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South Carolina Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

South Carolina Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale

Updated September 18, 2023

A South Carolina vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that verifies the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle in the State of South Carolina. This form will provide information regarding the circumstances of the vehicle’s change of ownership, identifying information for the vehicle, and information about the seller and the buyer. This document is required if the titling transaction for the vehicle includes its price. Sellers must also notify the state Department of Motor Vehicles by submitting Form 416.

THIS FORM CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED AT A DMV OFFICE!

A bill of sale form can only be obtained at a local DMV office. A generic bill of sale will NOT be accepted.

Odometer Disclosure Statement – South Carolina does not have a separate form for disclosing a vehicle’s mileage but does require that the information be included on the back of the title form provided to the vehicle’s buyer.

Error in Mileage – In the event there is an error with a vehicle’s odometer and the reading is to be corrected in association with the sale, the seller must fill out a Form TI-008.

Table of Contents

Registering a Vehicle

Any South Carolina resident wishing to drive the vehicle on South Carolina roads must register the vehicle. For vehicle purchases at vehicle dealerships in the state, the dealer will generally submit all registration and titling information on the buyer’s behalf. For transactions between private parties, both the buyer and the seller must take affirmative steps. The buyer must register the vehicle forty-five (45) days after purchase. The registration endures for two years. Registrants will receive a notification when registration is set to expire and may renew online.

Where to Register

If you need to register and or title your vehicle and submit your documentation in person at one of the SC DMV Locations or you may send it by mail to its main location.

Required Documents

  • A completed application for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form 400);
  • A Certificate of Title signed over to the buyer;
  • A valid driver’s license or ID;
    • Buyers that lack a South Carolina driver’s license or ID may submit Form TI-006;
  • Proof of payment of an infrastructure maintenance fee of five percent of the purchase price or $500, whichever is the lesser. This fee replaced the property tax once owed on the sale of vehicles taking place after July 1, 2017;[1]
  • A bill of sale;
  • Proof of insurance meeting South Carolina’s minimum automobile insurance requirements:[2]
    • $25,000 for a single injury;
    • $50,000 for a single accident;
    • $25,000 for property damage;
  • If the buyer or seller is acting on behalf of another, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney; and
  • Payment of all registration and title fees.

Sources

  1. SCDMV: New Fee Beginning July 1, 2017
  2. SC DOI: Automobile Insurance