How To Transfer a Car Title in South Carolina 2026
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) administers motor vehicle title transactions in accordance with the South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 19. A vehicle transfer is not legally effective between the parties until the seller executes an assignment and warranty of title at the time of vehicle delivery, and the buyer promptly submits a completed application for a new certificate of title to the SCDMV. Both the transferor and transferee bear distinct statutory obligations that must be fulfilled to establish lawful ownership.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in South Carolina
All documents listed below must be assembled before presenting the title application at an SCDMV branch office. Incomplete submissions may result in processing delays or application rejection.
| Document | Responsible Party | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | Seller | Reverse side must include the odometer reading, purchase date, and selling price; seller signature required |
| Title Application — Form 400 | Buyer | Primary SCDMV form for applying for a new certificate of title and registration |
| Notice of Vehicle Sold — Form 416 | Seller | Must be filed with the SCDMV upon completion of the sale to release seller liability |
| Valid South Carolina Credential | Both Parties | South Carolina driver's license, beginner's permit, or state-issued identification card |
| Proof of Liability Insurance | Buyer | Current South Carolina automobile liability insurance documentation |
| Bill of Sale | Both Parties | Recommended for all transactions; required when sale information cannot be recorded in full on the title's reverse side |
| Lien Release (if applicable) | Buyer | Written documentation confirming the satisfaction of any prior security interest recorded against the vehicle |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in South Carolina
Step 1: Complete the Title Assignment on the Existing Certificate
At the time of vehicle delivery, the seller must execute the assignment section on the reverse side of the current certificate of title. This obligation is established under § 56-19-360 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The completed assignment must include all of the following:
- Odometer reading at the time of sale
- Date of the sale transaction
- Selling price of the vehicle
- Seller's signature
No strikeouts, erasures, or correction fluid are permitted on the title certificate. Any alterations may render the document invalid and require additional processing to resolve.
Step 2: File the Notice of Vehicle Sold
Upon transferring ownership, the seller must notify the SCDMV by completing and submitting the Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416). This form may be submitted in person at any SCDMV branch office or mailed to the designated processing address. Submission of this form releases the seller from liability associated with the vehicle from the date of sale and does not, on its own, constitute a legal transfer of ownership.
Step 3: Gather All Required Documentation
Prior to visiting an SCDMV branch, all required documents must be collected and verified for completeness as listed above. In cases where a lienholder holds a security interest in the vehicle being transferred, Section 2 of Form 400 must also be completed by the selling lienholder.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Title Application (Form 400)
The buyer must complete the Title Application (SCDMV Form 400), the foundational document required to establish a new certificate of title and vehicle registration in South Carolina. The application must be submitted in person at an SCDMV branch office or sent by certified mail to the following address:
SCDMV — Titles and Registration PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0024
All sections must be completed accurately and in full. Partial or inaccurate submissions will delay the issuance of the new title.
Step 5: Pay All Required Fees
The table below reflects the standard fee schedule in South Carolina. All applicable fees are due at the time of submission.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Title Fee | $15 | Applied to all title transactions |
| Expedited Title Fee | $35 | Available in person at a branch office only |
| Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) | 5% of purchase price (max $500) | Assessed instead of sales tax on most vehicle purchases |
| Registration Fee — Passenger Vehicle | $40 | Assessed biennially |
| Registration Fee — Motorcycle or Moped | $10 | Assessed biennially |
| Hybrid Vehicle Surcharge | $60 + registration fee | Additional fee assessed for hybrid vehicles |
| Electric Vehicle Surcharge | $120 + registration fee | Additional fee assessed for electric vehicles |
Late registration penalties apply when registration is not completed within the required period following the sale. Penalties are assessed as follows: $10 for delays of 46 to 60 days; $25 for delays of 61 to 75 days; $50 for delays of 76 to 135 days; and $75 for delays exceeding 135 days. Accepted payment methods at SCDMV branch offices include cash, check, and credit or debit card.
Step 6: Receive the New Certificate of Title
After all documentation has been submitted and applicable fees have been paid, the SCDMV will process the title application. The new certificate of title will be mailed to the address provided on the application. Temporary registration documentation is available at the branch office pending the issuance of permanent license plates and registration credentials.
Applicants seeking to verify the status of a pending title transaction may contact the SCDMV directly or visit any SCDMV branch office for in-person assistance.
Contact Information
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Building C, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
