Specialty plates will be listed in order of release date (to the best of my knowledge). If you are looking for a specific one, click CTRL+F and type the term you are looking for. First issue: 1986 College/University series; 1987 Shag General notes: - Numbering begins at 1 (unless otherwise noted). - Sponsoring organizations obtain plates by pre-selling 400, or placing a deposit of $4,000. - These organizations have the option of pre-assigning numbers 1-100. - If any low numbers are not claimed within 5 years, they are returned to the general population. - Non-profit organizations may apply for plates without specific Legislature approval - as of 7/6/1999 (SB150); rev.4/24/2002 (SB597); rev. 9/14/2006 (SB613) - Legislature authorization does not mean automatic issue; most still have to pre-sell 400 or deposit $4,000. - If any plate falls below 300 registrations, production may be ended and issued until existing supply is exhausted. separate pages: College/University (includes out-of-state) Fraternity/Sorority Authorized but not yet issued failed plates  Authorized by Legislature 7/8/1987 (HB2590, page h) Deleted by Legislature 6/8/1989 (HB3600, page h) First Issue 1988 Last Issue 1989 (dated 1989) The "Big Apple" was a dance craze that began in Columbia around 1937. The dance caught on in New York City, which led to the nickname "Big Apple." This was a 'swing' dance, similar to the Shag. This plate commemorated the 50th Anniversary. Plate number "1" was reserved for the Mayor of Columbia.   Authorized by Legislature 7/8/1987 (HB2590, page h) First Issue 1988, blue/white heat-applied decal of state shape with dancers on a vinyl record. early 1989 issues - embossed "89" date; allowed stickers over embossed date renewed with passenger stickers understood "SH" prefix Shag is a swing dance style that is very popular in the Coastal region, especially around Myrtle Beach. It is usually danced to "Beach Music." The Shag is the State Dance for South Carolina. Plate number "1" was reserved for the President of the Columbia Shag Club. Wikipedia definition   Authorized by Legislature 6/25/1990 (SB1394) Revised by Legislature 4/7/2005 (SB3) First Issue September 1991? "E" prefix; 5 digit plates stamp the E over the wildflowers. This license plate raises funds for the Highway Beautification Fund to plant wildflowers along South Carolina roads. Road signs with the same design as the license plate can be seen along Interstate highways. SCDOT receives funding.  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 6/15/1992 (SB1491) First Issue 1992? Restricted to Members Only Volunteer Firefighter plates existed as early as 1989. A stylized design with the Maltese Cross was designed as an extra-fee alternative.     Authorized by Legislature 6/15/1993 (SB682) Revised by Legislature 8/10/1995 (HB3824) First Issue May, 1994? January 1996? A portion of the proceeds go to the Department of Natural Resources. The first design featured a Bald Eagle, with "H" prefix. Numbers H1 to H9999 were issued. Rather than change the prefix, the Department of Natural Resources held an online vote to choose a new design in 2002. The choices were Rocky Shoals Spider Lily flower, Loggerhead Turtle (State Reptile) and the Swallow-Tailed Kite bird. The Turtle won. DNR receives funding. Turtle plates have a "K" prefix, and issued from K1 to K9999. They were first available on February 18, 2003. March 22, 2010; flat/screenprinted began at 10000.  Authorized by Legislature 6/4/1996 (HB4957) First Issue October 4, 1996? Raises money for public education. Buyer specifies a school district or specific school they wish to support. When released, BellSouth phone company ordered Education plates for their entire fleet of vehicles. They kept them on for one registration cycle (2 years). Understood "EU" prefix.  Authorized by Legislature 7/3/1996 (HB3273) First Issue 1999?  Authorized by Legislature 6/4/1996 (SB846) First Issue 1999? "SP" prefix, abbreviation for Special www.so-sc.org  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 7/3/1996 (HB3273) First Issue 1999? Yes, there is a club. "SD" prefix, stands for Square Dance www.scsquaredance.com   Authorized by Legislature 7/6/1999 (SB150) First Issue May 1, 2000 CSS H.L. Hunley was a Confederate submarine, and was the first in naval warfare history to sink a ship - the USS Housatonic on February 17, 1864. Unfortunately, the Hunley did not survive the attack. CSS H.L. Hunley was believed discovered in 1970, and again claimed in 1978. In April 2005, definitive proof of the Hunley was determined off the coast at Charleston in water only 27 feet in depth. The Hunley commission begain raising money to recover the Hunley, and on August 8, 2000, the Hunley was surfaced. All eight crewmen were found still at their post within the submarine. This plate is part of the effort to raise funds for the recovery and study of the Hunley, and for the proper burial of the crewmen. Numbers 1~990 featured a full-embossed "HL" prefix, and higher numbers have a screenprinted stacked "H/L" prefix, with a noticeably lighter blue background. As plates are being transitioned to flat, digitally-produced, the image below is an artist rendition of a possible redesign. www.hunley.org    First plate to be issued under Non-Profit Organization law (1999) officially Authorized by Legislature 3/24/2005 (SB113) (allowed to become law without Governor's signature) First Issue May 26, 2000 Restricted to Members Only Numbers 1~990 featured a full-embossed "CV" prefix, and higher numbers have a screenprinted stacked "C/V" prefix. Bills were introduced in the Legislature as early as 1997 for a Sons of Confederate Veterans license plate. It met resistance because of the controversial nature of the Confederate emblem. This led the Legislature to pass a bill in 1999 to allow any Non-Profit organization to seek plates directly through DMV without specific legislative approval. This was the first plate to take advantage of that law. www.scscv.com   Authorized by Legislature 7/6/1999 (SB150) First Issue November 6, 2001 Raises money for South Carolina Junior Golf Association for scholarships and land programs. It promotes South Carolina, and specifically the Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head areas as golf tourism destinations. www.scjga.org Flat plates begin mid-2009 According to Form DMVB-19(7/02), all of the above were available as of July, 2002 None of the below were available as of that date.   Authorized by Legislature 4/30/2002 (HB4652) First Issue September 23, 2002 No-fee alternative to standard passenger plate. Numbering began at "100 1AA"; issued to "999 9AA" then "100 1AB." First specialty plate to transition to flat/screenprinted numbers in late 2007 between numbers "374 8DT" and "571 5DT"   Authorized by Legislature 4/30/2002 (HB4652) First Issue September 23, 2002 September 11 terrorist attack memorial plate. Screenprinted USA stacked prefix. Light background of clouds. 
Authorized by Legislature 9/2/2001 (HB3272) First Issue December 2, 2002 The state had a publicity campaign in late 2001 to promote NASCAR plates. Governor Jim Hodges and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton made several appearances across the state. This plate raises funds for the Highway Safety Fund - SC Dept. of Public Safety. The following types are offered and have not been revised as of October 2009: #2 - Rusty Wallace "N/2" prefix #3 - Dale Earnhardt "N/2" prefix #8 - Dale Earnhardt, Jr "N/8" prefix #24 - Jeff Gordon "N/24" prefix #99 - Jeff Burton "N/99" prefix generic "N/Z" prefix  SCDMV photo  Authorized by Legislature 6/3/2002 (SB1167) First Issue March 15, 2003 Numbers 1~990 featured a full-embossed "NF" prefix ("Nurses First), and higher numbers have a screenprinted stacked "N/F" prefix. www.scnurses.org  Authorized by Legislature 9/2/2001 (HB3272) First Issue 2003? The National Wild Turkey Federation is based in Edgefield, South Carolina. Raises funds for land conservation projects. www.nwtf.org According to Form MV-95(7/03), all of the above were available as of July, 2003 None of the below were available as of that date.    Authorized by Legislature 5/21/2002 (HB4412) First Issue 2003? Sponsored by Save the Light, Inc., this plate raises money for the preservation of the Morris Island lighthouse. Morris Island no longer exists. It has been completely washed away by erosion. The lighthouse stands in the open sea just off the northern tip of Folly Beach. Numbers 1~990 featured a full-embossed "LH" prefix, and higher numbers have a screenprinted stacked "L/H" prefix. All flat/screenprinted numbers began approximately number 1500. www.savethelight.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue 2003? "In Reason We Trust" was initially available only to card-carrying members of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry. In the belief of the organization that the plate should be available to anyone, they made their membership card available online for anyone to print and hand-write their name in and obtain the plate. In 2009, DMV dropped the membership requirement and made the plate available to anyone. www.lowcountryhumanists.org (license plate info under "more" link) The 2002 compromise: "In God We Trust" plate was introduced in the House (HB-4652) and faced the possibility of a lawsuit if a compromise was not reached. The Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry stepped in to sponsor a plate that read "In Reason We Trust" to facilitate the compromise. However, legislators in a strongly "red" state did not want a vote for the atheists on their record, so SB-597 was quickly introduced to amend the 1999 non-profit law to allow 501(C)(7) and 501(C)(8) organizations (only 501(C)(3) had been previously allowed. SB-597 took effect on 4/24/2002, just 8 days before HB-4652 which took effect 4/30/2002. "FT" prefix stands for "Free Thinking". Interestingly, there is room only for 3 digits on this plate. By comparison, In God We Trust features 4 digits and 2 letters. 
  Authorized by Legislature 5/20/2002 (HB4530) Revised by Legislature 6/10/2005 (SB736) First Issue June 17, 2003? August 2003? Several attempts for a "Pets" plate had been tried in 2001 and 2002 for Spay/Neuter programs. "Project Pet" and "Animal Abuse Prevention" both failed (see failed plates). Funds originally went to the Office of the State Veterinarian, but was revised in 2005 to go to the Department of Agriculture to be distributed to private non-profit groups for spay/neuter programs. "SN" stands for Spay and Neuter. Numbers 1~990 featured a full-embossed "SN" prefix, and higher numbers have a screenprinted stacked "S/N" prefix.  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 9/2/2001 (HB3272) First Issue 2003? Camp Sertoma is a summer camp in Clemson for hearing or speech impaired or disadvantaged children ages 7-13. They regularly host approximately 250 children each summer. Embossed "KS" prefix, because CS prefix taken by Charleston Southern University. www.campsertomasc.com  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 5/1/2002 (HB4680) First Issue 2004? Embossed "TK" prefix, an abbreviation of Technology. www.sctech.org  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 5/21/2002 (HB4412) First Issue 2004 The Heritage Classic is an annual golf tournament in Hilton Head (hence, "HH" prefix) at Harbour Town Golf Links, on the FedEx Cup circuit. It is always held the week after the Masters Tournament in Augusta. The plate features the Harbour Town lighthouse, which was built in 1969. It was never used as a navigational light, but more as a decorative effect for the area. Stacked, screenprinted "H/H" prefix stands for Hilton Head. rbcheritage.com   Authorized by Legislature 9/2/2001 (HB3272) Revised by Legislature 9/17/2004 (HB4935) First Issue November 7, 2004 Ducks Unlimited raises funds for wetlands preservation. This plate is the same design as Arkansas' DU plate. Since Arkansas uses stickers at the top, a dash appears on all South Carolina embossed plates in the top right corner - an error of sorts. Flat/screenprinted plates appeared around number 2200. Plates were originally intended for members only, but revised in 2004 to be available to the public. sc.ducks.org  SCDMV photo  Authorized by Legislature 7/19/2002 (HB4383) Revised by Legislature 6/2/2003 (HB3990) First Issue November 7, 2004 This is the "Artificial Reef: Saltwater Fishing" plate in the law. The fish is the Red Drum, a.k.a. Redfish. In 2007, it became a Federal protected game fish. It is found in coastal waters from Florida to Massachusetts. The plate features a full-length image if the Red Drum, with a screenprinted "RF", which stands for Reef Fishing. Flat, screenprinted plates appeared around number 3400. saltwaterfishing.sc.gov  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 6/3/2002 (SB1167) First Issue 2004? The Penn Center is a non-profit organization to preserve sea island history and culture and Gullah heritage. It is based at Penn School on St. Helena Island, near Beaufort. Screenprinted "P/N" prefix, abbreviation for Penn. www.penncenter.com  Authorized by Legislature 7/6/1999 (SB150) Revised by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue 2005? Restricted to Members Only The Marine Corps League is a fraternal organization for former U.S. Marines. The plate features the logo of the League; screenprinted "S/F" prefix, which stands for Semper Fi, the motto of the Marine Corps. www.mcleaguesc.com  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 7/6/1999 (SB150) First Issue 2005? Restricted to Members Only "L/N" screenprinted prefix, abbreviation for Lions. www.sclions.org   SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 9/17/2004 (HB4838) First Issue March, 2006? "Homeownership: The American Dream" raises funds for the South Carolina Realtors Housing Opportunity fund. "A/H" screenprinted prefix, stands for American Homeownership. www.screaltors.org Redesigned January 3, 2012  Authorized by Legislature 7/6/1999 (SB150) Revised by Legislature 7/19/2002 (HB4607) Revised by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue 2006? Restricted to Members Only www.rotary7750.com (Western S.C.) www.rotary7770.org (Eastern S.C.)  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 5/9/2005 (SB405) Revised by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue 2006? Restricted to Members Only "L/E" screenprinted prefix, stands for Law Enforcement. www.scfop.org  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 6/26/2003 (SB342) First Issue 2006? "L/K" screenprinted prefix, abbreviation for Elks. www.scelks.org   Authorized by Legislature 5/21/2002 (HB4412) First Issue 2006? "B/K" screenprinted prefix, abbreviation for Bike. www.pccsc.net  Authorized by Legislature 5/23/2006 (HB4324) First Issue June 4, 2007 Raises funds for the preservation and operation of Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort. Features the Hunting Island lighthouse, which is open to the public to climb. Screenprinted "H/I" prefix. www.friends-of-hunting-island-sc.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue June 4, 2007 Promotes organ and tissue donation. "D/L" screenprinted prefix. www.donatelifesc.org  Authorized by Legislature 5/9/2005 (SB418) First Issue August 1, 2007 "B/E" prefix. www.southcarolinaarts.com New issue plates released after September 2007 are issued completely flat/screenprinted.  Authorized by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue December 20, 2007 Sponsored by Support Our Troops, Inc., a nationwide organization that contributes care packages to U.S. soldiers stationed around the world. This organization has plates of similar design in at least 26 states. In South Carolina, low numbers were not preassigned. "S/T" prefix. www.supportourtroops.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue December 20, 2007 Restricted to Members Only This plate raises funds for the Scottish Rite Foundation for Childhood Language Disorders and the Grand Lodge Charity and Disaster Relief Fund. The Ancient Free Masons refer to the A.F.&A.M. as "an unrecognized 'Clandestine' Grand Lodge" and warn their members against receiving the wrong plate (See A.F.&A.M. plate below). "H/A" prefix www.scgrandlodgeafm.org  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue February 12, 2008 "B/P" prefix. www.boyscouts.sc  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 12, 2008 "J/M" prefix. www.nmss.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 12, 2008 "K/C" prefix, stands for Keepers of the Coast. surfridergrandstrand.org  Authorized by Legislature 9/7/2006 (SB613) First Issue August 2008? "E/A" prefix  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue October 22, 2008 "K/I" prefix, abbreviation for Kiwanis. www.kiwanis.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue October 22, 2008 Restricted to Members Only "W/S" prefix. http://alnuirafam.org/  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 9/17/2004 (HB4758) First Issue October 22, 2008 Carolina Panthers NFL team, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Inaugural season used Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. as their 'home' stadium. The Training Camp is currently at Wofford College in Spartanburg, and the practice facility is in Fort Mill, S.C. Money raised from the sale of this plate gotes to South Carolina State Parks. "C/F" prefix. www.panthers.com  SCDMV photo Authorized by Legislature 9/2/2001 (HB3272) First Issue October 22, 2008 After years of lawsuits, this plate was released in 2008. To attempt a compromise, several bills to approve pro-choice license plate types failed (see Failed Plates). Money raised from the sale of this plate goes to the Department of Social Services to be used to support local crisis pregnancy programs. "P/L" prefix for Pro-Life; "CL" taken by Columbia College.  Authorized by Legislature 5/23/2006 (HB4195) First Issue February 3, 2009 This is an organization affiliated with the singer Jimmy Buffet. This plate helps the club raise fund for Alzheimer's research, of which Jimmy Buffet's father suffered from. The plate features a pair of flip-flops in the sand with the Palmetto and Crescent Moon above. This plate was originally to have a prefix of "JB" for Jimmy Buffet, but a personalized plate(s) with "JB" followed by a number blocked the prefix from being used. "A/Z" prefix, abbreviation for Alzheimer's. www.palmettoparrotheads.com  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 3, 2009 "C/A" prefix. www.SCcattle.org This plate is the same design as Alabama's Cattlemen's plate.  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 3, 2009 Restricted to Members Only "H/F" prefix for Hall of Fame. The S.C. Aviation Association paid the $4,000 deposit to have this plate created. It is restricted only to their Hall of Fame members. www.SCAAonline.com  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue July 27, 2009 The Boykin Spaniel is a breed of spaniel developed in South Carolina by the Boykin family. The town of Boykin, S.C. is also named for the family. The dog is primarily a hunting dog. It was named the State Dog of South Carolina. "B/Y" prefix, abbreviation for Boykin. www.boykinspaniel.org  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue July 27, 2009 An annual festival held in downtown Beaufort and along the waterfront in July. "W/F" prefix. www.bftwaterfestival.com  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue July 27, 2009 EarthEcho is a non-profit environmental organization focusing on the earth's oceans. It was founded by the Cousteau family. Money raised by this plate goes to education and conservation programs to protect wild dolphins. "P/D" prefix, stands for Protect Dolphins. www.earthecho.org  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue July 27, 2009 Restricted to Members Only The Prince Hall Masons are a predominantly African-American organization, dating back to colonial Boston. "T/M" prefix. www.mwphglsc.com  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue October 1, 2009 "B/B" prefix. www.ghs.org New issues after October 5, 2009 will be issued "on demand" and not available at local offices. They will be available only by mail-order and individual plates made only when an order is received. It is believed that existing stock of above plates will be sold until existing supply lasts, then go to "on demand." Farm Bureau/Agriculture "Our Farms - Our Future" Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue October 9, 2009 "A/G" prefix. www.scfb.org  Authorized by Legislature 6/16/2009 (HB3762) First Issue February 3, 2010 "C/R" prefix. Promotes an initiative that brings together recycling businesses and industry who utilize recycled materials in their manufacturing process. Sponsored by the Recycling Industry Group, a joint venture between SC Department of Commerce and Department of Health and Environmental Control.   Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue March 22, 2010 An online vote was held in September 2009 between a Painted Bunting bird and 3 styles of Deer plates. Painted Bunting begins at W/L10001; Whitetail Deer begins at W/L20001 the first 100 plates of each series reserved by DNR. Public availability begins at W/Lx0101. www.dnr.sc.gov I have heard that there are 7 more designs of DNR plates planned.  Authorized by Legislature 5/23/2006 (HB4324) First Issue October 9, 2010 "C/B" prefix. Money raised goes to the Department of Health & Environmental Control for screening funding, and the American Cancer Society for quality of life programs for breast cancer patients and caregivers.  SCDMV photo First Issue January 24, 2011 "R/A" prefix. Proceeds go to Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star of South Carolina for scholarships.  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue April 11, 2011 "R/H" prefix. Proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue January 3, 2012 "J/C" prefix for Jesus Christ. Proceeds support faith-based educational and religious programs.  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 6, 2012 "E/Q" prefix. Fees from the sale of the plate will be distributed to SC Equality for education and advocacy for the SC GLBT community.  SCDMV photo Issued under Non-Profit Organization law First Issue February 6, 2012 "R/S" prefix for Retired State Troopers. Restricted to members. |
|
|
|
|
Specialty |