JDM Car Dealerships in South Carolina

Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from federal NHTSA and EPA import standards, and South Carolina is one of the easier states for JDM registration — there is no statewide safety inspection program and no emissions testing program. Right-hand-drive imports are permitted, and basic equipment requirements (lights, mirrors, wipers, horn) apply.

Bring your federal import paperwork (CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7), the Japanese export certificate with a notarized translation, your bill of sale, and proof of insurance meeting South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums to your local DMV office. A VIN inspection by law enforcement or a DMV-authorized agent is required, and short Japanese chassis numbers are accepted. Title fee is $15, registration is $40 for two years, and an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee of 5% of vehicle value applies (capped at $500).

South Carolina has historically permitted kei trucks for road use. As kei truck rules have shifted in some other states, confirm the current titling situation with the DMV or your dealer before purchasing.

Yes — most South Carolina dealers ship nationwide and provide the bill of sale and federal import documents your home state's DMV will need.