Alert
The SCDMV will be performing scheduled maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All DMV services, including online services and kiosks, will be unavailable during this time.
The SCDMV will be performing scheduled maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All DMV services, including online services and kiosks, will be unavailable during this time.
Commercial Truck or Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
As defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:
a) Has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, whichever is greater
b) Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater
c) Is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver
d) Is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials as that term is defined in 49 C.F.R. Section 390.5
To drive a CMV, you must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). If you're interested in learning more about the requirements for getting a CDL, visit Commercial Licenses
Commercial Vehicle Titling Process-ALL
Titles for ALL commercial vehicles should be applied for and in the business or individual name prior to applying for vehicle registration. For more information on how-to Transfer My Title.
Commercial Vehicle Registration
Operating within South Carolina only
If you meet none of the requirements outlined in SCDMV Motor Carrier Eligibility Checklist to obtain a apportioned plate registration, then you may be eligible for a South Carolina base plate and if applicable apply for a trip permit. If one or more of the following apply:
Obtain an IFTA or IRP Trip Permit
As of May 6, 2024, IFTA and IRP Trip Permits are available for purchase directly from the SCDMV by individual customers. Customers who have not previously purchased an IFTA or IRP Trip Permit directly from the SCDMV should follow this link to obtain a username and password for the Motor Carrier Services sign in portal. The approval process may take up to 48 hours. An email will be sent to the customer containing the login information. Once your login information has arrived in the email, please follow this link to the Motor Carrier Services sign in portal to purchase the permit.
Customers who have previously purchased an IFTA or IRP Trip Permit from the SCDMV may follow the link to the Motor Carrier Services sign in portal and begin the process of purchasing the permit. The following information is necessary when purchasing the permit:
Permit Agencies who have purchased IFTA or IRP Trip Permits prior to May 6, 2024, may issue the remaining permits in their possession until Dec. 31, 2024. After that date, permits held by a permitting agency will become invalid and may not be sold or issued to a carrier.
For questions regarding IFTA or IRP Trip permits or how to obtain a trip permit, please contact the SCDMV Motor Carrier Information Center at 803-896-3870.
International Registration Plan (IRP)
Registration for commercial vehicles operating in South Carolina and other states must be completed online at the South Carolina Trucking Portal. IRP registrations cannot be processed at any of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) branch offices.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
International Registration Plan (IRP) Registrants and Intrastate carriers must show a Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) return, Schedule 1 2290 (IRS Form 2290), validated by the IRS for the current tax year or a copy of the form accompanied by a photocopy of the canceled check (front and back) used to pay the tax.
For further information on vehicles exempt from the HVUT go to www.irs.gov.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, SCDMV will no longer forward a completed Form 2290, Schedule 1, and payment to the IRS for registrants. You will need to provide a receipted Schedule 1 to SCDMV upon registration.
This service was provided voluntarily by SCDMV to registrants. SCDMV is not required by law to accept and forward completed Forms 2290 and payment to the IRS.
Visit the Trucking Tax Center on IRS.gov to learn more about filing and payment options for Form 2290. When filing electronically, you'll receive your watermarked Schedule 1 from your e-file provider via email.