Vehicle tags and insurance in SC (transfer, DMV, property tax)

[trinkit]

I am in the process of relocation from Michigan. My car (1996 model) is still tagged and insured in Michigan. In order to make the transfer, do I change the title and registration first, or do I obtain SC insurance first?

[marndt]

I think that you have to have insurance first, before you do anything...

[lowcountry]

Go to http://www.scdmvonline.com/VehTR (broken link). Gather up the documents required. Call the local dmv. they are very helpful. Find out if the registration and licensing are in the same building.
You will need the new insurance and the insurance card to do anything. You also have to pay the property tax on the car before you can get a registration. Expect to bring a Birth Certificate for a drivers license. The Tax will be under 150.00, depends on the mileage and the value. Write down the odometer reading ,they may come out and check.
It actually works quite efficiently. If you have all the documents, a drivers license and plates can be done in about 2 hours

[myrc60]

We switched our insurance to SC as soon as we had a mailing address because SC cost is about 1/2 of Chicago cost. When you get your plates, you have to have insurance proof and sign an agreement that you will keep insurance inforce or forfeit your plates and tag.