Moving to Hilton Head Island & Bluffton

The State has put together a Tax Guide to help new residents. Click here.

There are two main counties in the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area
(Beaufort County and Jasper County). 

Beaufort County Tax Information                                                             Jasper County Tax Information

Beaufort County Property Tax Calculator                                              Jasper County Property Tax Calculator

Need a South Carolina Driver’s License?

The time period to apply for a South Carolina Driver’s License is within the first 90 days of your move. To apply for your new driver’s license visit your nearest SCDMV center. Before you go make sure to make an appointment online (as of April 6, 2020 you must make an appointment before arriving at a SCDMV center). Bring with you the following items: two pieces of mail that prove your current residence (such as a utility bill), your birth certificate or current passport, social security card, and proof of car insurance. For more information and policy updates click here.

Need to Register a Motor Vehicle, Motorcycle or Recreational Vehicle?

When moving to South Carolina you have 45 days to register your vehicle.

The first step to registering your motor vehicle is to visit the Beaufort County Auditor’s Office. There you can get a tax bill created for your vehicle. Bring your bill of sale/title,  driver’s license, and your most recent vehicle registration papers.

For Beaufort County vehicle tax online services and information click here.

Once paid you can complete your vehicle registration. Head to your nearest SCDMV with the following items: your tax receipt from the Treasurer’s office, Driver’s License, proof of vehicle insurance, Bill of sale or Title, and most recent vehicle registration. To get online documents and fee information click here.

Register to Vote

You can register to vote online or check your current voter status with the link above. Remember to have your SC Drivers License/ID card and your Social Security card ready when you start your application. There are also options to apply in person or by mail. For that information click here.

Obtaining Legal Residence in South Carolina

What is legal residence? Legal residence refers to an owner-occupied home. What are the qualifications? To qualify for the special 4% property tax assessment ratio, the owner of the property must have owned and occupied the residence as his legal residence and been occupying that address for some period during the applicable tax year. You can apply for this exemption at the Beaufort County Auditor office or online here. View the application form here.

Homestead Exemption

If you have resided in South Carolina for a full calendar year and you are 65 years or older, legally blind or permanently and totally disabled, you are eligible for a Homestead Exemption of $50,000 from the value of your home for tax purposes. The application for exemption must be made to the auditor in the county where the dwelling is located. For more information click here.

Any additional topics you are interested in that are not listed above go to www.beaufortcountysc.gov and jaspercountysc.gov .