South Carolina · H.5131 / Act 159

Black license plates (H.5131, Act 159): SC law now provides an official blackout plate. Here's what it costs and what's still not allowed

Published October 27, 2026 · Last updated October 27, 2026

What the law does

H.5131 is a broader special license plate bill. Section 6 creates the blackout plate. The act also creates tribal government plates, an “I Bike SC” plate and a “Quail Forever” plate, and sets design rules for the Revolutionary War 250th anniversary regular plate. (Act No. 159, title and Sections 1–6)

• Who can get it. Owners of private passenger motor vehicles or motorcycles registered in their names. (§ 56-3-16610(A))
• What it looks like. “A solid black background and white characters imprinted horizontally.” (§ 56-3-16610(A))
• No sponsor or minimum order. The plate is exempt from Section 56-3-8100, the usual rules for special plates. (§ 56-3-16610(A))
• Cost. The regular biennial registration fee plus an extra $40 every two years. A personalized blackout plate is an extra $60 every two years. Both go to the State Highway Fund. (§ 56-3-16610(B))
• Renewal. Every 24 months from the month the plate is issued. (§ 56-3-16610(B))

When

The act took effect when the Governor signed it on May 15, 2026. Section 6.B says the DMV “shall produce special blackout plates within six months after the effective date of this act.” (Act No. 159, Sections 6.B and 7; bill history)

Not confirmed: As of October 27, 2026, we did not find an SCDMV page announcing that blackout plates can be ordered. Check SCDMV’s license plate page or a branch before you go.

What is still not allowed

• A tinted cover, sign, monogram, or “inscription of metal or other material” may not be displayed on or above the plate, other than what the DMV issues to validate the plate. (§ 56-3-1240(D))
• A decal or frame is allowed only if it does not obscure any letters or numbers. (§ 56-3-1240(D))
• In short, the legal way to get a black plate is the official DMV blackout plate, not a cover, wrap or paint on a regular plate.

Who it affects

Drivers who want a black plate on a car, SUV, pickup or motorcycle registered as a private passenger vehicle. (§ 56-3-16610(A)) Nobody is required to switch plates.

Current status

Recorded roll calls: House 107–0, Senate 43–0, and House 115–0 to agree to the Senate changes. It was ratified May 14 and signed May 15, 2026, as Act No. 159. (Bill history) A separate Senate bill on blackout plates, S.1119, is still in a House committee. H.5131 is the one that became law. (S.1119 bill page)

Sources

• SC Legislature: 2025-2026 Bill 5131, status, history and ratified text
• S.C. Code Title 56, Chapter 3 (Sections 56-3-1240 and 56-3-16610)
• SCDMV: License Plates

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.