How to Get Military Specialty License Plates in South Carolina
What military specialty plates are and who can get them
South Carolina offers several specialty license plates designed for military service members, veterans, and their families. These plates display military insignia, branch emblems, or veteran status instead of the standard design. They cost the same as regular plates but let you show your military affiliation on the road.
The state issues plates for active duty members, retired service members, veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, and surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty or from service-related causes. Each category has its own plate design and its own set of requirements for who can display it.
You do not need a specialty plate to be a veteran or service member in South Carolina — it is purely optional. But if you want one, you will need to prove your military status with specific documents when you apply at your county's Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina offers specialty plates for active duty members, retirees, veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, and surviving spouses of service members who died in service.
- You must apply in person at your county DMV office with proof of military status — a DD Form 214, military ID, or other official military document.
- Specialty plates cost the same as regular plates and are renewed on the same schedule as your vehicle registration.
- If you are a surviving spouse, you must provide a certified copy of your spouse's death certificate along with proof of their military service.
Types of military specialty plates available
South Carolina offers distinct plates for different military statuses. An Active Duty plate is for service members currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. A Retired Military plate is for those who completed a full career and receive a military retirement. A Veteran plate is for anyone who served honorably but did not retire.
The state also issues plates for Medal of Honor recipients, which recognize the highest military decoration. Former Prisoner of War plates are for service members held as prisoners during any conflict. Surviving Spouse plates are for the widow or widower of a service member who died while on active duty or from a service-connected disability.
Each plate displays different insignia or text. Some show branch-specific emblems (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force), while others display "Veteran" or "Retired Military." You can only display one specialty plate per vehicle, so you will need to choose which status to show.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Proof of military status is the main requirement. For active duty or retired service members, bring your military ID card or a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). For veterans, bring your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which is the official document that proves you served and were discharged honorably.
If you do not have your DD Form 214, you can request it from the National Archives or through the Veterans Affairs website before you go to the DMV. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead. Some county DMV offices may accept a military discharge papers or a Veterans Health Identification Card as temporary proof while you obtain the DD Form 214.
For surviving spouses, bring a certified copy of the service member's death certificate, proof of their military service (DD Form 214 or military ID), and proof that you were married at the time of death. You will also need your own identification and vehicle registration documents, just as you would for any plate change.
How to apply at your county DMV
Visit your county's Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot order military specialty plates by mail or online — South Carolina requires you to apply face-to-face. Bring your military documentation, your current vehicle registration, your driver's license, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works).
Tell the DMV staff which specialty plate you want. If you are switching from a standard plate, they will process the change. If you are registering a new vehicle, you can request the specialty plate as part of that registration. The staff will verify your military status using the documents you brought.
The cost is the same as a standard registration renewal or new plate. You will pay whatever your county charges for vehicle registration, with no additional fee for the specialty design. Your new plates will be ready to pick up within a few days, or they may be mailed to you depending on your county's process.
Renewal and replacement of military plates
Military specialty plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration — typically every two years in South Carolina. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the DMV, just like a standard plate. You do not need to bring military documentation again unless you are changing your plate type or the DMV asks for updated proof.
If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, visit your county DMV office to request a replacement. Bring your vehicle registration and driver's license. Replacement plates cost a small fee, usually around $10 to $15, though this varies by county.
If you move out of state or no longer want your specialty plate, you can switch back to a standard plate at any time. Visit the DMV, bring your registration and ID, and request the change. There is no penalty for switching.
What to do if you cannot find your DD Form 214
If you are a veteran and do not have your DD Form 214, you can request a copy from the National Archives. Visit the Veterans Affairs website or call the National Archives at 1-866-272-6883. You can also submit a request by mail to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The process usually takes two to four weeks.
While you wait for your DD Form 214, some South Carolina DMV offices may accept other proof of discharge, such as a Veterans Health Identification Card, a letter from the VA, or a military discharge certificate. Call your county DMV before you visit to ask what temporary documents they will accept.
If you are on active duty or retired, your military ID card is usually sufficient proof on its own, so you do not need to request a DD Form 214 unless your ID is expired or lost.
Military plates and vehicle registration transfers
If you sell your vehicle or transfer ownership, the specialty plate stays with you, not the car. The new owner will need to choose their own plate type when they register the vehicle. You can transfer your military plate to a different vehicle you own by visiting the DMV with your registration for the new vehicle.
If you inherit a vehicle from another service member or veteran, you cannot use their specialty plate. You will need to register the vehicle in your name and apply for your own specialty plate if you are also may be able to access. The previous owner's plate will be retired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a military specialty plate if I was dishonorably discharged?
No. South Carolina specialty plates are only for service members with honorable discharges. A dishonorable discharge or other than honorable discharge disqualifies you. Your DD Form 214 will show your discharge status, and the DMV will verify it before issuing the plate.
Do military specialty plates cost more than regular plates?
No. Military specialty plates cost the same as standard registration plates in your county. There is no additional fee for the specialty design. You pay only your regular vehicle registration renewal or new plate fee.
Can I transfer my military plate to a family member?
No. Specialty plates are issued only to the person whose military status qualifies them. A family member cannot use your plate unless they have their own military service or are a surviving spouse of a service member who died in service. Each person must apply with their own documentation.
What if my military ID is expired — can I still use it as proof?
An expired military ID may be accepted as proof of service, but call your county DMV first to confirm their policy. If they will not accept an expired ID, bring your DD Form 214 or another official military document instead. Active duty members should have a current ID, so contact your branch if yours has expired.
How long does it take to get my military specialty plates after I apply?
Most South Carolina counties issue plates within a few business days of your application. Some offices mail them to you, which may take an additional week. Call your county DMV after you apply to ask when your plates will be ready for pickup or delivery.