• You have 45 days after moving to South Carolina to register your vehicle.

    Step 1

    Visit the Beaufort County Auditor's Office with:

    • Bill of Sale or Title

    • Driver's License

    • Most Recent Vehicle Registration

    The Auditor's Office will create your vehicle tax bill.

    Step 2

    Take your tax bill to the Beaufort County Treasurer's Office to pay.

    Step 3

    Bring the following to any South Carolina DMV:

    • Tax Receipt

    • Driver's License

    • Proof of Insurance

    • Paid Tax Receipt

    • Most Recent Vehicle Registration

    Good to Know

    If you are 64 years or older, ask the DMV about registration fee discounts.

  • If you're moving permanently to South Carolina, you must obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days.

    Documents You May Need

    • Two proofs of your South Carolina address

    Examples:

    • Utility bill

    • School enrollment letter

    • Personal mail addressed to your home

    You'll also need:

    • Birth Certificate or Passport

    • Social Security Card

    • Proof of Insurance

  • Once you receive your South Carolina driver's license, you can register to vote.

    You can register:

    • Online

    • By Mail

    • In Person

    Required:

    • South Carolina Driver's License or ID

    • Social Security Number

  • If your Beaufort County home is your primary residence, you may qualify for the Legal Residence Exemption.

    Benefits

    ✔ Lower property taxes

    ✔ Significant annual savings

    If the previous owner received this exemption, don't wait.

    Apply as soon as possible after purchasing your home.

  • You may qualify for the Homestead Exemption if:

    • You have received the Legal Residence Exemption for at least one year, and

    • You are 65 years of age or older, permanently and totally disabled, or legally blind.

    Applications are available through the Beaufort County Auditor's Office.

  • If your property does not qualify for the Legal Residence Exemption and is assessed as rental property, a Rental Property Return must be submitted to the Beaufort County Auditor's Office by April 30 each year.

    The form confirms whether the property is rented and reports the value of furnishings and appliances so the appropriate tax amount can be determined.

    If a return is not submitted, furnishings may be estimated at 10% of the property's value for tax purposes.

  • All watercraft must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

    Before registering, visit the Beaufort County Auditor's Office with:

    • Bill of Sale or Title

    • Most Recent Watercraft Registration

    If moving from outside South Carolina

    Registration must be completed by mail through SCDNR.

    If moving within South Carolina

    Update your mailing address with SCDNR by mail.

  • New residents can contact Beaufort County's Solid Waste & Recycling Department for information regarding:

    • Residential collection services

    • Recycling centers

    • Convenience centers

    • Household waste disposal

  • Beaufort County Assessor: 843-255-2400

    Beaufort County Auditor: 843-255-2500

    Beaufort County Treasurer: 843-255-2600

    Beaufort County Board of Elections: 843-255-6900

    Beaufort County Trash & Recycling: 843-255-2736

    South Carolina DMV: 803-896-5000

    South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: 803-734-3857