Moving to the Grand Strand: your checklist and deadlines
New South Carolina residents have 45 days to get an SC driver license and to register their car, after paying the county vehicle tax; in North Carolina you have 60 days for the license, according to SCDMV and NCDOT.
Everything a new resident of Horry or Georgetown County, SC, or Brunswick County, NC, has to do, in order, with the official deadline and the office for each step. Pick your county for local offices, trash and schools.
Your deadlines from your move date
The checklist, in order
Within 45 daysPay county vehicle tax, then register your car (South Carolina)
Switch your insurance to a South Carolina-licensed insurer. The county auditor issues a property tax bill for the car (bring the VIN and current registration); you must pay it to the county treasurer before SCDMV will register the car. At SCDMV bring Form 400, your out-of-state title, ID, insurance and the paid tax receipt. Fees: $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, $15 title and $40 registration, plus the county tax.
Within 45 daysGet your South Carolina driver license (South Carolina)
An 8-year South Carolina license costs $25. Bring the identity and residency documents on SCDMV's new-resident list.
Before you voteRegister to vote (South Carolina)
South Carolina closes registration 30 days before each election. You can register online, by mail or in person.
Within 30 daysTitle and register your car (North Carolina)
Do it when you start a job here or when your old state's reciprocity ends, usually about 30 days, whichever comes first. You need North Carolina auto insurance, and the car must pass a North Carolina inspection before you renew the registration.
Within 60 daysGet your North Carolina driver license (North Carolina)
You have 60 days after moving to get a North Carolina license.
Before you voteRegister to vote (North Carolina)
North Carolina closes registration 25 days before each election. During early voting you can register and vote the same day.
Moving on military orders? See the military guide ›
| Step | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pay county vehicle tax, then register your car (SC) | 45 days after you move | SCDMV, Moving to SC (vehicles) |
| Get your South Carolina driver license (SC) | 45 days after you move | SCDMV, Moving to SC (driver license) |
| Register to vote (SC) | See step | Vote.gov, South Carolina |
| Title and register your car (NC) | 30 days after you move | NCDOT, New North Carolina residents |
| Get your North Carolina driver license (NC) | 60 days after you move | NCDOT, New North Carolina residents |
| Register to vote (NC) | See step | Vote.gov, North Carolina |
Pick your county
Second home or seasonal resident?
The deadlines above start when you become a resident. If this is a second home, check your state's residency rules before switching license and plates. Renting it out short-term has its own county and city rules.
Buying to rent: rules and taxes › · Retiring here: costs and taxes ›
Local help for new residents
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Where to stay while you house-hunt
Compare hotels and rentals for a house-hunting trip or the days before your move-in date.
New here? Help the next family
Questions new residents ask
How long do I have to get a South Carolina driver license after moving?
45 days, per SCDMV. An 8-year license costs $25.
Do I pay tax on my car before registering it in South Carolina?
Yes. The county auditor bills the vehicle property tax, you pay it to the county treasurer, and SCDMV needs the paid receipt to register the car.
What does it cost to bring a car to South Carolina?
SCDMV charges a $250 Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, $15 for the title and $40 for registration, plus the county vehicle tax.
How long do I have to get a North Carolina license after moving to Brunswick County?
60 days, per NCDOT. Register the car when you start a job or when your old state's reciprocity ends.
Where is the driver license office in Brunswick County?
NCDMV opened one at 20 Old River Rd., Leland, on Feb. 9, 2026, with walk-ins and appointments.
When is the voter registration deadline?
30 days before an election in South Carolina; 25 days in North Carolina, where you can also register during early voting.
Sources
- SCDMV, Moving to SC (vehicles)
- SCDMV, Moving to SC (driver license)
- Vote.gov, South Carolina
- NCDOT, New North Carolina residents
- Vote.gov, North Carolina
- Horry County, vehicle tax
- SCDMV, Myrtle Beach Commons
- Public Service Commission of South Carolina
- Horry County Schools, new student registration
- Horry County Treasurer, business license
- SCDMV, office locations
- Georgetown County, Recycling
- Georgetown County School District, online registration
- NCDOT, Leland driver license office
- Brunswick County, Curbside Service
- North Carolina Utilities Commission
- Brunswick County Schools, enrolling a student