South Carolina License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup South Carolina License Plates
South Carolina motor vehicle records are maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Therefore, you can look up license plate information with the department. However, unless you are the individual named on the record, the SCDMV will require that you are an authorized individual with an acceptable reason to access vehicle information. Even if you have a genuine reason to perform a license plate lookup with the department, you must pay a $6 fee and may have to wait a few weeks to obtain a result.
Alternatively, you can perform a license plate lookup using third-party lookup services. GoodCar allows anyone to complete a license plate search on its website with a license plate number or vehicle identification number. Search results can be obtained in an instant, removing the waiting period associated with an offline license plate lookup with the SCDMV.
License Plates
Third-party websites offering license plate lookup services require users to input the serial of any state license plate and select “South Carolina” in the state field to receive search results for a South Carolina license plate search. Similarly, with a license plate number, you can find quick vehicle information about any car registered with the South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles via GoodCar’s license plate lookup tool.
VIN
Some people prefer to use the vehicle identification number to perform a lookup rather than the license plate number. GoodCar offers this feature, too. Armed with the 17-digit VIN serial, type it in the VIN text field on the website and select the search button. The result page will provide you with the vehicle history and other information about the vehicle that may be publicly disclosed. The VIN can be found on the jamb of the driver's-side door of the vehicle or on the firewall. It is also likely to be located on the driver's side between the windshield and the hood of the vehicle. A VIN is more difficult to find than a plate number and also more difficult to use, making it a less popular tool.
Why Run a License Plate Search in South Carolina?
A License plate search in South Carolina can be done for varying purposes. Law enforcement may run your South Carolina license plate for criminal investigation purposes. Individuals may also run license plates to make informed decisions when purchasing used cards. Law enforcement and individuals usually obtain vehicle information with license plate serials rather than vehicle identification numbers because they are more accessible even from a moderate distance from the car. To access a vehicle’s VIN, you may have to check the underside of the windshield, the door on the driver's side, or in the owner’s manual.
What Can You Get Out of a South Carolina License Plate Lookup?
You can get valuable information from a license plate lookup. The information can be useful when you are buying a used car. Some of the information available from a South Carolina license plate lookup is highlighted below.
Vehicle Records
Vehicle history information is a top reason people do license plate lookups. If you want to access information such as accident history, registration status, and service history, you can run a license plate check. While not all this information is available from free license plate lookup services, paying a token grants access to a detailed report.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
A South Carolina license plate lookup can help you check if a vehicle registered in the state has title brands you should avoid. Some cars have had their brands changed from a clean title to rebuilt, hail damage, flood, junk, or reconstructed, meaning there are major issues with the vehicle. If you buy such a car without running a license plate lookup, you risk throwing money down the drain on lengthy or non-stop repairs.
Tracing a Vehicle’s History for Used Car Purchases with South Carolina Plate Checks
South Carolina plate checks open up a world of information on the history of vehicles. If you are looking to buy a used car, you must check the history of the car thoroughly for potential hiccups down the line. For instance, a car may still have a lien placed on it while put on sale.
Also, a stolen alert may be out for a car you plan on purchasing. These factors can create problems later if you purchase the car unaware of the existing issues. You may end up paying more for the car or having it recovered and returned to the owner. Hence, running a license plate check prior to the purchase can reveal hidden vehicle history not stated by the seller.
Why Choose GoodCar for South Carolina Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
South Carolina Resources
South Carolina License Plates
License plates in South Carolina are issued by the state Division of Motor Vehicles. The plates are rectangular in size, measuring 6 inches in height and 12 inches in length. South Carolina requires vehicles registered in the state to have their license plates affixed to the rear. If you are visiting the state, the DMV issues a temporary license plate usable for up to 45 days.
Regular License Plate
South Carolina's regular license plate was introduced in 2015 and is approved for vehicles with a gross weight of up to 54,000 pounds. Also called the "While I Breathe, I Hope" license plate, the South Carolina regular license plate has white and indigo as its main colors with a palmetto tree and crescent, dividing the license plate serial into two. "South Carolina" is printed in bold white colored fonts at the bottom center of the plate, while the words "While I Breathe, I Hope" are screened on the top center in a slightly white-colored cursive font.
Antique License Plate
The SCDMV issues antique plates to vehicles, automobiles, or motorcycles that are at least 25 years old. Such vehicles may not be used for general transportation but for club activities, tours, exhibits, parades, or similar events.
Year of Manufacture License Plates
The SCDMV issues some vehicles that are at least 30 years since their manufacture years, year of manufacture (YOM) license plates corresponding to the model year of the vehicle. YOM plates can be used on a passenger car, light truck, or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight more than 11,000 pounds and an empty weight higher than 9,000 pounds. Unlike antique plates, vehicles with YOM plates can be driven regularly and not just on unique occasions.
Military License plates
Military license plates are issued to qualifying acting or prior service members of the United States Military.
Motorcycle License Plates
Motorcycle plates are issued to vehicles with no more than two permanent functional wheels in contact with the ground with a saddle for the rider.
Organization License Plates
South Carolina allows the DMV to produce specialty organization plates for non-profit organizations. Such organizations determine the fees to be paid for the plates in addition to the customer's regular registration fee. Proceeds from the plate accrue to the organizations.
Personalized License Plates
South Carolina allows motorists in the state to customize their license plates to reflect their interests. Personalized plates can only be put on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 11,000 pounds and an empty weight of up to 9,000 pounds. Although motorists can select up to seven characters for the serials printed on personalized plates used on cars and trucks, and six characters for motorcycles, all combinations must first be approved by the SCDMV.
How to Get a
License Plate in South Carolina
License plates are handed out to motorists upon completing the titling and registration process for their vehicles. The titling and registration process can be completed in person at an SCDMV office or by mail to:
SCDMV
Titles and Registration
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
For the titling process, you will need the following:
- Completed SCDMV Form TI-006 (required if a South Carolina license or ID is not available)
- Title fee
- Completed SCDMV Form 400
- Infrastructure maintenance fee or sales tax (usually 5% of the vehicle purchase price but capped at $500)
Note that the back of SCDMV Form 400 must be completed to indicate that you are the buyer and the person selling the vehicle or whose name is on the title is the seller. If a sales price section is not in the assignment on the title, a bill of sale will be required.
The following are required for the vehicle registration process:
- Pay any outstanding property tax to your county office
- Gather the paid property tax receipt.
- Pay the Registration fee
Prepare these documents and visit any SCDMV branch or mail the documents to the SCDMV to receive a South Carolina license plate
SC License Plate Renewal
You can renew your license plate by renewing your vehicle registration online or at a self-service kiosk powered by SCDMV Express. When renewing your license plate, you must meet the following conditions and have the following ready:
- Pay your property tax to your county authority. Payment may be made online or at the county treasurer's office
- Ensure the SCDMV has been notified of the payment by your county government
- Have a valid VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card ready to pay for the renewal fee
SC License Plate Replacement
If you fulfill certain conditions, you can obtain a replacement plate in South Carolina. To get a lost or stolen license plate replaced, make a request online via the Replace My Plate resource on the SCDMV system.
Frequently Asked Questions about
South Carolina License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up SC License Plates for Free?
Yes, there are free license plate lookup services allowing anyone with a license plate serial to uncover information about a vehicle. GoodCar allows users of its online license plate lookup service to run license plate searches for free. With its free service, users can find basic vehicle information, including VIN, vehicle make, model, color, and year of manufacture.
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Can I Use South Carolina License Plate Lookup Services to Find Out About a Vehicle’s Accident History?
Yes, accident history information remains a top reason why people run license plate checks. Online license plate lookup services typically provide accident history information for paid searches. Therefore, if you pay a token, you can access accident history as part of a comprehensive vehicle history report.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in South Carolina?
To apply for a vanity plate in South Carolina, mail a completed SCDMV Form MV-96 (Application for Personalized License Plate), a $30 fee, and the appropriate registration fee to:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
