South CarolinaH 3856126th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-80, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSES OR PERMITS, SO AS TO DELETE THE TERM "BLOOD TYPE" AND REPLACE IT WITH THE TERM "INFORMATION"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-3350, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS AND VETERAN DESIGNATIONS ON DRIVERS' LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED ON APPLICATIONS FOR A PERSON'S BLOOD TYPE TO APPEAR ON A SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION CARD, AND TO PROVIDE A CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON IDENTIFICATION CARDS OR DRIVERS' RECORDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO DEFINE THE TERM "RENTAL TRAILER"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-785, RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF PERMANENT LICENSE PLATES TO CERTAIN OWNERS OF TRAILERS AND SEMITRAILERS, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSE PLATES TO OWNERS OF RENTAL TRAILERS, AND TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-2320, RELATING TO DEALER AND WHOLESALER LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLE SALES THAT MUST BE MADE BEFORE DEALER PLATES MAY BE ISSUED; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-15-560, RELATING TO APPLICATIONS FOR WHOLESALE MOTOR VEHICLE AUCTION LICENSES AND FEES, SO AS TO REVISE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE LICENSES AND INCREASE THE LICENSE FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "BUS"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-23-85, RELATING TO DRIVER INSTRUCTOR PERMITS, SO AS TO REVISE THE EXPIRATION DATES FOR THE PERMITS AND PROVIDE A SCHEDULE OF FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-30, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POINTS SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING PERFORMANCE RECORDS OF DEALERS, SO AS TO ELIMINATE CERTAIN CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS AND ADD ADDITIONAL CONDUCT THAT RESULTS IN POINT VIOLATIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-37-70, RELATING TO SUSPENSIONS OF LICENSES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES MAY NOTIFY CERTAIN PERSONS BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR ELECTRONIC TRACKING; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-1010, RELATING TO TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CORPORATE-OWNED FLEET MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "FLEET"; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-1-40, RELATING TO PERSONS WHO MAY NOT BE LICENSED OR HAVE THEIR LICENSES RENEWED, SO AS TO MAKE TECHNICAL CHANGES, TO PROVIDE THIS PROVISION APPLIES TO THE ISSUANCE OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS, TO ESTABLISH THE MAXIMUM PERIOD DRIVERS' LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS ARE VALID, TO PROVIDE A FEE FOR IDENTIFICATION CARDS, AND TO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES CERTAIN DISCRETION WHEN GRANTING EXTENSIONS TO DRIVERS' LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-3-210, RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PERIOD THE LICENSE PLATES ARE VALID; BY REPEALING SECTION 56-5-2585 RELATING TO EXEMPTING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS FROM PAYING PARKING METER FEES; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-10, RELATING TO PROTECTION OF TITLES TO AND INTERESTS IN MOTOR VEHICLES, SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND THEIR DEFINITIONS; BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-265, RELATING TO LIENS OR ENCUMBRANCES RECORDED ON MOTOR VEHICLES OR MOBILE HOMES, SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTAIN ENTITIES TO UTILIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC TITLE SYSTEM, AND TO REVISE THE PROVISIONS THAT ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES TO TRANSFER VEHICLE OWNERSHIP, APPLY FOR AND THE RELEASE OF LIENS, AND PERFORM OTHER ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO TITLE CERTAIN VEHICLES; TO AMEND SECTION 56-19-370, RELATING TO PROCEDURES FOR THE VOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF CERTAIN VEHICLES BY DEALERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE CONDITIONS THAT ALLOW THE PROSECUTION OF DEALERS FOR IMPROPERLY TITLING OR REGISTERING VEHICLES; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 56-19-680, RELATING TO THE SATISFACTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS IN VEHICLES FOR WHICH CERTIFICATES OF TITLES ARE IN THE POSSESSION OF LIENHOLDERS, SO AS TO REVISE THE PROCEDURES WHEREBY LIENHOLDERS' INTERESTS ARE RELEASED, AND TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR THE FAILURE OF LIENHOLDERS TO FORWARD CERTAIN CERTIFICATES OF TITLE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

Sponsored By: Shannon S. Erickson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Department of Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 5 mixed.

Permanent trailer plates and rental rules

The DMV issues permanent plates for trailers and semitrailers for a one‑time $75 fee per unit. Owners must file a yearly report of units still in use and return plates for units retired. Missing the form deadline can mean a fine up to $50. The law defines “rental trailer” for businesses that rent utility trailers. Container chassis used for international shipping can get a permanent license without a South Carolina address if not for domicile.

Stricter dealer plates and protections

To get dealer plates, a dealer must hold a retail business license and have at least 15 retail sales in the past 12 months. You get two plates for the first 15 sales and one more plate for each additional 15 sales. The DMV can waive the sales rule for new dealers and adjust plate counts. The DMV must give 30 days’ certified notice and a hearing chance before a suspension tied to points. Dealers are not prosecuted for titling or registration errors within 45 days when the DMV suspended a title or a lender has not released the lien.

Businesses must use electronic vehicle titles

Starting 2026-10-06, businesses that title vehicles in South Carolina must use the DMV’s electronic title system. The DMV must have the system working by 2027-03-31. The system handles ownership transfers and liens, and is funded by transaction fees from businesses. The DMV can charge up to $5 per lien transaction for the State Highway Fund. Electronic liens count as if the lienholder holds the paper title, and certified e‑records are valid evidence. The law defines what counts as “electronic” and as a “physical odometer document.”

Licenses for nonpermanent residents

People allowed by federal authorities to live, work, or study in the U.S. can get South Carolina licenses if they show intent to be here. Licenses and IDs last up to 8 years, but end when your authorized stay or work permit ends, whichever is later. Fees are $12.50 if valid 4 years or less, or $25 if valid for more than 4 years. If you are waiting on status changes, the DMV may grant a one‑year extension and renew it each year. This starts August 6, 2026.

Temporary tags now valid 60 days

Temporary license plates can last up to 60 days. Keep the plate on the rear, clear, and secure at all times.

Updated 'bus' and fleet definitions

A “bus” now means a vehicle designed for more than 16 passengers, or a vehicle used to carry people for pay (not a taxi). A corporate “fleet” now means 50 or more marked passenger or property‑carrying vehicles within set weight limits; rental companies do not have to mark vehicles.

Purple Heart parking meter break repealed

The law removes the rule that let Purple Heart recipients skip parking meter fees. Purple Heart recipients must now pay meters like other drivers. No transition or refunds are provided.

Fees for driver instructor permits

Driver instructors must hold a DMV permit. The permit expires when the school’s license expires. Fees: $20 for 1–12 months, $40 for 13–24, $60 for 25–36, and $80 for 37–48 months. Public and private high school instructors pay no fee. Permit money goes to the state general fund.

Wholesale auctions pay $150 for license

Wholesale auto auction operators must get a DMV license. Each license costs $150, lasts 36 months, covers one business location, must be displayed, and cannot be transferred.

Faster lien releases, small owner fees

Beginning 2026-10-06, when you pay off a vehicle, the lienholder must send the release quickly: within 10 business days after paper payments clear, or 3 business days after electronic payments clear. Lienholders cannot charge for the release. Failure to send documents is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. Most vehicle liens last 12 years; lenders can extend for 2 years by filing just before expiration. Businesses or lenders may charge you up to $5 when they place or transmit a lien in the system.

Optional medical info on state IDs

You can choose to add your blood type to a special ID if you are 5 or older and a South Carolina resident. A doctor must certify your blood type on a DMV form. The law keeps autism, blood type, and up to three permanent medical conditions private. Only police, EMS, hospitals, the Medical Advisory Board, allowed federal privacy-law users, and you can see it. People and agencies are protected from lawsuits if they relied on wrong info that you or your doctor put on the required form.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shannon S. Erickson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 244 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

(Department of Motor Vehicles)Concur in Senate Amendments

Yes: 110 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/26/2026

(Department of Motor Vehicles)2nd Reading

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

(Department of Motor Vehicles)Passage of Bill

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Act No. 115

    4/23/2026legislature
  2. Effective date 10/06/26

    4/23/2026legislature
  3. Signed By Governor

    4/6/2026Governor
  4. Ratified R 123

    4/1/2026legislature
  5. Roll call Yeas-110 Nays-0

    4/1/2026House
  6. Concurred in Senate amendment and enrolled

    4/1/2026House
  7. Read third time and returned to House with amendments

    3/31/2026Senate
  8. Roll call Ayes-37 Nays-0

    3/26/2026Senate
  9. Read second time

    3/26/2026Senate
  10. Amended

    3/26/2026Senate
  11. Committee Amendment Adopted

    3/26/2026Senate
  12. Committee report: Favorable with amendment Transportation

    3/19/2026Senate
  13. Scrivener's error corrected

    4/30/2025legislature
  14. Scrivener's error corrected

    4/9/2025legislature
  15. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    4/9/2025Senate
  16. Introduced and read first time

    4/9/2025Senate
  17. Read third time and sent to Senate

    4/9/2025House
  18. Roll call Yeas-97 Nays-0

    4/8/2025House
  19. Read second time

    4/8/2025House
  20. Amended

    4/8/2025House
  21. Scrivener's error corrected

    4/4/2025legislature
  22. Committee report: Favorable with amendment Education and Public Works

    4/2/2025House
  23. Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

    1/30/2025House
  24. Introduced and read first time

    1/30/2025House

Bill Text

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