Alert
SCDMV customers should be aware that text messages from anyone claiming to be the SCDMV collecting money for unpaid tickets or tolls are fake. SCDMV does not use texts to collect such payments.
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Current Regular License Plate
Introduced in late 2015, the "While I Breathe, I Hope" license plate, or the state's regular plate, has a classic design with a strong South Carolina theme. Like the state flag, the plate is white and indigo with a palmetto tree and crescent.
The regular plate now is approved for use by vehicles with a gross weight of up to 54,000 pounds.
While you may see some plates with a sticker on the left-hand side with simply a number, such as "8" to designate the eighth month of the year - August - this sticker is no longer required to have a valid registration since the month, year, and plate number is now printed on the color-coded sticker on the right-hand side of the plate.
Temporary License Plates
To get a traceable temporary license plate, you must bring in the title, bill of sale, or lease contract from the seller of the vehicle, plus a completed and signed Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45-A) to an SCDMV branch.