How duplicate titles and temporary tags work in South Carolina.
Dealer-focused reference for South Carolina duplicate title requirements, temporary tag rules, and title submission deadlines. Administered by the South Carolina Dept. of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
Always confirm current fees and forms at the official state site linked below.
Duplicate title: $15Temp tag: 45 daysDealer title deadline: 45 days
SCDMV office or by mail; online for eligible owners
Turnaround
Same-day at SCDMV; 3–4 weeks by mail
Notarization required
No
Temp tag duration
45 days
Dealer title deadline
45 days after sale
Temporary tags / permits
South Carolina temporary tag rules
Temporary tags in South Carolina are valid for 45 days from the date of issue.
Temporary license plates valid 45 days; dealers may issue one temporary tag per vehicle sold
Dealers in South Carolina must submit title paperwork within 45 days of the date of sale.
Stacking temporary tags — issuing a second consecutive temp tag to extend a vehicle's operation beyond the initial permit period without resolving the underlying title — is prohibited.
Dealer playbook
Keep a title-pending log sorted by temp tag expiration date. Review it every Monday.
Flag any vehicle where the title has not been applied for within half of the allowed deadline (South Carolina's window is 45 days).
Never issue a second temp tag as a workaround for an unresolved title problem — this is prohibited and auditable.
If you receive trade-ins with no title in hand, start the duplicate process immediately rather than waiting for retail sale.
South Carolina state quirk
South Carolina requires the original title and a completed Form 400 for duplicate applications where a lien is involved. SCDMV's online portal supports many dealer transactions.