Free South Carolina Plate Lookup – Instant 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 SC License Plate Lookup?
✅ 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 South Carolina plate check 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.
Why Use a Free South Carolina License Plate Lookup?
Thinking about buying or selling a used car in South Carolina? A 100% South Carolina license plate search from VinCheck.info helps you uncover essential details about any vehicle before you make a decision. Just enter a South Carolina plate number and instantly access:
- Vehicle Specs – Year, make, model, trim, and body style.
- Title History – Identify branded titles such as salvage, rebuilt, flood, or junk—even those issued outside South Carolina.
- Accident Records – Check for reported crashes, structural damage, or airbag deployments.
- Mileage Readings – Spot odometer rollbacks or unusual mileage inconsistencies.
- Market Value – Estimate the car’s fair market price based on history and condition.
- Liens & Loans – Verify if there are unpaid liens, repossessions, or financing issues.
- Use – See if the vehicle was privately owned, leased, or part of a fleet/rental.
- Open Recalls – Find out if manufacturer safety recalls are still unresolved.
- Theft Records – Confirm if the vehicle was ever reported stolen or recovered.
- Sales & Title Transfers – Review past ownership changes and interstate transfers.
Whether you’re shopping for used cars in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, or Rock Hill, a free South Carolina plate lookup gives you the confidence to make smarter, safer choices—with no hidden fees, no subscriptions, and no account required.
Sample Vehicle History Report
South Carolina Vehicle Registration
Registration is what makes your vehicle legal to drive on the road. It gives you:
- A valid license plate
- A decal sticker (bottom right corner of the plate)
- A registration card (usually kept in the glove box)
You can’t register a car without first having a title.
How to Register Your Vehicle
- Bought from a dealer? They usually handle registration for you.
- Bought from a private seller? You’ll need to:
- Pay property taxes to your county.
- Bring the tax receipt to the SCDMV.
- Submit a completed Title Application (Form 400), proof of title, and fees.
- Pay the registration fee (extra fee if hybrid/electric).
- Choose whether to use an old plate (in your name) or get a new one.
Buying a Car
Key Tip: Always check that the seller has the title in their name before paying.
- From a dealer: They usually handle the title and registration for you.
- From a private seller: You’ll need to make sure:
- The back of the title is properly filled out (buyer/seller info, odometer, price, date, signatures).
- If the title doesn’t list the sales price, include a bill of sale.
- Submit Form 400, title fee, and either sales tax or the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) (5% of purchase price, max $500).
- If you don’t have an SC license or ID, also complete Form TI-006 (Vehicle Operation in SC).
- Registration deadline: Within 45 days of purchase.
Selling a Car
Steps to Sell Your Vehicle:
- Sign over the title (include odometer reading, price, and sale date).
- Complete a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) and submit it to the SCDMV.
- Return your license plate if not transferring it to another vehicle.
- You don’t need to return expired plates.
If there’s a lien (buyer is making payments):
- You’ll be listed as the lienholder on Form 400.
- The title goes to you until the buyer pays in full.
- Once the lien is cleared, the buyer gets the clear title.
South Carolina Vehicle Title
A vehicle title (also called a Certificate of Title) proves you own a vehicle. The South Carolina DMV (SCDMV) issues titles for cars, trucks, and even some items that may never be registered with license plates. You can hold a title without registering the vehicle.
Titling a Vehicle
A title transaction (or title transfer) happens when ownership changes, such as buying or selling a car.
To title a vehicle in South Carolina, you’ll need:
- SCDMV Form 400 (Title Application)
- SCDMV Form TI-006 (if you don’t have an SC license/ID)
- Signed title from the seller (with price + odometer reading, or a Bill of Sale if missing)
- Title fee
- Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (if applicable)
- Bill of Sale/Buyer’s Order (signed by buyer, showing sale price minus trade-in value)
Bring these documents to an SCDMV branch office. If you plan to drive the vehicle, you must also register it.
More Than One Owner
You can title a vehicle in:
- One name – sole ownership.
- Two names with “or” – either owner can handle transactions alone (co-owners).
- Two names with “and” – both owners must sign forms or be present together (joint owners).
If there’s a lien on the vehicle, ownership changes require the lienholder’s involvement.
South Carolina License Plates
South Carolina offers a variety of license plates to fit different needs and vehicles. Here’s a quick overview:
Antique Plates
Available for vehicles at least 25 years old, kept primarily for exhibitions, parades, or hobby use.
Military Plates
Honorably discharged veterans and active-duty military members may apply for plates recognizing service branches, awards, or conflicts.
Motorcycle Plates
Specially sized plates available for motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters.
Organizational Specialty Plates
Nonprofits or groups approved by the legislature can apply for a specialty plate by submitting designs, tax documents, and a $6,800 production fee. Plates must follow SCDMV’s design template.
Personalized Plates
To get a custom plate:
- Vehicle must weigh under 11,000 pounds GVW.
- Apply with Form MV-96 and a $30 fee (+ registration).
- Up to 7 characters allowed (cars/trucks) or 6 characters (motorcycles).
- Only the “&” symbol is permitted.
Mail to:
SCDMV – Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
Regular License Plate
Since 2015, the state’s standard plate features the motto “While I Breathe, I Hope” with the iconic palmetto tree and crescent.
- Valid for vehicles up to 54,000 pounds.
- Color-coded stickers on the right side now show expiration; older month stickers are no longer required.
Temporary License Plates
For newly purchased vehicles, you can get a 45-day temporary plate by bringing your title, bill of sale/lease, and completed Form 45-A to an SCDMV branch.
Exchange Plates
You may exchange plates online if:
- Registration is valid and not expiring within 90 days.
- Your address is current with the SCDMV.
- Payment is made by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or AmEx.
Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates
You can order a replacement of the same plate type online if your registration is in good standing and your address is up to date.
Returning License Plates
- New Plate Issued: Once a new plate arrives, the old one is invalid. You can decommission it online or recycle it.
- Sold a Vehicle: Submit Form 416 (Notice of Vehicle Sold) and Form 452 (Plate Turn-In), return the plate, and cancel insurance.
- Moving to a New State: Update insurance, then return your SC plate by mail or in person.
Mail returns to:
SCDMV – Plate Turn-In
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
Special Plates for Organizations
Nonprofits or groups approved by the legislature can apply for a specialty plate by submitting designs, tax documents, and a $6,800 production fee. Plates must follow SCDMV’s design template.
Personalized Plates
To get a custom plate:
- Vehicle must weigh under 11,000 pounds GVW.
- Apply with Form MV-96 and a $30 fee (+ registration).
- Up to 7 characters allowed (cars/trucks) or 6 characters (motorcycles).
- Only the “&” symbol is permitted.
Mail to:
SCDMV – Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
In South Carolina, state law requires that when a vehicle is sold or transferred, the current owner must correctly endorse and hand over the vehicle title to the buyer at the time of the transaction. This process involves entering key details such as the vehicle’s mileage, the exact date of sale, the agreed purchase amount, and ensuring that both parties sign the title.
Unlike some states, South Carolina license plates stay with the seller—not the vehicle. The seller must either transfer those plates to another car they own or return them to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Meanwhile, the buyer must submit an application for a new title and registration within 45 days of purchase.
Can I do a South Carolina license plate lookup for motorcycles, trailers, or RVs?
Yes. The lookup tool supports all standard vehicle types registered in South Carolina, including motorcycles, trailers, and RVs. Just enter the license plate number and select the appropriate vehicle type if prompted.
Is there a difference between a South Carolina VIN check and a license plate lookup?
Yes. A VIN check uses the Vehicle Identification Number to retrieve a history report, while a license plate lookup retrieves similar information using the plate number. Both methods can reveal title status, accident history, recalls, and more.
How current is the information provided in a South Carolina license plate lookup?
The data is updated regularly and pulled from reliable sources like NMVTIS, NHTSA, and state DMV records. However, there may be a short delay between when an event (e.g., accident, title update) occurs and when it appears in the system.
Can I run a South Carolina plate lookup on vehicles registered in the past but no longer active?
Yes. Historical records are often included, even if the vehicle is no longer registered or has been salvaged or scrapped. This helps you understand the full background of a vehicle you may be considering.
Is it legal to perform a free license plate lookup on someone else's vehicle in South Carolina?
Yes, as long as the lookup is for informational or research purposes and does not seek personal information about the owner. The tool provides vehicle-related data only and complies with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).