Beginning April, 2007 owners of certain motor vehicles thirty years old or older can apply to the Department to use a license plate issued by this State in the year corresponding to the model year of the vehicle. Upon approval, these “Year of Manufacture” plates will be used on the vehicle as a regular license plate. These plates can only be used on automobiles and light trucks with a GVW of 11,000 lbs. or less and an empty weight of 9,000 lbs. or less.
Year of Manufacture plates permit a vehicle that is at least 30 years old to travel on the roadways. These plates should not be confused with Antique Plates. Antique license plates can be used only on vehicles at least 25 years old; the vehicle is to be used only for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar events, but not for general transportation.
To apply for use of a Year of Manufacture plate as a vehicle’s regular registration, the plate must meet prescribed criteria and the applicant must meet all the requirements as detailed in RG-505A Application for Year of Manufacture License Plate.
SCDMV does not sell or issue Year of Manufacture plates. Owners can purchase these plates through a commercial outlet; however, owners are responsible for ensuring that they understand and can meet all requirements before purchasing a plate. To view a historical list of SC license plates, click here.
Certain number sequences are not available for use as a Year of Manufacture plate. Other number sequences are available only on a limited basis. To view list of unavailable or limited availability plate sequences, click here. Applicants seeking to use a Year of Manufacture plate must first contact the SCDMV’s Personalized Plate Unit at (803) 896-9638 to determine whether a desired plate number is available BEFORE purchasing the plate. Once the plate number has been reserved with the Personalized Plate unit, the applicant is authorized to make application for the plate by mailing the following documents to S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, Personalized Plate Unit P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, S.C. 29016-0008. Tel. (803) 896-9638:
- Form RG-505a Application for Year of Manufacture License Plate
- Copy of paid property tax receipt
- A clear color copy or photograph of the plate to be registered
- Certification that the vehicle to which the plate is attached is insured
- Year of Manufacture special plate fee of $30.00
- Normal biennial vehicle registration fee (consult form RG-505a for fee schedule)
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