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Current Regular License Plate
Introduced in late 2015, the "While I Breathe, I Hope" license plate, or the state's regular plate, has a classic design with a strong South Carolina theme. Like the state flag, the plate is white and indigo with a palmetto tree and crescent.
Introduced in January 2026, the "Where the Revolutionary War Was Won" plate is the state's successor as a regular plate.
The regular plate now is approved for use by vehicles with a gross weight of up to 54,000 pounds.
While you may see some plates with a sticker on the left-hand side with simply a number, such as "8" to designate the eighth month of the year - August - this sticker is no longer required to have a valid registration since the month, year, and plate number is now printed on the color-coded sticker on the right-hand side of the plate.
Temporary License Plates
To get a traceable temporary license plate, you must bring in the title, bill of sale, or lease contract from the seller of the vehicle, plus a completed and signed Application to Issue or Replace 45-Day Temporary Plates (Form 45-A) to an SCDMV branch.