Overview
Electric and hybrid owners pay more, because they buy little or no taxed motor fuel: a $120 biennial road-use fee for fully electric vehicles and $60 for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, on top of the standard $40 base. None of this replaces the annual county property tax bill, which is separate, uncapped, and due before any of these registration fees will renew.
01 - Official fees
South Carolina registration fees fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger car / light truck ≤ 9,000 lbs | $40.00 | biennial |
| Age 64 | $38.00 | one vehicle per qualifying owner |
| Age 65 or older | $36.00 | one vehicle per qualifying owner |
| Motorcycle | $10.00 | biennial |
| EV road-use fee | $120.00 | biennial, added to base |
| Hybrid / plug-in hybrid road-use fee | $60.00 | biennial, added to base |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county treasurer/auditor for property tax, then the SCDMV for title and registration - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to register a vehicle in South Carolina
- 1
Get SC liability insurance and have the title (or dealer paperwork) ready.
- 2
File Form 400 with the SCDMV within 45 days of purchase or of establishing SC residency.
- 3
Pay any first-year IMF and the $15 title fee if this is a new title, plus the registration fee for your vehicle and age bracket.
- 4
Confirm your county property tax is paid - the SCDMV won't finalize registration without a clear tax record.
- 5
Receive your plate and biennial sticker; there's no inspection or emissions step to schedule.
03 - Same state, other costs
More South Carolina vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
South Carolina registration fees FAQ
How much is car registration in South Carolina per year?
Averaged out, $20 a year - the $40 fee covers two full years. Age 64 brings it to $19/year equivalent, and 65+ to $18/year. Electric and hybrid owners add $60 or $30 per year respectively for the road-use fee.
Does South Carolina require vehicle inspections to register?
No. South Carolina has no periodic safety inspection and no emissions test requirement statewide - registration is purely a paperwork and payment step, unlike most neighboring states.
Why do EVs and hybrids pay an extra registration fee?
Gas and diesel vehicles fund road maintenance through the motor fuel user fee at the pump. EVs pay little to none of that, and hybrids pay less than a comparable gas car, so South Carolina collects $120 (EV) or $60 (hybrid) every two years directly at registration instead.
I'm 65 - do I have to apply for the discount every time?
Yes, the reduced $36 rate applies at renewal once SCDMV has your date of birth on file; it's automatic once you qualify, but it only covers one vehicle per person - a second car in the household pays full price.
Can I register online in South Carolina?
Renewals, yes, through the SCDMV's online portal once your county confirms your property tax is paid. A brand-new title and first registration on a just-purchased vehicle needs Form 400 filed in person or by mail.
Is the registration fee the only thing I owe every two years?
No - registration is separate from your county's annual property tax bill, which you'll get every single year regardless of your two-year registration cycle, and which must be current before any registration renews.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.