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Saturday Service in March
All SCDMV offices that offer Saturday service will be open on March 12 and March 19. For more information, click here.
Two New License Plates Available
SCDMV now offers The University of Georgia and The Ohio State University license plates. For more information, click here.
Redesigned Disabled Veteran License Plates
SCDMV has redesigned the Disabled Veteran license plates. Click here for more information.
Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star License Plate
SCDMV announced today the availability of the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star license plate. Click here for more information.
Payment Plan Program
Beginning January 1, 2011, SCDMV will offer a driver’s license reinstatement fee payment program for SC residents that have a suspended driver’s license. For more information, click here.
New South Carolina Credential
On October 19, 2010, SCDMV began a pilot project in the Irmo-Ballentine office issuing a new South Carolina driver's license and identification card. A press conference announcing the new credential design will be held in the Irmo-Ballentine office at 10:00 AM on October 21, 2010.
Breast Cancer Awareness License Plate
The Breast Cancer Awareness license plate is now available in SCDMV offices across the state and through the mail. For more information, visit the SCDMV Plate Gallery.
Puerto Rico Birth Certificates
Due to the high incidence of passport fraud using Puerto Rico birth certificates, the government of Puerto Rico is issuing new birth certificates beginning July 1, 2010, which will incorporate new technology to limit forgery. SCDMV will continue to accept Puerto Rico birth certificates currently in circulation through September 30, 2010, for the purposes of obtaining a SC driver’s license or identification card. However, beginning October 1, 2010, the SCDMV will no longer accept Puerto Rico birth certificates unless the birth certificate has an issue date of July 1, 2010, or later. The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration has posted guidance, including frequently asked questions and answers and instructions on how to apply for a new Puerto Rico birth certificate, on their website at www.prfaa.com.
New Wildlife License Plates
The Wildlife Deer license plate and the Wildlife Painted Bunting license plate are now available to all South Carolina residents. A portion of the fees collected for these plates is distributed to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Game Fund. The fee for these plates is $30.00 plus the regular registration fee.
New Motor Carrier System
SCDMV has developed a new Motor Carrier services system that will improve business communications and allow online transactions in the future. Click here for more information.
New Disabled Placards and Plates
Do you know about about the new look and new requirements for disabled placards and plates? For more information, click here.
Saturday Hours
Beginning in 2010, SCDMV offices offering Saturday services will be open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
SCDMV has announced their participation in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). This system allows agencies like SCDMV to quickly verify a paper title with electronic data obtained from the state that issued the title. For more information, click here.
Ignition Interlock Device Program
An ignition interlock device (IID) is a mechanism similar to a breathalyzer, which is installed in a vehicle’s dashboard. The IID is designed to prevent a driver from operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The driver is required to breathe into the device before starting the vehicle and at random intervals while the vehicle is being operated.
Effective January 1, 2009, an II restriction is required for persons who are convicted of a second or subsequent offense for the following violations:
1) driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
2) driving with an unlawful alcohol concentration, or
3) causing great bodily injury or death while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For more information about IID, click here.
Commercial Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
Employers of commercial drivers are required to report to SCDMV the names of all commercial driver employees who:
- refuse to provide a specimen for a drug or alcohol test,
- test positive for drugs or alcohol, or
- submit an altered, diluted or substituted specimen.
An employer who knowingly fails to report an employee may be subject to fines and investigation. Commercial drivers who are reported for a CDL Drug Testing Act violation will be disqualified. If a commercial driver is disqualified due to a drug or alcohol test violation more than three times within a five year period, he or she will be permanently disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle. For more information about the Commercial Driver Drug Testing Act, click here.
Reminder for Motor Home Owners
If you operate a motor home that weighs more than 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight, you must obtain a Class E license. If you operate a motor home that weighs more than 26,000 and tow a trailer or other vehicle, you must have a Class F license. For more information about Class E an F licenses, click here.
Out of Business Dealerships:
If you purchased a vehicle from an automobile dealership that has closed and you have not received your vehicle registration and license plate, you may contact the SCDMV Dealer Licensing Unit for assistance at (803) 896-2611. To obtain your vehicle registration, you must first complete a Form DLA-5, Dealer Complaint Form and submit it to the Dealer Licensing Unit.
SC Dealer/Wholesaler Manual: The South Carolina Dealer/Wholesaler Manual is now available online. Click here to view the manual.
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