Driven by the Arts

An arts education student works with paint at a table.

Step up to the plate for arts learning!

Show the world that you’re “Driven by the Arts” for arts learning. Purchase your arts license plate today!

Proceeds from license plate sales benefit in-school artist residencies and other arts learning programs in schools and communities across South Carolina. License plate sales also benefit the Arts in Basic Curriculum Institute, which provides leadership to achieve quality, comprehensive arts education in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and creative writing.

Plate numbers lower than 200 are available from the South Carolina Arts Commission. Plate numbers over 200 are available from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Example of Driven by the Arts license plate. SC state symbols, letters BE, and 5 zeroes.

How to Order

- License plate numbers lower than 200 are available for a one-time donation of $100, plus a $70 specialty license plate fee, which is renewed every two years.
- To purchase a plate number lower than 200, follow the instructions on this order form and return the form to the S.C. Arts Commission. Plate numbers are assigned in the order received.
- License plate numbers higher than 200 are available from the S. C. Dept. of Motor Vehicles for a $70 specialty license plate fee, which is renewed every two years.
- To purchase a plate number higher than 200, visit your local S.C. DMV office, or visit the “Forms and Manuals” page on the SCDMV website.
- Scroll down to “License Plate Forms” and select “MV-95 Application for Special License Plates.”
- On “Type of Special Plate Requested” write “Driven by the Arts.” Complete and mail the form along with the $70 fee to the SCDMV.
- Note: You may also have to pay your regular biennial fee, depending upon where you are in the renewal cycle. Follow the instructions on the form to determine your total payment.

Background

The South Carolina General Assembly signed a bill on April 27, 2005, to allow the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles to issue an Arts Awareness Special License Plate. Proceeds from the sale of the specialty plates help bring arts programs and education to communities across the state by supporting the continued development of South Carolina’s culturally diverse arts resources and organizations.
The SC Arts Commission invited interested artists and designers to submit a design proposal for a new Arts Awareness license plate for South Carolina. A committee representing arts organizations and state agencies chose Manning artist Ned Chilton’s design from nearly 40 entries. The slogan, “Driven by the Arts,” was chosen from more than 200 entries and submitted by Eric Holowacz, currently residing in New Zealand, and Columbia resident Leigh Newman. All three individuals were recognized during the unveiling.
The new license plate was revealed Feb. 6, 2007, at the Columbia Museum of Art during a sale and ceremony presented by the South Carolina Arts Foundation.

I’m here to help!

Headshot of Victoria McCurry. Please contact Victoria McCurry, staff liaison to the SCAF (803.734.8315 | vmccurry@arts.sc.gov), if you have any questions.

Step up to the plate for arts learning!

How to Order

Plate numbers lower than 200

Plate numbers higher than 200

Background

I’m here to help!