How to Get Antique Vehicle Plates in South Carolina

What antique vehicle plates are and who can get them

Antique vehicle plates are special registration plates issued by South Carolina for cars, trucks, and motorcycles that are at least 30 years old. The state issues them through the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). You do not need these plates to own or drive an old vehicle — they are optional. Most people get them because the plates cost less than standard registration, because they look distinctive, or because they want to register a vehicle they do not drive regularly.

The main trade-off is that antique plates come with restrictions on how you can use the vehicle. You cannot use an antique-plated car for daily commuting, commercial work, or regular transportation. The state considers them for hobby, show, or occasional pleasure driving only. If you plan to drive the vehicle most days or use it for work, standard registration is what you need.

South Carolina also issues classic vehicle plates for cars between 20 and 29 years old, which follow the same rules and cost the same amount. The process to get either one is identical.

Key Takeaways

• Your vehicle must be at least 30 years old to may have access to for antique plates, or between 20 and 29 years old for classic plates.
• Antique and classic plates cost the same as standard registration but are only for hobby, show, or occasional driving — not daily commuting or commercial use.
• You will need the vehicle's title, proof of South Carolina residency, and a completed application form when you visit the SCDMV.
• You can renew antique plates by mail or online, which makes them convenient if you do not drive the vehicle often.

Age requirements and what documents you need

To register a vehicle with antique plates, it must have been manufactured at least 30 years before the current year. For example, in 2024, any vehicle made in 1994 or earlier qualifies. The SCDMV counts the year of manufacture, not the model year — check your title or vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm the actual build date.

Bring these documents to your local SCDMV office: your vehicle's title (the original or a certified copy), a completed Form SCDMV 400 (the application for vehicle registration), proof of South Carolina residency such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and your driver's license or state ID. If the title is in someone else's name, bring a bill of sale or a notarized statement of ownership. Some offices may also ask for a VIN verification if the title is old or unclear.

If your vehicle has a lien on it — meaning a bank or lender holds a security interest — the lienholder's name will appear on the title. You can still register it with antique plates, but the lienholder must be listed on the registration as well.

How to register your vehicle at the SCDMV

Visit your county's SCDMV office in person. You cannot complete antique registration by mail or online; you must appear with the vehicle or at minimum bring all required documents. Call ahead or check the SCDMV website to find your nearest office and confirm their hours, as some offices have limited schedules.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to register the vehicle with antique plates. They will verify the vehicle's age using the title and VIN, check that you meet residency requirements, and process the application. The office will issue your plates on the spot or mail them to you within a few days, depending on the office's procedures. Ask before you leave whether you can take the plates with you that day.

The registration fee for antique plates is the same as for standard plates in South Carolina. Fees vary slightly by county, but you can expect to pay between $20 and $30 for the initial registration. Some counties charge an additional county fee. Ask the clerk for the exact total before you pay.

Restrictions on how you can drive an antique-plated vehicle

South Carolina law limits antique-plated vehicles to "hobby, show, or occasional pleasure driving." This means you can drive to car shows, take it out on weekends, or use it for short trips, but you cannot use it as your primary vehicle for getting to work, running a business, or making regular daily trips. The state does not have a specific mileage limit, but the intent is that the vehicle should sit unused most of the time.

You also cannot use an antique-plated vehicle for commercial purposes — that includes delivery, rideshare, taxi service, or any work-related transportation. If you are caught driving an antique-plated vehicle in violation of these rules, you can be cited and fined. The vehicle's registration can also be suspended.

One practical advantage: because antique plates are for occasional use, you can let your insurance lapse during months you do not drive the vehicle, then reinstate it when you plan to use it. Talk to your insurance agent about seasonal or occasional-use policies, which may cost less than year-round coverage.

Renewing your antique vehicle registration

Antique vehicle registrations expire every two years, just like standard registrations. The SCDMV will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before expiration. You can renew by mail, online through the SCDMV website, or in person at an SCDMV office. This is one of the main conveniences of antique plates — because you do not drive the vehicle often, you do not have to visit an office every time renewal comes due.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice, include the renewal fee (the same amount as the initial registration), and mail it to the address on the notice. To renew online, visit the SCDMV website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. Both methods usually take one to two weeks to process.

If you do not renew before the expiration date, your registration lapses and you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You will have to re-register it in person at an SCDMV office, which takes longer and may cost more. Renew before the deadline to avoid this.

When antique plates might not be the right choice

If you plan to drive the vehicle regularly — more than a few times a month — antique plates are not appropriate and the SCDMV may refuse to issue them or may suspend your registration if they learn you are using the vehicle for daily driving. Standard registration is the correct choice for any vehicle you use as a primary car or truck.

If you own a vehicle that is between 20 and 29 years old, you have the option of classic plates instead of antique plates. Classic plates follow the same rules and cost the same amount, so the choice is mostly about which designation fits your vehicle better. Some owners prefer the "classic" label; others prefer "antique." Either way, the restrictions and renewal process are identical.

If your vehicle is newer than 20 years old, you cannot use either antique or classic plates. You must register it with standard plates, which have no restrictions on how you drive it.

Transferring antique plates to a new vehicle

If you sell your antique-plated vehicle and buy another one that also qualifies for antique plates, you can transfer the plates to the new vehicle. You do not have to return the old plates to the SCDMV first — just bring the new vehicle's title, your driver's license, and the old plates to an SCDMV office. The clerk will process the transfer and issue a new registration for the new vehicle.

The transfer fee is usually the same as a renewal fee. If the new vehicle is significantly older or newer than the old one, the SCDMV may ask for additional documentation to verify its age, but the transfer itself is straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use antique plates on a vehicle I drive to work?

No. Antique plates are only for hobby, show, or occasional pleasure driving. If you use the vehicle for commuting or regular work-related transportation, you need standard registration. Using antique plates on a vehicle driven regularly can result in a fine and suspension of your registration.

Do I have to get antique plates if my vehicle is old enough?

No, they are optional. You can register any vehicle that qualifies with standard plates instead. Antique plates are useful if you want lower registration costs or if you drive the vehicle only occasionally, but there is no requirement to use them.

What if I want to drive my antique-plated vehicle more often than I expected?

You can convert your registration to standard plates at any time by visiting an SCDMV office. Bring your current registration, title, and driver's license. You will pay a small fee to switch, and your new standard plates will have no restrictions on how you drive.

How do I know if my vehicle is old enough to may have access to?

Check the year of manufacture on your title or VIN. For antique plates, the vehicle must be at least 30 years old. For classic plates, it must be between 20 and 29 years old. The SCDMV clerk can verify the exact age when you apply.

Can I renew antique plates online if I have never registered the vehicle before?

No. The first registration must be done in person at an SCDMV office. After that, you can renew by mail or online. The in-person requirement is only for the initial registration.