Camper, Trailer, or RV
Driving a Camper, Trailer, or RV
If you're interested in driving a camper, trailer, or recreational vehicle, also known as an RV, you may need a Class E or F driver's license if the vehicle's gross vehicle weight is 26,001 pounds or more.
Registering a Camper or Trailer
Only certain types of campers or trailers that attach to vehicles must be registered and receive license plates. The SCDMV can issue the following items trailer plates:
- Camper trailers
- Travel trailers
- Horse trailers
- Boat trailers
- Utility trailer
- Pole trailer
- Farm trailer
- Semitrailer
If you're interested in applying for a trailer plate, you must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A). In order to register a trailer/camper in South Carolina, it will require the trailer/camper to be titled. In order to title the trailer/camper you are required to present the bill of sale and previous title. If the previous title does not exist, you must complete the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without a Previous Title (Form TI-021B).
Camper/Travel/Horse Trailer
The Camper/Travel Trailer license plate is available for trailers that have living space and must be registered. This is also the same process for horse trailers that have living quarters. There is no weight requirement for this plate.
The registration fee for a camper that's towed on a vehicle is $10 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.
Boat/Utility/Pole/Farm Trailer
There are two types of license plates available for the trailers listed above: permanent and biennial.
Permanent
You must register your utility, pole, or farm trailer only if you're traveling out of South Carolina. If your boat trailer has an empty weight of 2,500 pounds or more, you must register it in order to use it on SC roads or out-of-state. If your boat or utility trailer is under an empty weight of 2,500 pounds, and you are not planning to travel out-of-state, then you do not need to register it.
The Utility Permanent license plate cannot be transferred between trailers. You must complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A) and pay $75. You do not have to submit a property tax receipt.
Biennial
You must register your utility, pole, or farm trailer only if you're traveling out of South Carolina. If your boat trailer has an empty weight of 2,500 pounds or more, you must register it in order to use it on SC roads or out-of-state.
The Utility Trailer license plate can be transferred to another trailer you own. The Utility Trailer plate is $10. You do not have to submit a property tax receipt.
Business Customer Trailers
The Trailer license plate is available for business customers who own a semitrailer or pole, utility, or boat trailer. If you're a representative of a business, you must register these items in order to use them on South Carolina roads or out-of-state.
The Trailer plate can be transferred to another trailer the business owns. The Trailer plate is $20 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.
Registering an RV
Registering a recreational vehicle, or RV, works the same as if you're registering a regular passenger vehicle. The registration fee for an RV, that you can drive without a vehicle, is $40. In order to register a trailer/camper in South Carolina, it will require the trailer/camper to be titled. In order to title the trailer/camper you are required to present the bill of sale or previous title.