09/21/2026
From Chief Deputy Scott Coffer:
Protect Yourself from Toll Bills and Fraudulent License Plates
Residents Urged to Take Action When Receiving Toll Bills for Vehicles
Residents who receive toll bills or notices for vehicles they did not drive, particularly when a license plate has been stolen, surrendered, transferred, or duplicated, should take immediate steps to protect themselves and establish a clear record of what occurred.
The use of fraudulent, stolen, or improperly displayed license plates can result in toll charges and other notices being incorrectly associated with an innocent vehicle owner. Keeping proper documentation can be extremely important when disputing these charges.
What You Should Do
If you receive a toll bill for a vehicle or license plate you believe was used by someone else:
• Do not ignore the toll notice. Review the date, time, location, vehicle description, and license plate number listed on the notice.
• Contact the toll agency listed on the notice and explain that you are disputing the charge because the vehicle or plate was not being used by you.
• Contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) if the matter involves your South Carolina license plate or vehicle registration
• If your plate was stolen, report the theft to law enforcement and obtain a copy of the report or the report/reference number.
• If you surrendered or turned in your license plate, keep your receipt or other proof showing the date and location where the plate was surrendered. SCDMV's plate-surrender documentation includes the plate information and DMV processing information.
• Write down the date, time, and name or identification of anyone you speak with regarding the matter.
• Provide documentation when disputing a toll charge. Proof that a plate was surrendered, stolen, replaced, or otherwise no longer in your possession may help establish that you were not responsible for a particular toll transaction.
Keep Your Records
One of the most important steps vehicle owners can take is to maintain a personal file containing documentation related to their license plates.
If you turn in a plate at an SCDMV office, ask for and keep documentation showing that the plate was surrendered. If a plate is reported stolen, keep a copy of the law-enforcement report or other documentation showing when the theft was reported.
Do not throw away these records simply because the matter appears to be resolved. A toll violation or collection notice could arrive later, and having the original documentation can make it easier to demonstrate what happened.
Be Alert for Toll Scams
South Carolina residents should also be cautious about unsolicited text messages claiming that they owe toll fees or threatening driver's-license or registration consequences. SCDMV has specifically warned that it does not use text messages to collect toll fees or overdue traffic tickets.
Residents who receive suspicious messages should avoid clicking links or providing payment information through the message. Instead, verify the alleged debt directly with the appropriate toll agency or government agency using an official phone number or website.
Documentation can be your best protection when you need to show that you were not responsible for a toll transaction associated with a plate that was no longer in your possession or was being used fraudulently.
For more information:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
803-896-5000
