Tips for Moving to South Carolina

When moving to South Carolina from another state, you must establish permanent residency by applying for a South Carolina driver license.  If you own any vehicles, they must also be registered in our state.

If you have a valid driver’s license issued by the state from which you moved, you can use it for 90 days, after which time you must surrender it and obtain a South Carolina driver license. You have 45 days to transfer your out of state vehicle registration to South Carolina.

Motor Vehicles

Drivers License:

• To apply for a new drivers license, you must provide four (4) forms of identification:  1)  Proof of US residency; 2) Proof of South Carolina residency; 3) Proof of Social Security number; and 4) Proof of car insurance.  Proof of South Carolina residency may include, but is not limited to, either a utility bill, mortgage statement, car insurance statement or homeowners insurance statement, not older than 90 days.
• Each qualified driver can have only one driver's license. You may not have a valid license from South Carolina and another state. To qualify for a SC driver's license, you must pass the eye exam given at all DMV offices or submit a statement of visual acuity from an eye care professional. A South Carolina license is valid for ten years and must be renewed by your birthday in the tenth year.

Motor Vehicle Registration

• Before you can register your vehicle in South Carolina, you must first pay the vehicle property taxes that are required in the county in which you reside.  These taxes can be paid at your county tax department.  Once you have paid the taxes, you can take the receipt to Motor Vehicles to register your vehicles.
• The first time you register your vehicle in South Carolina, you must provide the name of your insurance company. SCDMV will verify your coverage electronically. If the insurance policy cannot be verified, your driver's license and vehicle registration may be suspended. If you are a new resident in South Carolina and have an automobile policy with a national insurance company, be sure to change your address with your insurance company before you register your vehicle in South Carolina.

For complete information on the South Caroline Department of Motor Vehicles, go to:  South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

School Systems

When relocating to a new area with family members, schools are an important factor in picking out an area to purchase a new home.  The Lowcountry is honored to have many award winning schools for its children. 

To research the different schools, go to Search for School Information in South Carolina

Charleston Area Utility Info

Several different utility companies cover the Charleston Tri-County area and locating the appropriate company that covers the location of where you are moving to can, sometimes be daunting since several companies may cover one city.  The following list is a helpful guide to steer you in the right direction.  If one company does not service your particular area, the customer service department will let you know which company does handle your area.

Charleston Tri-County Electric & Gas Power Companies

Berkeley Electric Cooperative                                              (843) 553-5020

Edisto Electric Cooperative                                                  (843) 563-3292

SCE&G                                                                                 (843) 554-7234

Charleston Tri-County Water & Waste Companies

Berkeley County Water & Sanitation Authority                     (843) 572-4400

City of Goose Creek                                                             (843) 797-6220

Dorchester County Water & Sewer                                      (843) 832-0070

City of Isle of Palms Water & Sewer Commission                (843)-886-6148

Moncks Corner Public Works Commission                          (843) 761-8041

Mt. Pleasant Waterworks & Sewer Commission                  (843) 884-9626

North Charleston Sewer District                                            (843) 764-3072

Saint Johns Water Company                                                 (843)-559-0186

Sullivans Island Water                                                           (843) 883-3947

Summerville Commissioners of Public Works                       (843) 875-8750