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How to Get a Temporary 45-Day License Plate in South Carolina

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What a temporary 45-day plate is and when you need one

A temporary 45-day license plate is a paper tag issued by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) that lets you drive a vehicle legally for 45 days while you wait for your permanent metal plates to arrive. You get one when you buy a vehicle from a dealer, purchase a used car privately, or register a vehicle in South Carolina for the first time. The temporary plate is valid for exactly 45 days from the date it is issued — not 45 days from when you buy the car.

The temporary plate serves as proof of registration. It is printed on paper, usually about the size of a standard license plate, and must be displayed on the back of your vehicle in a way that is clearly visible. You cannot drive without it during those 45 days, and you cannot extend it once it expires. If your permanent plates have not arrived by day 45, you will need to contact SCDMV to find out what went wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • A temporary 45-day plate is issued by SCDMV when you register a new or used vehicle and is valid for exactly 45 days from the issue date.
  • Dealers typically issue temporary plates at the point of sale, but if you buy privately you must go to SCDMV or use an authorized agent to get one.
  • The temporary plate must be displayed on the back of your vehicle and serves as your proof of registration during the waiting period.
  • Your permanent metal plates should arrive within 45 days; if they do not, contact SCDMV immediately to track them down.
  • Once your permanent plates arrive, you must remove the temporary plate and install the metal plates before the 45 days are up.

Getting a temporary plate when you buy from a dealer

If you buy a vehicle from a licensed South Carolina dealer, the dealer will handle the temporary plate for you at the time of sale. The dealer completes the registration paperwork, submits it to SCDMV, and prints the temporary plate right there in the showroom or office. You drive away with the temporary plate already on your vehicle. This is the fastest route and requires no separate trip to SCDMV.

The dealer will also give you a receipt or paperwork showing the temporary plate number and the 45-day expiration date. Keep this document in your vehicle along with the temporary plate. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you will need to show both the temporary plate and your proof of registration paperwork.

Getting a temporary plate when you buy privately or from out of state

If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller or bring a vehicle into South Carolina from another state, you must go to SCDMV yourself to register it and get a temporary plate. You cannot drive the vehicle to SCDMV without a plate, so you will need to arrange a ride, have the seller drive it, or have it towed. Some people ask the seller to keep their old plates on the vehicle temporarily, but this is not legal in South Carolina — the plates belong to the seller's registration and cannot transfer to you.

Bring the vehicle's title (signed by the seller), your driver's license, proof of insurance, and the bill of sale or purchase agreement to your local SCDMV office. SCDMV will process your registration and print a temporary plate on the spot. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You can then drive the vehicle home with the temporary plate.

What documents you need to bring

The exact documents depend on whether you are buying from a dealer or privately, and whether the vehicle is new or used. For any registration in South Carolina, you will always need a valid driver's license and proof of insurance from an insurance company licensed to do business in South Carolina.

For a used vehicle bought privately, bring the signed title, the bill of sale, and your driver's license and proof of insurance. For a vehicle bought from a dealer, the dealer handles most of the paperwork, but you may need to show your driver's license and proof of insurance. For a vehicle brought in from another state, bring the out-of-state title, your driver's license, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale if you purchased it. If the title is in someone else's name, you will need a power of attorney or the owner must be present.

How long permanent plates take to arrive

South Carolina's permanent metal license plates are produced and mailed to you by SCDMV. The timeframe varies depending on current processing volume and whether you ordered standard plates or specialty plates. Standard plates typically arrive within 30 to 45 days, though this is not may provide. Specialty plates (such as those supporting a specific organization or cause) may take longer.

SCDMV does not send you a notice when your plates ship. You will simply receive them in the mail at the address on your registration. Once they arrive, you must install them on your vehicle and remove the temporary plate before the 45-day period ends. If your plates do not arrive by day 45, contact SCDMV immediately — do not continue driving with an expired temporary plate.

What to do if your permanent plates do not arrive

If you reach day 40 or 45 and your permanent plates have not arrived, contact SCDMV right away. You can call the SCDMV customer service line or visit a local SCDMV office in person. Have your temporary plate number and registration information ready. SCDMV can look up your order and tell you whether the plates are in production, have been mailed, or if there is a problem.

If the plates were lost in the mail or there was an error in production, SCDMV can issue a replacement set. In some cases, SCDMV may issue an extension of your temporary plate to cover the delay, though this is not automatic — you must request it. Do not drive with an expired temporary plate while waiting for a resolution. If you cannot reach SCDMV before your 45 days expire, visit an SCDMV office in person to explain the situation and get guidance on what to do next.

Displaying your temporary plate correctly

Your temporary plate must be displayed on the rear (back) of your vehicle in a location where it is clearly visible and legible. It should be mounted flat or in a clear plastic sleeve so that the information is not obscured. The plate must remain visible at all times while you are driving. If a law enforcement officer cannot read your temporary plate, you may be stopped and cited.

Do not cover the temporary plate with anything, do not fold it, and do not place it inside the vehicle where it cannot be seen from outside. Some vehicles have a rear license plate bracket already in place — you can use that, or you can use a clear plastic sleeve and tape or adhesive to secure the temporary plate to the back of the vehicle. Once your permanent plates arrive, remove the temporary plate completely before installing the metal plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive out of state with a temporary plate?

Yes, a South Carolina temporary plate is valid throughout the United States. However, some states have specific rules about how temporary plates must be displayed or what information they must contain. Keep your registration paperwork with you in case you are stopped. If you are moving to another state, you will need to register your vehicle in that state before the temporary plate expires.

What happens if I drive after the 45 days expire?

Driving with an expired temporary plate is illegal in South Carolina. You can be stopped and cited for operating an unregistered vehicle. If your permanent plates have not arrived, contact SCDMV before day 45 to find out your options. Do not assume your plates are on the way — check with SCDMV directly.

Can I get a temporary plate if I do not have proof of insurance yet?

No. South Carolina law requires proof of insurance at the time of registration. You must have an active insurance policy and proof of that policy before SCDMV will issue a temporary plate. Contact an insurance agent or company before you go to SCDMV or meet with a dealer.

Do I need to do anything special when my permanent plates arrive?

When your permanent plates arrive in the mail, install them on your vehicle following the manufacturer's instructions or the instructions that come with the plates. Remove the temporary plate and keep it or dispose of it. You do not need to notify SCDMV that you have installed your permanent plates — the registration is already in the system. Keep your registration card in your vehicle at all times.

What if I lose my temporary plate before the 45 days are up?

If your temporary plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact SCDMV immediately. You will need to go to an SCDMV office or an authorized agent to request a replacement. Bring your registration paperwork and driver's license. SCDMV will issue a new temporary plate with a new 45-day expiration date. Do not drive without a plate while waiting for the replacement.