South Carolina Camper Tag Requirements: What You Need To Know

In South Carolina, campers, trailers, and recreational vehicles (RVs) are required to be registered with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the same way that cars and trucks are. However, there are some differences in the processes for registering these vehicles. For example, custom-built cars must first apply for a title before attempting to register. Additionally, only certain types of campers or trailers that attach to vehicles must be registered and receive license plates. If you are registering a camper that is towed on a vehicle, the registration fee is $10 every two years. You must also pay property taxes on the trailer before you can register it. It is important to note that the rules and requirements for registering a camper or RV may vary from state to state, so it is always a good idea to check with the DMV in your specific state for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Camper/trailer registration requirements in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you must register any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer if you plan on driving it on a highway. This includes campers and trailers. The registration process for campers and trailers is the same as for standard vehicles. Visit your local DMV to complete an application and pay the appropriate fees. If you have a utility or camper trailer, the fee is $10. You can purchase a lifetime license plate for trailers for $87.

Trailers with an empty weight of more than 2,500 lbs require a $20 registration fee. You can find a complete list of fees on the South Carolina DMV website.

If you are not a resident of South Carolina and your vehicle is registered in another state, you are exempt from registration. Additionally, you do not need to register your vehicle if you have a temporary permit to operate it, or if your boat, farm, or utility trailer weighs less than 2,500 lbs and is for private use only.

When registering a trailer, you must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A). To register a trailer/camper in South Carolina, it must be titled. To title the trailer/camper, you are required to present the bill of sale and previous title. If the previous title does not exist, you must complete the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without a Previous Title (Form TI-021B).

If you are registering a recreational vehicle (RV) or motorhome, the process is the same as registering a regular car, but fees may vary depending on your vehicle.

It is important to note that you may need a Class E or F driver's license if the vehicle's gross weight is 26,001 pounds or more.

Camper/trailer registration fees in South Carolina

In South Carolina, you have to register your RV within 45 days of purchase. If you buy your RV from a dealer, they will generally take care of the registration process for you. New South Carolina residents also have 45 days to register.

You can register by mail or in person at your local DMV office. South Carolina tags are renewed every two years.

The "Palmetto State" has the following minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person; $50,000 per accident; $25,000 of property damage coverage

In South Carolina, you’ll pay a flat RV registration fee of $40 for a motorhome and $10 for a trailer.

Only certain types of campers or trailers that attach to vehicles must be registered and receive license plates. The SCDMV can issue the following trailer plates:

• Camper/Travel Trailer license plate: This is available for trailers that have living space and must be registered. There is no weight requirement for this plate. The registration fee for a camper that's towed on a vehicle is $10 every two years.
• Boat/Utility/Pole/Farm Trailer license plate: There are two types of license plates available for these trailers: permanent and biennial. You must register your utility, pole, or farm trailer only if you're travelling out of South Carolina. If your boat trailer has an empty weight of 2,500 pounds or more, you must register it in order to use it on SC roads or out-of-state. The Utility Permanent license plate cannot be transferred between trailers. You must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A) and pay $75. You do not have to submit a property tax receipt. The Utility Trailer license plate can be transferred to another trailer you own. The Utility Trailer plate is $10. You do not have to submit a property tax receipt.
• Business Customer Trailers license plate: This is available for business customers who own a semitrailer or pole, utility, or boat trailer. If you're a representative of a business, you must register these items in order to use them on South Carolina roads or out-of-state. The Trailer plate can be transferred to another trailer the business owns. The Trailer plate is $20 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.

Camper/trailer registration exemptions in South Carolina

In South Carolina, only certain types of campers or trailers that attach to vehicles must be registered and receive license plates.

You do not need to register your camper/trailer in South Carolina if:

• You are not a resident of South Carolina and the vehicle you're driving is registered in another state.
• You have a temporary permit to operate the vehicle (without requiring registration).
• Your boat, farm, or utility trailer is less than 2,500 lbs and is for private use only.

If you are a resident of South Carolina and your camper/trailer weighs more than 2,500 lbs, you must register it with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The registration fee for a camper that's towed on a vehicle is $10 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.

If your camper/trailer is under 2,500 lbs, you do not need to register it unless you plan on travelling out of South Carolina. If you are travelling out of state, you must register your camper/trailer and can choose between a permanent trailer plate or an annual trailer plate.

To apply for a trailer plate, you must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A). In order to register a trailer/camper in South Carolina, it will require the trailer/camper to be titled. In order to title the trailer/camper, you are required to present the bill of sale and previous title. If the previous title does not exist, you must complete the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without a Previous Title (Form TI-021B).

Camper/trailer requirements when travelling out-of-state

If you're driving a camper, trailer, or recreational vehicle (RV) in South Carolina, you may need a Class E or F driver's license if the vehicle's gross weight is 26,001 pounds or more.

Only certain types of campers or trailers that attach to vehicles must be registered and receive license plates. The Camper/Travel Trailer license plate is available for trailers with living space and must be registered. There is no weight requirement for this plate. The registration fee for a camper that's towed on a vehicle is $10 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.

If you're travelling out-of-state from South Carolina, you must register your utility, pole, or farm trailer. If your boat trailer has an empty weight of 2,500 pounds or more, you must register it to use it on SC roads or out-of-state. If your boat or utility trailer is under an empty weight of 2,500 pounds, and you are not planning to travel out-of-state, then you do not need to register it.

To apply for a trailer plate, you must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A). In order to register a trailer/camper in South Carolina, it will require the trailer/camper to be titled. In order to title the trailer/camper, you are required to present the bill of sale and previous title. If the previous title does not exist, you must complete the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without a Previous Title (Form TI-021B).

If you are travelling out-of-state, it is recommended that you contact the relevant DMVs in the states you are travelling to and through to ensure you have the correct documentation and registration.

Camper/trailer requirements when travelling out-of-state without tags

When travelling out-of-state with a camper or trailer, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and regulations of the state you are entering. While some states may have similar requirements, others may differ significantly. Here are some general guidelines and considerations to keep in mind when travelling out-of-state with a camper or trailer without tags:

• Registration and Titling: In most states, campers and trailers are required to be registered and titled. The process and requirements may vary from state to state. Some states allow online registration, while others require in-person registration at a local office. It is important to check the specific requirements of the state you are travelling to.
• Insurance: Most states require that your camper or trailer be insured before entering the state. While your tow vehicle's insurance may extend to cover the trailer, it is important to verify this with your insurance provider. Additionally, some states have specific coverage requirements, such as bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Your towable RV or trailer should have a VIN, which can usually be found on the tongue, frame, exterior sidewalls, interior cabinets, or storage compartments. This number is important for registration and titling purposes.
• Weight and Size Restrictions: Some states have specific weight and size restrictions for campers and trailers. Be sure to check the regulations of the state you are travelling to, as exceeding these restrictions can result in citations and fines.
• Safety and Emissions Inspections: Certain states require safety and emissions inspections for campers and trailers. This may be required annually or at the time of registration. Make sure to have the necessary inspections completed before entering a state that requires them.
• Speed and Towing Regulations: Each state may have different speed limits and towing regulations. Be mindful of these variations when travelling between states to avoid any violations.
• Right Turns on Red Lights: Some states prohibit right turns on red lights, while others allow them with specific restrictions. Be aware of the regulations in the state you are travelling to.
• Propane Tanks: Some states, such as Maryland and Virginia, have restrictions on propane tanks. Be sure to check the regulations of the state you are entering to avoid any issues.
• Temporary Tags: If your camper or trailer does not have permanent tags, you may need to obtain temporary tags from the appropriate authority. This will allow you to legally travel through different states without violating registration requirements.
• Specific State Requirements: Each state has unique requirements and regulations for campers and trailers. For example, California prohibits towing more than one trailer, while Arizona allows it with some restrictions. Always research the specific requirements of the state you are travelling to.

It is important to note that the information provided here may not be exhaustive, and regulations can change over time. Therefore, it is essential to consult the official websites or authorities of the state you plan to travel to for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently asked questions