Motorcycle Plates

Plates for a Motorcycle

A motorcycle is a vehicle that has no more than two permanent functional wheels in contact with the ground and has a saddle for the rider.

There are a variety of different motorcycle license plates:

  • Regular
  • Personalized
  • Veteran
  • Plates for People with a Disability
  • Plates for Veterans with a Disability
  • Purple Heart Motorcycle

Temporary Motorcycle Plates

If you recently bought a motorcycle or own a motorcycle that needs to be registered, you may qualify for a temporary motorcycle plate.

To receive a temporary motorcycle plate, you must have at least one of the following in the motorcycle at all times to verify the date you bought the motorcycle to a law enforcement officer: 

  • Bill of sale
  • Title
  • Rental contract

Specialty Motorcycle Plates

Some motorcycles may qualify for special license plates. The SCDMV offers antique motorcycle and year of manufacture plates.

Qualifying for Antique Motorcycle Plates

Your motorcycle may qualify for an antique plate if all of the following are true:

  • Your motorcycle is at least 25 years old.
  • You use the motorcycle only for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, or similar events.
  • You do not use the motorcycle for general transportation.

Applying for an Antique Motorcycle Plate

If you're interested in applying for an antique motorcycle plate, you should complete the License Plate Application for Antique Motor Vehicles and Antique Motorcycles (SCDMV Form MV-95B) and mail it to the address below:

SCDMV
Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0008

Year of Manufacturer Motorcycle Plates

You may apply for a year of manufacturer license plate for a motorcycle, but the available plates are extremely limited. This type of plate is available for motorcycles that are at least 30 years old. You're able to drive your motorcycle on the road with this type of plate.

If you qualify for this type of license plate, you may apply for it by completing the Application for Year of Manufacture License Plate (SCDMV Form RG-505A) and including additional information that's found below. 

The SCDMV does not sell or issue these plates. You can buy these plates through a store, but you are responsible for understanding and meeting all requirements before buying a plate.

Certain number sequences are not available for use as a Year of Manufacture plate. Other number sequences are available only on a limited basis. If you’re seeking to use a Year of Manufacture plate, contact the SCDMV’s Personalized Plate Unit at 803-896-9638 to determine whether a desired plate number is available before you buy the plate.

Once the plate number has been reserved, you may apply for the plate by mailing all of the following documents to the address below: 

SCDMV
Personalized Plates
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0008