Lexington County, SC Vehicle Property Tax & Registration (2026)
In Lexington County, you pay no sales tax on a car — just South Carolina's one-time Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (5% of the price, capped at $500). The recurring cost is the annual vehicle property tax, which in Lexington County runs about $180–$280/year on a typical mid-value car (a moderate-rate county). It's billed by the county treasurer and must be paid before you renew.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Lexington County
- Car sales tax: None — one-time IMF instead (5%, max $500)
- Annual vehicle property tax: about $180–$280/year (moderate for SC)
- Registration: $40 (2 years) · Title: $15 (statewide)
- Emissions / safety inspection: None (statewide)
How the property tax works
South Carolina taxes your vehicle each year at value × 6% assessment × Lexington County's millage. Because millage is set by your county and tax district (and changes yearly), the exact bill varies — get your precise figure from the Lexington County Auditor's official vehicle tax estimator. Estimate the purchase-side cost on our South Carolina title & IMF page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is vehicle property tax in Lexington County, SC?
Roughly about $180–$280/year on a typical mid-value car — Lexington County is a moderate-rate county. The exact amount depends on your vehicle's value and your tax district's millage; use the county auditor's estimator for a precise figure.
Does Lexington County charge sales tax on a car?
No — South Carolina has no vehicle sales tax anywhere. You pay a one-time Infrastructure Maintenance Fee of 5% of the price, capped at $500 (or a flat $250 if you're a new resident bringing a car in).
Do I need an inspection to register in Lexington County?
No — South Carolina has no emissions or safety inspection. You just need the annual property tax paid before renewing.