South Carolina License Plate Lookup

South Carolina License plate lookups help protect car buyers from fraud by revealing hidden issues such as multiple previous owners, rolled-back odometers, theft, or previous major accidents that sellers might not disclose. Get an SC license plate lookup today!

Search by VIN Number

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in South Carolina?

Yes, you can perform a free South Carolina license plate lookup! With this free tool, you can easily verify the vehicle’s specifications, features, mileage, and sales history.

Here’s what you can check for free:

VIN
Engine Value
MSRP
Manufacturer
Fuel Type
Body Type
Year & Model
Transmission

What Can You Learn from License Plate History Records

Everything! You can find out everything about the life of any vehicle with a license plate history check using our tool. This includes ownership records, thefts, title brand records, open recalls, and many more. An SC lookup keeps you safe from fraudsters and helps in decision-making.

Some information you can find through license plate history records are:

Vehicle Specifications

View details on the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, and key features.

Ownership History

A summary of previous owners, including the length of ownership and the locations of registration.

Accident History

A report detailing any previous accidents, their severity, locations, and extent of damage.

Sales Records

Information regarding past sale prices, locations, sellers, and any repairs or damages associated with the vehicle.

Auction History

A record of any auctions the vehicle has been a part of, including dates, condition of the vehicle, photos (up to ten), and sale prices.

Lien and Loan Records

Details about any existing liens or loans that could affect the transfer of ownership.

Theft History

Verification of whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen or involved in theft.

Mileage Records

Confirmation of the vehicle’s mileage to help evaluate its overall wear and condition.

Title Information

Information on whether the vehicle’s title is clean, salvaged, or branded, which can impact its safety and value.

Market Value Estimation

Ensure the price is fair for buying or selling by assessing the vehicle’s current market value.

Recalls and Safety Issues

Check for unresolved safety recalls or concerns related to the vehicle.

Service History

Access to records of past maintenance and repairs, including services performed and parts replaced.

Why Look Up License Plates?

Did you know vehicles with salvage-branded titles lose between 20% and 40% of their value? Worse still, salvage cannot be easily recognized just by their appearance. However, a South Carolina license plate lookup can spot these vehicles in just a few seconds and help you make a safe and reliable choice.

Here’s why you must search a license plate number before purchasing or selling:

For Buyers

For Sellers

Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Ensure the car matches its description and hasn't been misrepresented.
Identify Hidden Issues: Check for past accidents, liens, theft reports, or title issues that could impact the car's value.
Know What You're Paying For: Get a reliable market value estimate to avoid overpaying.
Protect Yourself from Fraud: Verify the vehicle isn't stolen to prevent legal troubles and financial loss.

Improve Transparency: Provide clear and verifiable details to increase transparency.
Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Use accurate market data to price all vehicles in your inventory fairly.
Avoid Future Disputes: Share all relevant information upfront to avoid post-sale conflicts.
Increase Your Sales Chances: Buyers are more likely to purchase quickly when they have confidence in the vehicle's history.

How To Lookup A South Carolina License Plate Number

Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number

You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.

Step 2: Review and Purchase

Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.

Step 3: Access Your Report

Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.

South Carolina Laws/Legislation on License Plates

South Carolina requires all vehicles operating on its roads to display either a regular license plate or a temporary plate. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues these plates, which must be properly displayed and maintained to comply with state laws.

Here are the key aspects to remember:

Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements

Documentation required for vehicle registration includes proof of vehicle ownership, proof of insurance, proof of identity, proof of residency, and property tax receipts.
You need to pay registration fees and taxes, which vary depending on the type of vehicle and the owner’s age. For example, most owners' passenger vehicle registration fees are $40, with discounts for seniors.
Plates must be securely attached to the rear of the vehicle (except for certain commercial vehicles).
New residents have 30 days to register their vehicles after moving to South Carolina. First-time registrations require paying property taxes and obtaining a South Carolina license plate.
Purchases by private parties have to be registered within 45 days. You must report the purchase to your county auditor and pay your property taxes before registration.

Renewing Your South Carolina License Plate

Renewal of a South Carolina license plate involves updating your vehicle registration, which is usually required every two years. However, the state uses an annual renewal system for the registration decals based on the first letter of the last name of the vehicle owner.

Check the expiration date on your registration card or decal to determine the specific month you need to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a local SCDMV office.

South Carolina License Plate Design and Format

The South Carolina “While I Breathe, I Hope” license plate was introduced in 2015 with a classic design. Like the state flag, it is white and indigo with a palmetto tree and crescent. These plates are found on vehicles with a gross weight of up to 54,000 pounds.

Types of South Carolina License Plates

There are several types of license plates in South Carolina. Some common ones are:

Get More Than a License Plate Lookup

Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:

VIN Decoder

Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.

Window Stickers

Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.

Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles

Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.

Classic Car History Report

You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!

License Plate Lookup By States

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you look up a license plate in South Carolina?

Yes, you can look up the license plate of any vehicle in South Carolina and any other state using the form at the top of this page. Just fill out the form for an instant license plate decoding.

What is the best free license plate lookup?

Detailed Vehicle History offers a free license plate lookup service providing vehicle specifications, features, market value, MSRP, sales history, current mileage, and more.

How do I look up license plate owners in South Carolina?

You can lookup a vehicle’s ownership history with our lookup tool. When the license plate is decoded, you will find the number of previous owners, duration of ownership, location, and even a map showing key locations.

What can I get from an SC plate lookup?

After an SC plate lookup, you will gain access to the vehicle information and recrods, including ownership, theft, accident, damages, odometer, auction, sales history, auction photos, service history, vehicle usage, market value, and more.