OUR MISSION

Moving to Florence or anywhere in the Pee Dee? South Carolina does one thing most states don't: you pay a yearly property tax on your vehicle, and you have to pay it before the DMV will give you plates. Here's the order to do it in so you only stand in each line once.

Your deadline: 45 days. New residents have 45 days after moving here to get an SC driver's license and transfer their vehicle title and registration.

Step 1: Get Your SC Driver's License

Visit an SCDMV branch and bring:

  • Proof of identity and date of birth (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of your SC address dated within the last 9 months (two proofs if you want a REAL ID)
  • Name-change documents, if your name has changed
  • Your out-of-state license (you'll turn it in)

You'll take a vision test. You only need the written and road tests if your old license has been expired 9 months or more. An 8-year license is $25. Tip: SCDMV's US Citizens' Checklist (Form MV-93) lists every accepted document.

Steps 2–4: Update Your Insurance, Get Your Car Tax Bill & Pay It

Step 2: Update your car insurance. Give your insurance company your new SC address. Your insurer must be licensed in South Carolina.

Step 3: Get your vehicle tax bill from the county auditor. Contact the Florence County Auditor (or your county's auditor) with your VIN and your most recent out-of-state registration. They'll create your vehicle property tax bill. Florence County may also ask you to fill out its Out of State Vehicle form.

Step 4: Pay the tax at the county treasurer. Pay the bill at the Florence County Treasurer's Office and keep the original paid receipt. The DMV needs the original, not a copy.

Step 5: Get Your SC Title, Registration & Plates at the DMV

Bring:

  • Completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400)
  • Your out-of-state title and/or current registration
  • Your lienholder's name and address, if you have a car loan
  • Your ID and insurance information
  • The original paid property tax receipt

What it costs at the DMV (typical passenger car, about $305): $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (one time per vehicle, ever), $15 title fee, and $40 registration and plate fee (good for 2 years). Your county property tax is separate and is billed again every year.

Claim the 4% Home Tax Rate, Plus Leasing, Military & Helpful Links

Bought a home here? Apply for the 4% tax rate. In SC, a home you own and live in as your primary residence can be taxed at a 4% assessment ratio instead of the default 6%, and it's also exempt from school operating taxes. It isn't automatic: file a legal residence application with your county assessor (the Florence County Assessor for Florence homes) before the first tax penalty date for that year, or you'll be billed at 6%. If you move to a different home later, you have to apply again.

Leasing? You may need a Power of Attorney from the leasing company. Car loan? If your registration has expired, your lienholder may have to send the title to SCDMV. Military? Active-duty service members and their families are exempt from the $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee. See SCDMV's Military page.

SCDMV: Moving to SC (driver's license) · SCDMV: Moving to SC (vehicles) · Florence County Auditor · Florence County Treasurer

Moving to Florence and looking for a home? I help relocating buyers find the right neighborhood before they ever unpack a box. Search Florence homes or text or call me at (864) 300-4922.

Fees and rules change. Confirm current details with SCDMV and your county before your visit. Last updated October 2026.