A South Carolina motor vehicle bill of sale is a form used to document the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle in South Carolina.
It lists information about the vehicle, the conditions surrounding its purchase, and contact information for both the buyer and the seller. The bill of sale ensures the legitimacy of the vehicle sale and aids in the transfer of title.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
When buying a vehicle in South Carolina, you must register it with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles in person or by mail.
Anyone who purchases a vehicle in South Carolina has 45 days from the purchase date to register it with the state, and the registration is valid for two years. [1]
License plates in South Carolina cannot be transferred from one owner to another, but you can transfer an old plate registered to your new vehicle. When registering the vehicle, you need to take your current license plate number.
Gather Required Documents
Vehicles purchased from a dealership will typically be registered and titled by the dealership. However, if you purchase a car from an individual who holds the title, you will need the following paperwork to transfer the vehicle properly:
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Proof of Ownership:
- Bill of Sale: Proves the conveyance of ownership from the seller to the buyer.
- Certificate of Title: Should be signed over to the new owner and include the odometer reading at the time of sale, the purchase date, and the sales price.
- A Driver’s License: The buyer must show proof of identity.
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Proof of Insurance: Shows that the vehicle owner meets the minimum insurance requirements so they receive protection in case of an accident: [2]
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 for all injured people in one accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- Title and Registration Application (SCDMV Form 400): Helps the DMV receive the buyer’s and vehicle’s updated information and authorizes the vehicle for road use upon approval.
- Vehicle Property Tax Receipt: Proves that you paid the applicable property taxes on the vehicle.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: Allows you to appoint someone to handle your motor vehicle-related affairs on your behalf.
- Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416): Sellers must notify the DMV of any vehicle sale by completing this form.
- Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (SCDMV Form TI-006): Required only if you do not have a state-issued driver’s license or identification card.
Submit Your Documents
All initial vehicle registrations and titling must be done in person at a South Carolina DMV office or sent via certified mail along with the accompanying documentation to the main DMV branch office at:
SCDMV
Titles and Registration
PO Box 1498
10311 Wilson Blvd.
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
After you get your initial title and registration, you can renew your vehicle registration online and forgo an in-person visit.
As of April 18, 2022, applications for military license plates will only be processed by mail. You must mail Form MV-37 to the SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood.
Pay Registration Fees
You must pay the applicable fees to the SCDMV. Electric and hybrid vehicles will incur additional costs for registration. If it’s the first time you’re registering a specific vehicle, you must pay the one-time Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), which is 5% of the purchase price but never more than $500.
When you visit any SCDMV branch, you can pay via debit card, credit card, check, money order, or cash. If you use a debit or credit card, it must be in your name.
If you complete a payment online, you must use a debit or credit card. If you’re mailing a payment, you must pay via check or money order made out to the SCDMV.
South Carolina Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Download a South Carolina motor vehicle bill of sale template in PDF and Word formats below:
