A South Carolina bill of sale is a form that records a sale or trade of personal property between a buyer and a seller according to state law.
You should use a bill of sale in South Carolina when transferring ownership of a vehicle, a boat, a firearm, or any animal or livestock such as a horse.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in South Carolina. In many states, a bill of sale is required to register a vehicle at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of South Carolina.
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of South Carolina and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of South Carolina, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold.
Firearm Bill of Sale
A form to record the transfer of a motorcycle in the state of South Carolina. By detailing information about the bike being sold, you can protect yourself from fraudulent sales.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Bill of Sale Requirements
In South Carolina, a number of vehicle transactions require bills of sale, which are legal documents that show proof of sale and ownership of a car or other item.
If you buy a vehicle through a private sale and the title does not include the selling price and the odometer reading, you must provide a bill of sale to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) to register that vehicle.
A bill of sale also is necessary to transfer license plates.
Vehicle Seller Requirements
Sellers must notify the SCDMV of vehicle sales. Mail a completed Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416) to:
SCDMV, Mail-in Registration
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0036
This form does not constitute a legal transfer of ownership, but it aims to provide some protection to the last registered owner before the real transfer of ownership is complete.
Additionally, if the buyer is making payments on the vehicle, the seller is considered the lien holder, and therefore, the purchaser must complete section D of the Title Application (SCDMV Form 400).
The seller does not turn over the title to the buyer until payments are made in full.
Language Requirements
South Carolina requires all documents to be submitted in English.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- A completed Title Application (SCDMV Form 400)
- Certificate of Title
- Completed Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (SCDMV Form TI-006)
- Required only if you do not have an SC Driver’s License or ID.
- Title and registration fee
- Proof of insurance
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- An original title in the seller’s name must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
- A completed watercraft title registration application for watercraft and outboard motors (This is the only boat bill of sale South Carolina will accept, and it must be signed and notarized.)
- Proof of payment for all fees
- A copy of the buyer’s driver’s license or other state identification
Sample
