South Carolina Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a short-term vehicle document is called a traceable temporary license plate. This plate fills the gap between the purchase of a vehicle and the permanent registration of a metal plate.

Licensed dealers issue traceable temporary plates at the point of sale through the Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) system. SCDMV, county auditor offices, and leasing companies can also issue them. For transport operations, SCDMV issues transport license plates to qualified applicants.

Each traceable temporary plate is a waterproof printed plate, six inches wide and at least eleven inches long. Motorcycle and moped versions measure four by seven inches according to the South Carolina Code § 56-3-210(A)(3).

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in South Carolina?

Traceable temporary plates and special permits cannot be extended or reissued. Only one traceable temporary plate can be issued per vehicle according to § 56-3-210(M). Transport plates are renewed annually.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in South Carolina?

• A licensed dealer must issue a traceable temporary license plate at the point of sale before the buyer drives on the highway according to South Carolina Code § 56-3-210(F).
• A buyer who purchased a vehicle from a private seller must obtain a traceable temporary plate from the SCDMV or county auditor before using it according to § 56-3-212(B).
• A person transporting a vehicle registered in another country to South Carolina must display a traceable temporary plate or transfer an existing plate within the statutory period.
• Licensed transport companies or financial institutions repossessing vehicles must display a transport license plate while in transit according to § 56-3-2350.
• Commercial carriers from other states not registered under IRP must have a 72-hour trip permit to operate in South Carolina according to South Carolina Code of Regulations § 38-500.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in South Carolina?

1. Gather the title, bill of sale or lease agreement, proof of liability insurance, and a valid photo ID.
2. Pay property taxes in the county and obtain a tax receipt from the county auditor at your place of residence.
3. Choose a path: the dealer processes the plate at the sale through EVR, or visit an SCDMV branch or county auditor for a private seller purchase.
4. Complete Form 45-A (Application for Issuance or Replacement of 45-Day Temporary Plates) and submit it with supporting documents.
5. Pay the fee described in the next section and receive the printed plate at the counter.

The official application is the SCDMV Form 45-A, which references §§ 56-3-210 and 56-3-1240(B).

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in South Carolina?

Dealers cannot charge fees for traceable temporary plates beyond the amounts specified in § 56-3-210(J)(2). The $10 quality fee is a separate line item on the dealer’s invoice according to § 56-3-214(D).

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in South Carolina?

No. SCDMV does not sell traceable temporary license plates to individual consumers online.

Dealers issue plates electronically at the point of sale through one of three authorized EVR service providers. The buyer receives a printed plate before leaving the dealership.

For private sales, the buyer must visit an SCDMV branch or county auditor’s office in person. Commercial carriers can purchase 72-hour trip permits through the Motor Carrier Services online portal.

For consumer vehicle purchases, the path through a dealer at the dealership is the simplest.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in South Carolina?

Operating a vehicle after the expiration of a temporary plate without permanent registration is an offense according to South Carolina Code § 56-3-110. Late registration also incurs progressive penalties, starting at $10 for 46-60 days after the purchase date according to the SCDMV fee schedule.