Estimate 2025 South Carolina vehicle registration fees, IMF, and property tax instantly. Free calculator for car purchases, renewals, and new residents.
Fee Breakdown
2-Year Reg| Registration Fee | $0.00 |
| DMV Total | $0.00 |
What is the South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator?
The South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator is a digital tool designed to help vehicle owners estimate the total cost required to legally register a car, truck, or motorcycle in South Carolina. Unlike many states where you simply pay a flat fee at the DMV, South Carolina’s process involves three distinct costs that must be paid before you receive your license plate:
- DMV Registration Fees: The standard fee for the license plate and decal.
- Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF): A one-time tax (replacing sales tax) paid when you buy a car or move to the state.
- Vehicle Property Tax: An annual tax based on the value of your car, which must be paid to your County Treasurer before the DMV will issue your registration.
This calculator is essential because it totals these disparate costs—DMV fees, state taxes, and estimated county property taxes—into a single “out-the-door” estimate.
South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fees Chart
The following fees are standard across the state and are used by the calculator to determine your total.
1. DMV Registration Fees (Biennial / 2-Year)
Standard registration in SC is valid for two years.
| Vehicle Type | Standard Fee | Senior (Age 64) | Senior (Age 65+) |
| Passenger Car | $40.00 | $38.00 | $36.00 |
| Light Truck (GVW < 5k) | $40.00 | $38.00 | $36.00 |
| Motorcycle | $10.00 | N/A | N/A |
| RV / Camper | $40.00 | $38.00 | $36.00 |
| Utility Trailer | $10.00 | N/A | N/A |
2. Road Use Surcharges (Electric & Hybrid)
To offset lost gas tax revenue, SC charges these fees every two years upon renewal.
| Fuel Type | Biennial Surcharge |
| Hybrid | +$60.00 |
| Electric (EV) | +$120.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | +$60.00 |
3. Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) & Title
This replaces “Sales Tax” for vehicles. It is paid only once per owner, upon first registration.
| Scenario | Fee Amount | Notes |
| Vehicle Purchase | 5% of Price | Capped at $500.00 maximum. |
| New Resident | $250.00 | Flat fee when moving to SC with a vehicle you already own. |
| Title Fee | $15.00 | Required for all vehicle transfers/purchases. |
In-Depth Explanation of Fees
1. The “IMF” (Infrastructure Maintenance Fee)
South Carolina does not charge a traditional sales tax on vehicles. Instead, you pay the IMF.
- Buying a Car: If you buy a car (from a dealer or private party), you pay 5% of the purchase price, but the total is capped at $500. This makes SC one of the cheapest states for registering expensive vehicles.
- Moving to SC: If you move to South Carolina from another state, you owe a flat $250 IMF per vehicle to transfer your title and registration, regardless of the vehicle’s value.
2. Vehicle Property Tax (The Hidden Cost)
Before you can go to the DMV, you must visit your County Treasurer to pay property taxes.
- How it works: Vehicles are taxed as personal property.
- The Formula:
Vehicle Value×6% (Assessment Ratio)×Millage Rate. - The Estimate: The calculator provides an estimate using an average millage rate (tax rate). However, because tax rates vary wildly between counties (e.g., Charleston vs. Horry), your actual bill may differ.
3. EV & Hybrid Road Use Fees
Because electric and hybrid drivers buy less fuel, they pay less in gas taxes which fund road repairs. To compensate, SC adds a surcharge to the registration renewal:
- Hybrids: Pay an extra $60 every two years.
- EVs: Pay an extra $120 every two years.
4. Senior Discounts
South Carolina offers reduced registration fees for residents aged 64 ($38) and those 65 or older ($36). This discount applies to passenger cars and light trucks but typically does not apply to the IMF or Property Tax portions of the bill.
South Carolina Vehicle Registration Fee Calculator 2026
Estimate 2025 South Carolina vehicle registration fees, IMF, and property tax instantly. Free calculator for car purchases, renewals, and new residents.
Price Currency: USD
Application Category: Finance
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