Moving to Brunswick County: your checklist and deadlines
Moving to Brunswick County? You have 60 days to get a North Carolina license, and you register your car when you start a job here or when your old state's reciprocity ends, per NCDOT.
Your deadlines from your move date
The checklist, in order
Within 30 daysTitle and register your car
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
You have 60 days after moving to get a North Carolina license.
Before you voteRegister to vote
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Title and register your car | 30 days after you move | NCDOT, New North Carolina residents |
| Get your North Carolina driver license | 60 days after you move | NCDOT, New North Carolina residents |
| Register to vote | See step | Vote.gov, North Carolina |
In Brunswick County
Driver license office
NCDMV opened a driver license office at 20 Old River Rd., Leland, at the NCDOT Belville Bridge Yard, on Feb. 9, 2026. It takes walk-ins and appointments; it does not give CDL or motorcycle skills tests.
Trash and recycling
County curbside service: a 96-gallon cart collected weekly by GFL. Request the cart from Brunswick County.
Electricity
Electric service depends on your exact address, and more than one utility or electric cooperative can serve the same county. Ask your landlord, seller or HOA which one serves the house before you call to start service. The state Public Service Commission oversees rates and service rules.
Enroll in school
Brunswick County Schools uses an online Student Enrollment Application. Upload: immunization records, a certified birth certificate, proof of residence (utility bill or purchase or rental agreement), parent ID, the withdrawal form or last report card, and the North Carolina Health Assessment for students coming from out of state.
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
Your listing could look like this
Hours, license, phone and directions in one place, on a map, where people in Grand Strand look for real estate agents.
Do you help people settle in here?
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