How to Get a Personalized License Plate in South Carolina

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Are you a resident of South Carolina looking for a fun way to express yourself? You can do this by creating a personalized license plate, or tag as it is referred to in the Palmetto State. You can acquire these plates for your car, truck or motorcycle. You can follow the Department of Motor Vehicles’ online process, or submit an application by mail or in person.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying by Mail or in Person

1
Find the right application on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. This page of their website collects all the forms used by the DMV. Whether you’re mailing your form or submitting it in person, you’ll need to print it from this page.
- There are quite a few forms available on this page. If you’re only getting a personalized plate (rather than a plate for disabled drivers or servicemen for instance), you’ll need the “Application for Personalized License Plates” (MV-96) form.^{[1]
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- Original forms can also be found at your local DMV office.^{[2]
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2
Provide your personal information in the “Applicant Information” box. This includes your name, physical address, mailing address if applicable and telephone number. You’ll also need to complete the field asking for the total fees you’ll be paying.
- To determine the total fee you’ll be paying, consult the Registration Fees chart in the top right. You’ll pay this fee in addition to the $30.00 fee for the plate.
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3
Fill in your vehicle information. This includes the make and model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and current license plate number.
4
Consider if you’d like to donate to Donate Life South Carolina. Check the “Yes” box if you’re looking to donate, as well as indicating the amount you will be donating. If not, leave this space blank.
- Donate Life South Carolina is a non-profit organization that manages the organ, eye and tissue donor registry.^{[3]
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Supply the name of your insurance company. This is to confirm coverage for your vehicle. Completing this field implies a commitment to keep your vehicle insured while it is registered with the state.
6
Sign the application. You’ll find the field for your signature at the bottom of the first page. It serves as certification that the information you entered is accurate.
7
Submit up to 3 choices for your regular personalized license plate. If registering a car, enter your choices under the “Regular Personalized Plate Choices” field. If registering a motorcycle , enter your choices in the “Motorcycle Personalized Plate Choices” field.
- List your choices in order of preference, as you will be issued the first available choice.
- Note that boxes left blank are counted as a character.
- Do not use any other symbol except the ampersand (&).
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Send the completed application and payment. Make sure to include your exact payment with your application. You can mail your application to: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0008. You should then receive your personalized plate within 2-6 weeks.
- The DMV only accepts cheques by mail.
- If you plan to submit the form in person, go to your local DMV office after completing it. You can pay your fee in person in cash, cheque, credit or debit.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Applying Online

1
Access the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) plate application. The DMV’s website has a fully online application you can use to get a specialized license plate. Follow these steps to reach the application:
- This online application can only be used if you’re exchanging a regular license plate for a specialized one. If your vehicle isn’t already registered, you’ll need to use the DMV’s Electronic Vehicle Registration tool.
2
Follow the application’s instructions. You’ll need to enter information about your vehicle in order to proceed. Make sure you have the necessary information beforehand, such as your current license plate and vehicle number, your plate’s expiration date and your address.
3
Pay the license plate fees with a credit card. The fee you need to pay depends on the license you’re looking to get. Many of the plates have a standard $30.00 fee in addition to registration fees, while others cost $70.00. There are a variety of plates available, some specifically for members of the Armed Forces and universities, while others are purely cosmetic.
- Registration fees vary depending on the vehicle.
4
Wait for your custom plate. It typically will typically take 2-6 weeks for you to receive your plates.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

How can I check availability of personalized license numbers?

Community Answer

While the South Carolina DMV doesn't provide a tool to do this, you may be able to verify this through the DMV customer service line, at (803) 896-5000.
Question

If you already have the registration paid on the original plate is the fee $30 plus $24 or just $30?

Community Answer

If you are registering a new personalized plate, the payment required will depend on your previous plate's expiration date. For instance, if your current plates are valid for one more year, the DMV will likely charge a fee to extend it to two years.
Question

How often do I have to pay the $30 fee?

Community Answer

The 30$ registration fee is paid when you register your plates, then ever 2 years after that.

Warnings

Do not use profane or vulgar language when entering your personalized license plate choices. Entries deemed offensive will be denied.

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You cannot receive a refund once the order for a personalized license plate has been placed.

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If you wish to change your selected choice, note that fees already paid are not applied to another selection.

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