Free South Carolina License Plate Lookup

Check Any SC License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History

Thinking about buying a used car in South Carolina? Run a 100% FREE South Carolina License Plate Lookup to unlock the vehicle’s complete history in seconds. Just enter the plate number to get a detailed report — including title records, accident history, odometer rollbacks, recalls, liens, theft checks, and more.

Why Trust VinCheck.info for South Carolina Plate Lookups?

✅ Always Free – no hidden charges, subscriptions, or credit cards
✅ Trusted Sources – backed by NMVTIS and top industry partners
✅ Instant Results – mobile-friendly reports, no downloads or apps needed
✅ Private & Secure – search anonymously without sign-ups

Why Run a South Carolina License Plate Check?

South Carolina, with its mix of scenic coastal highways, historic cities like Charleston, and growing metro areas such as Columbia and Greenville, has millions of registered vehicles on the road. While many used cars are reliable, some may come with hidden issues that only a background check can reveal.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) oversees vehicle registrations and titles, linking them directly to license plates. A quick plate lookup can help you discover red flags such as prior accidents, flood damage, odometer fraud, or outstanding liens.

Stay safe and informed before making your next purchase. Run a free South Carolina license plate lookup today and drive with confidence knowing your car’s history is clear.

What You Get from a Free South Carolina License Plate Search

With VinCheck.info’s free license plate check for South Carolina, you’ll instantly reveal key facts to help you buy smarter:

• Vehicle Specifications & Build Data: Know the make, model, trim, year, engine, and body style—straight from trusted sources like NHTSA and manufacturer data.
• South Carolina Title History: See if the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, junked, or flood-damaged. Title brands affect registration and resale value.
• Accident & Damage Reports: View reported crashes with details like severity, impact zones, airbag deployments, and structural damage—sourced from NMVTIS and insurance databases.
• Odometer Rollback Check: Spot discrepancies in mileage logs to detect possible tampering, a common red flag in private sales.
• Market Value Estimate: Get an up-to-date value range based on current SC market trends, vehicle age, and condition.
• Liens & Repossessions: Check for unpaid loans that could result in repossession—even after you buy the vehicle.
• Previous Use (Rental, Lease, Commercial): Know if the car was used as a rental, fleet, lease, or rideshare—factors that affect long-term reliability.
• Open Recalls & Manufacturer Defects: Identify any unresolved recalls or defects through verified NHTSA data.
• Theft Check: Confirm whether the car was ever stolen, recovered, or flagged in national crime databases.
• South Carolina Registration Records: Track historical sales, title transfers, and registration changes within South Carolina and other states.

South Carolina Plate Serial Formats:
ABC 123 / 123 ABC

South Carolina DMV Vehicle Lookup and License Plate Search Services

While the South Carolina DMV doesn’t offer a free public plate lookup, they provide services like:

• Registration renewals
• Driver’s license services
• Address updates
• Driving record requests
• Custom plate ordering

South Carolina License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a South Carolina License Plate?

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues license plates for vehicles registered in the state. South Carolina offers various plate options, including standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates.

South Carolina’s standard license plates typically feature the state’s name and may include symbols or designs representing the state’s heritage or culture. These plates are tied to the vehicle’s owner and require annual renewal with updated registration stickers.

License Plate Sizes

Automobile and commercial license plates: 12″ x 6″

Motorcycle license plates: 7″ x 4″

Trailer license plates: 6″ x 12″

License Plate Validity

License plates are validated by affixing stickers or tabs indicating the registration’s expiration date. Generally, plates remain with the vehicle they’re assigned to. However, personalized or specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon request, subject to payment of applicable fees.

South Carolina Laws on License Plates

South Carolina has mandated license plates on vehicles since a specific historical date. Most vehicles, such as passenger cars, are only required to have rear plates. License plates serve as crucial identifiers, aiding law enforcement in identifying vehicle owners through DMV records. The rear plate must display a current registration sticker for validity.

In cases of stolen, damaged, or lost license plates, individuals must obtain replacements. This involves submitting a replacement application at a DMV office.

Transferring a South Carolina License Plate

To transfer a South Carolina license plate from one vehicle to another, follow these steps:

1. Check eligibility: Ensure that both vehicles are registered in South Carolina and that the license plate is in good standing. Make sure the registration is current or renew it before starting the transfer process.
2. Remove the license plate: Carefully take off the license plate from the original vehicle and store it safely.
3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the transfer application form from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or a local DMV office. Fill out the form with all necessary details, including the license plate number and information about both the old and new vehicles.
4. Pay the transfer fee: Pay the required transfer fee, which can vary depending on the vehicle type and the type of license plate being transferred.
5. Submit the application: Take the completed transfer application and payment to your local DMV office. You can do this in person or by mail. If mailing, include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the new registration card and sticker.
6. Receive your new registration: Once the transfer application is processed, you’ll receive a new registration card and sticker for the vehicle you transferred the plate to.

Note that the license plate transfer should be completed after selling or transferring ownership of the original vehicle, and certain types of plates may have additional requirements and fees for transfer.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in South Carolina, follow these steps:

1. Find your renewal date: Look at your current registration card or visit the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) website to check the expiration date of your license plate registration.
2. Check for property tax requirements: Before you can renew your registration, you must pay your vehicle property tax to your county treasurer’s office. Ensure this is done as it is a prerequisite for renewal.
3. Update your address: Make sure your address is current with the SCDMV so your renewal notice is sent to the correct location.
4. Renew your registration: You have several options for renewing your license plate registration in South Carolina. You can renew online through the SCDMV website, by mail, or in person at your local SCDMV office. For online renewal, visit the SCDMV website and follow the provided instructions. You’ll need your vehicle information and payment for registration fees.
5. Receive your new registration: After submitting your renewal and payment, you’ll receive a new registration card and sticker by mail. You can also print a temporary registration from the SCDMV website while waiting for your new documents to arrive.

Remember to renew your license plate registration before it expires to avoid late fees and penalties. Note that the renewal fees may vary based on the type of vehicle, its weight, and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions