Selling a Vehicle in South Carolina 101
As in any state, South Carolina requires you to follow specific legal requirements when you are planning to sell a vehicle to a private party or to a car dealership. This helps you avoid any legal ramifications and ensure that you have proper documentation for the sale of the vehicle. You must sign the title over to the buyer and let the state know you have sold the vehicle by filling out a Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416).
Form 416 does not legally transfer the title, but protects you from liability until the new owner is able to register the vehicle under their name.
Mail-in Registration
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0036
You’ll also want to fill out and sign a Bill of Sale. While a bill of sale is required only for vehicles whose original titles predate June 19, 1989 or those where the title is improperly filled out, the bill of sale is helpful in avoiding any misunderstandings that might occur later between you and the buyer.
How to Sign Over the Title to the Buyer
Replacing a Lost Title
Just like in any other state, you cannot sell a vehicle without a title. If you’ve lost yours, you can apply for a duplicate either online, by mail, or in person. If you apply by mail, you must send a completed title application, an acceptable form of identification, and a check or money order for $15. Same-day titles are available in person only and incur a $20 expedite fee. If you are mailing the application, send it to:
Titles
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0044
Transferring License Plates
If the license plate is still active, you must surrender it. You can transfer plates either online, by mail, or in-person. If you do this online, you’ll need your current registration card.
To do this in person or by mail you must:
- Cancel your South Carolina liability insurance on the vehicle you sold
- Turn in a Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416) and a License Plate Turn In (SCDMV Form 452)
- Return the plate to any SCDMV branch or by mail to:
Plate Turn-In
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
If you surrender plates online, you’ll also return the plates to the address above.
If the license plate has expired, you are not required to return it.
Sources: It Still Runs: How to Sell a Car Privately in South Carolina SCDMV: Buying or Selling A Car