South Carolina charges infrastructure maintenance fee (imf) of 5% statewide on vehicles, with no local add-on. A trade-in does reduce the taxable price, which is real money on the deal.
Since July 1, 2017 vehicles are exempt from sales tax and pay the IMF (5% of price, maximum $500) to SCDMV at titling; local option sales taxes do not apply.
Any new car priced above $10,000 pays the flat $500 maximum.
The county property tax is the significant recurring cost.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title | $15.00 |
| Registration | ~$40 |
IMF of 5% capped at $500 applies to a lease from an SCDMV-licensed dealer at inception; no sales tax on the monthly payments
Pick your city for the exact combined rate where you register, plus what title and registration run there.
5%. South Carolina applies one rate statewide on vehicles, so it does not change from city to city.
Gross proceeds exclude the trade-in allowance (S.C. Code 12-36-90); the $500 cap makes this moot on most new cars over $10,000.
Title is $15.00. Passenger vehicle registration $40 for two years (plates included); $36 for owners 65+. EVs add $120 and hybrids $60 per two-year registration. County property tax is due before the plate is issued.
No. South Carolina sets no statutory cap, and dealers typically charge around $400. No statutory cap; the 'closing fee' must be filed with the Department of Consumer Affairs and disclosed. Typical from CarEdge 2026 (secondary).
IMF of 5% capped at $500 applies to a lease from an SCDMV-licensed dealer at inception; no sales tax on the monthly payments
Rates, fees, and rules change. These figures are estimates for planning, not tax advice; confirm the final numbers with the dealer and your state's motor vehicle agency before you buy.