Prototypes & Color Test Error Unknown Souvenir/Special Event
These may or may not be the same design as an actual plate.
Protos are made to consider possible designs and/or to confirm colors and design.
Not known if every plate type is made as a prototype. Most are 1-of-a-kind.
1961 color test black/purple or light blue
actual colors used: red/white
1964 dealer color test/layout test
black/white
actual dealer what white/black with bottom legend "SC-DEALER-64"
1966 color test white/red
actual colors used: white/blue
1969 die and spacing test
white/blue, correct colors
1974 color test white/maroon, ultimately used in 1975 Antique Auto are considered permanent
1975 motorcycle white/maroon never known of another motorcycle sample; consider this prototype
1976 Public Service Commission truck
1977 truck or personalized
c.1987 passenger candidates for general issue
4th photo used as 1989 personalized design
2nd photo used as 1991 personalized design
1991 Commission on Higher Education
regular issues had single number, no leading zero never issued in pairs; could be color test of the blue letters/numbers
c.1997 passenger candidates for general issue
7th photo was Governor Beasley's proposal for design and slogan
8th photo used as 1998 general design
c.2000 Permanent Apportioned Truck/Trailer
2008 passenger plate vote
these are artist renditions - unlikely that any actual prototype was ever made
1st design won the online vote by a wide margin. "South Carolina" moved to the top with "Travel2SC.com" on the bottom
SPECIALTY PLATES
no samples of specialty plates exist
Blanks are made as color test and layout approval for DMV internal use. Then, 3 prototypes are made with serial number 000 or non-standard number for (1) DMV administrative approval; (2) organizational approval; (3) Highway Patrol road test for visibility.
1997 Endangered Species regular issues in "H1234" format no samples of specialty plates exist
