will pay $305 per vehicle. That is separate from the county tax. It breaks down this way:

• $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee. You pay it one time per vehicle.
• $15 title fee.
• $40 registration and plate fee, paid every two years.

Specialty plates can cost more. If you have two cars, plan for each one.

What car insurance do I need in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires liability and uninsured motorist coverage at set minimums. The SC Department of Insurance lists them:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $50,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage in one accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage at those same limits

These are minimums, not advice. Talk with a licensed agent about what fits your situation. Ask for the new SC rate in writing before you switch, because your premium may change with your address.

When can I register to vote in South Carolina?

You can register as soon as you move. The SC Election Commission says there is no length of residency rule. You must be registered at least 30 days before an election to vote in it.

Online registration at scvotes.gov needs an SC driver's license or DMV ID. That is one more reason to get your license early. You can also register by mail or in person at the county voter registration office, or at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it 45 days or 90 days to get an SC driver's license?

The SCDMV says new residents must apply for an SC license or ID within 45 days of moving. A 90-day rule in state law applies to certain armed services members, not to most new residents.

Can I register my car in SC before paying the county tax?

No. The SCDMV requires the original paid vehicle property tax receipt from your county treasurer before it will register your car.

How much is the SC Infrastructure Maintenance Fee?

It is $250 per vehicle. You pay it one time when you first title the vehicle in South Carolina.

Where do new Horry County residents pay vehicle tax?

Get a tax notice from the Horry County Auditor's Office, then pay it at the Horry County Treasurer's Office. Take the receipt to the SCDMV.

Related Reading

Moving to Horry County, SC: Your New Resident Guide
Moving to South Carolina: Firearms Laws and Transport Rules for New Residents
Myrtle Beach SC Homes for Sale
SC vs NC: Which Side of the State Line Should You Retire On?

This post is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. DMV rules, fees, and tax procedures change. Confirm current requirements with the SCDMV, the Horry County Auditor and Treasurer, and a licensed insurance agent.

DANIELLE KING, REALTOR®

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