In South Carolina, you can work with your dealer and the DMV to get temporary license plates that last for 45 days.
QUICK LOOK
- You can get a temporary, trackable license plate in South Carolina for $5 after you buy a car.
- These trackable tags fight fraud while allowing you to drive your new vehicle while you wait for your permanent plates to come in.
- Your temporary tag will be good for 45 days from the issue date.
Does South Carolina issue temporary plates?
Yes. South Carolina offers trackable temporary plates that are valid for 45 days.
If you’re still waiting for the transfer of your car’s title, temporary plates are a must-have—they’ll give you the freedom to drive on any South Carolina road while you wait for permanent plates. Plus, the application fee is only $5!
How to get a temporary license plate in South Carolina
To get a temporary license plate in South Carolina, you’ll need to work with the same dealership you bought the car from, as well as the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV).
Caution: If you see an online service that claims to provide temporary plates, be careful—it’s probably a scam!
Temporary plate application process
Either you or your dealer will need to complete a Form 45-A before you can get your hands on 45-day temporary plates.
If your dealer completes the vehicle registration form, you’ll simply need to sign it and provide basic information (for example, your name, license number, and car VIN). Then, the dealer will work with an EVR Provider or the SC DMV to get your temporary plates.
If you complete the form yourself, you’ll have to provide much of the same information, including your name, driver’s license number, insurance company, and car make/model.
Next, it’ll be up to you to take the form to a South Carolina DMV location in person so it can be processed. You’ll also need to bring one of these three things:
- The vehicle’s title
- The bill of sale
- The lease contract
And that’s all there is to it! Once you’ve brought your completed Form 45-A and proof of the sale, you’re on your way to getting temporary plates. Best of all, the application fee is just $5.
Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in South Carolina?
As long as you have temporary license plates, proof of insurance, and either the car’s title or its bill of sale, you’re good to go.
Remember, South Carolina temporary plates only last 45 days, and they’re only valid on SC roads. To be safe, install your permanent plates as soon as you get them—don’t wait for the expiration date on your temporary tags.
Do temporary South Carolina license plates work well?
South Carolina’s temporary plates are an awesome way to get behind the wheel of your car before you get your official metal plates.
Crime deterrent: Up until 2019, South Carolina law enforcement officers had problems with fraudulent temporary plates. They were easily forgeable, and many drivers kept using their paper tags well after they had expired.
In 2019, South Carolina introduced new trackable temporary license plates. These plates require more information from the dealer, including a code that ties the buyer to their vehicle.
Since the introduction of the trackable plates, fraud has plummeted—so it’s safe to say that the new plates are working.
Samuel Todd is an insurance writer with over three years of experience writing and editing content for various industries. Samuel specializes in helping car owners understand the ins and outs of what makes a “good” car, ensuring they always get the best value for their dollar. Since joining Jerry’s team of experts, Samuel has written nearly 200 articles for Jerry on topics including state regulations, common vehicle problems, and city insurance landscapes. Before joining Jerry, Samuel was an editor for Lamplight Books.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit. Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
