Transferring a Car Title in South Carolina
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in South Carolina when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: A newly purchased vehicle must be registered within 45 days of purchase. In a private sale, the seller signs over the title with the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, sales price (or a bill of sale), date of sale and both signatures; SCDMV, Buying or Selling a Car
| Transferring a car title | A newly purchased vehicle must be registered within 45 days of purchase. In a private sale, the seller signs over the title with the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, sales price (or a bill of sale), date of sale and both signatures; the seller files a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) and surrenders active plates not being transferred. The buyer submits a Title Application (Form 400), pays the 5% infrastructure maintenance fee (capped at $500) or sales tax, the title fee and registration fee, and provides a paid county property tax receipt, at an SCDMV branch or by certified mail. Source: SCDMV, Buying or Selling a Car |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must apply for a South Carolina driver's license or ID within 45 days of moving and have 45 days to transfer vehicle registration. Before titling and registering, pay county property tax on the vehicle; most passenger vehicles owe $305 to SCDMV on entering the state ($250 one-time infrastructure maintenance fee, $15 title fee and $40 registration fee). Vehicle steps and fees: https://www.scdmvonline.com/vehicle-owners/moving-to-sc. |
More South Carolina car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in South Carolina
- Driving Without Insurance in South Carolina
- SR-22 Insurance in South Carolina
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in South Carolina
- All South Carolina car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in South Carolina?
A newly purchased vehicle must be registered within 45 days of purchase. In a private sale, the seller signs over the title with the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, sales price (or a bill of sale), date of sale and both signatures; the seller files a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) and surrenders active plates not being transferred. The buyer submits a Title Application (Form 400), pays the 5% infrastructure maintenance fee (capped at $500) or sales tax, the title fee and registration fee, and provides a paid county property tax receipt, at an SCDMV branch or by certified mail.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to South Carolina?
New residents must apply for a South Carolina driver's license or ID within 45 days of moving and have 45 days to transfer vehicle registration. Before titling and registering, pay county property tax on the vehicle; most passenger vehicles owe $305 to SCDMV on entering the state ($250 one-time infrastructure maintenance fee, $15 title fee and $40 registration fee).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.