Car registration and title fees in South Carolina
South Carolina: registering a 2022 gas car (3,500 lb) costs about $20.00 a year (paid every 24 months). An electric car pays $60.00 a year more.
Title on a dealer purchase: $15.00.
Estimate of government fees. Your renewal notice or DMV calculates the final amount.
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Yearly lines for a 2022 gas car
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biennial registration, most passenger cars (owner under 64) | Registration & plates | $40.00 | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles |
| County vehicle property tax | Yearly taxes | you fill in | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles |
Electric vehicles
- Electric vehicle road use fee (biennial): $120.00 (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles)
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids
- Hybrid road use fee (biennial): $60.00
Value-based or property taxes
- County vehicle property tax: Set by the county (assessed value x local millage); paid before registration and at each renewal. New residents get a bill from the county auditor using the VIN and latest registration.
Title fees
| Line | Group | Amount | Set by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Title | $15.00 | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles |
Late fees
- Late registration renewal penalty: $10.00–$75.00
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Fees
- South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Moving To SC - Vehicle
FAQ
How much does it cost to register a car in South Carolina?
About $20.00 a year for a 2022 gas car of 3,500 lb, paid every 24 months (estimate from the official fee schedule).
Does South Carolina charge an extra fee for electric cars?
An electric car pays about $60.00 a year more than the same gas car, from the official fee pages.
How much is a title in South Carolina?
$15.00 on a dealer purchase, from the official fee schedule.
Is there a yearly car property tax in South Carolina?
County vehicle property tax
More for South Carolina
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Estimates of government taxes and fees from official sources; your DMV or county calculates the final amount; not tax or legal advice. Every figure is taken from an official state page (quoted and dated in the sources) and can change. Dealer-set fees are not government fees. Exemptions are described, never applied for you: check the official rule and form.