South Carolina began automobile registration and state-issued plates in 1917.  A palmetto tree has been featured prominently on plates in 1926-27, 1976-80, 1986-90 and 1998 on.  Plates in 1930-33 promoted iodine, found in the state's fertile soil, and therefore, agricultural products.  The earliest of the two currently valid base plates began issue in 2008.