South Carolina issues 45-day temporary plates for new vehicle purchases. Temporary plates are obtained using Form 45-A (Application for 45-Day Temporary Plates) and cost $5. Private-party buyers must complete registration before driving on public roads. South Carolina allows plate transfers between vehicles, which simplifies the process in some purchase situations. Here is how every buying scenario works.
How Long Is a South Carolina Temporary Plate Valid?
South Carolina 45-day temporary plates are valid for 45 days from the date of issue. This is a longer window than many other states and provides buyers with ample time to pay county property taxes, obtain insurance, and complete registration at an SCDMV branch. Within those 45 days, you must complete the full registration process and receive your permanent plates.
Only one temporary plate per vehicle per purchase transaction is permitted. South Carolina does not allow second or extended temporary plates to be issued for the same purchase.
Who Issues South Carolina Temporary Plates?
Licensed South Carolina Dealers
Licensed South Carolina dealers issue temporary plates at the point of sale using Form 45-A. The $5 fee is charged as part of the purchase transaction. Dealers handle the initial title paperwork submission to the SCDMV. You then complete the formal registration, including paying county property taxes, within the 45-day window.
SCDMV Branch Offices — For Private-Party Purchases and Other Situations
For private-party purchases, temporary plates must be obtained from an SCDMV branch office using Form 45-A. The buyer visits the SCDMV with all required documents to obtain the temporary plate before driving the vehicle. The $5 fee applies.
What If I Buy From a Private Seller in South Carolina?
South Carolina allows plate transfers — when you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you have the option to transfer your existing valid plates from a vehicle you already own to the newly purchased vehicle. This eliminates the need for a temporary plate if you already have transferable plates. The transfer must be processed through the SCDMV with both vehicles’ information.
If you do not have existing plates to transfer, you must visit an SCDMV branch before driving the vehicle on public roads to obtain a 45-day temporary plate. Bring all required documents listed below.
Documents to Bring for Private-Party Registration
- Original title signed and assigned by the seller: all liens released
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Valid South Carolina driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of current South Carolina liability insurance
- Payment for the $5 temporary plate fee plus applicable title and registration fees
Remember: South Carolina also requires county vehicle property tax to be paid as part of the full registration process. Pay your county property taxes promptly after purchase so the county can notify the SCDMV before your 45-day temporary plate expires.
South Carolina’s Two-Step Registration Process and Temporary Plates
Because South Carolina requires county property tax payment before the SCDMV will finalize registration, the 45-day window gives buyers enough time to navigate both steps. If you wait too long to pay your county property taxes, you may find yourself approaching the end of your 45-day temporary plate with the county confirmation still pending. Start the property tax payment step immediately after your purchase; do not wait until the final week of your temporary plate period.
Display Requirements for South Carolina Temporary Plates
Display your temporary plate at the rear of the vehicle in the license plate bracket, the same position as a permanent rear plate. All information must be clearly visible and legible from behind the vehicle, including the expiration date. Secure the plate so it does not flutter, fold, or detach while driving. Do not display inside the rear window, cover any portion with a frame, or alter the permit in any way.
New South Carolina Residents’ Registration Requirements
New residents moving to South Carolina must register their vehicles within 45 days of establishing South Carolina residency. Your out-of-state registration and plates remain valid during this window. After completing South Carolina registration, South Carolina plates are issued and your out-of-state plates must be removed. Remember that South Carolina registration requires paying county property taxes first — contact your county treasurer as soon as you establish residency to initiate the tax assessment process.