How To Get a Car Title in South Carolina 2026
South Carolina law under SC Code § 56-19-230 requires every vehicle owner in the state to apply for a certificate of title if one has not already been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles manages the state's vehicle title system and keeps records of all motor vehicles registered in South Carolina.
Where to Apply for a South Carolina Certificate of Title
You can submit applications for a South Carolina certificate of title at these approved locations:
- SCDMV Branch Offices – State offices operating in all 46 counties across South Carolina
- Mail-In Processing – You can mail applications to SCDMV headquarters in Blythewood
- In-Person Appointments – Available at branch offices with scheduled appointment times
Required Documents for Title Application in South Carolina
You must provide specific documents that prove ownership, identity, and meet state requirements when applying for a South Carolina certificate of title.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Signed Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | The previous title must have the seller's and buyer's signatures filled out properly; out-of-state titles must be current and valid | If the previous state did not issue titles, bring the registration or other proof of ownership |
| Title Application (Form 400) | Must be filled out completely with vehicle details, owner information, and mileage reading | You cannot cross out, erase, or use correction fluid on the VIN or mileage sections |
| Valid South Carolina Driver's License or ID Card | Current SC-issued ID for individual owners | Business owners must provide Social Security Number or Federal Employer Identification Number |
| Insurance Proof | Current liability insurance from a company approved to operate in South Carolina | You must keep insurance active while the vehicle is registered |
Additional Documentation Requirements
You may need extra documents depending on your situation:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Vehicle Operation (Form TI-006) | Needed when you don't have a valid SC license or ID | Shows you're in the military, enrolled in school, or keep the vehicle in SC at least six months per year |
| Mileage Statement | Records how many miles are on the vehicle when ownership changes | Required by federal and state law for all title transfers; giving false information can result in a $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail |
| Loan Payoff Letter | Shows the loan has been paid off and the lender has released their claim | Can be electronic or paper; must show the lender's name and vehicle details |
| Power of Attorney | Allows someone else to sign for the owner | Required when the owner cannot sign in person; must be attached to the application |
| Bill of Sale | Shows the sale details | Lists the seller, buyer, date of sale, and price paid for tax purposes |
| Property Tax Receipt | Proves you paid county property taxes | Original paid receipt required from the county treasurer; photocopies not accepted |
South Carolina Title Fees and Costs
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles sets standard fee schedules for all title transactions in the state.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $15.00 |
| Expedited Title (in-person only) | $35.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 |
| Title Transfer | $15.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
You may need to pay extra charges depending on your situation:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) | 5% of the sale price, up to $500.00 | Applies when you buy from an individual and title in SC unless you qualify for an exemption |
| Registration Fee (Most Passenger Cars, every 2 years) | $40.00 | Paid once every two years |
| Registration Fee (Age 64) | $38.00 | Lower rate for people who are 64 years old |
| Registration Fee (Age 65+ or Disability) | $36.00 | Requires a doctor's letter for disability status |
| Registration Fee (Motorcycles/Mopeds, every 2 years) | $10.00 | Two-year registration period |
| Registration Fee (RVs, every 2 years) | $40.00 | Same as passenger vehicle rate |
| Hybrid Vehicle Fee | $60.00 + registration fee | Extra biennial charge for hybrid vehicles |
| Electric Vehicle Fee | $120.00 + registration fee | Extra biennial charge for electric vehicles |
| One-Time Fee (First Time Registering from Another State) | $250.00 | Applies to vehicles coming from out-of-state |
| Late Registration Penalty (46-60 days) | $10.00 | If you don't register within 45 days of buying or operating in SC |
| Late Registration Penalty (61-75 days) | $25.00 | Higher penalty as time passes |
| Late Registration Penalty (76-135 days) | $50.00 | Penalty continues to increase |
| Late Registration Penalty (Over 135 days) | $75.00 | Highest late registration penalty |
| Credit/Debit Card Service Fee | $1.00 + 1.7% | Processing fee charged by the payment company; not an SCDMV fee |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Get and Check Ownership Papers
Get the current certificate of title from the seller or the manufacturer's certificate of origin for brand-new vehicles. Make sure the seller has filled out the assignment section with your name and address, their signature, the date of sale, and the price paid. For vehicles with loans still being paid, contact the lender to get a release letter showing the loan has been paid off.
Step 2: Pay County Property Taxes
Go to your county treasurer's office to pay property taxes on the vehicle. The county will figure out the taxes based on the vehicle's value and the county you live in. Get the original paid property tax receipt, which you must have to register. The SCDMV will not accept copies. If you're only getting a title without registering, you don't need to pay property tax.
Step 3: Fill Out Required Forms
Get Form 400 and fill it out completely using blue or black ink only. Write in all vehicle information, including VIN, make, model, year, body style, fuel type, and empty weight. Fill out the mileage section showing the odometer reading unless the vehicle doesn't require it. Write your information, including full legal name, customer number or driver's license number, date of birth, home address, and county. If you still owe money on the vehicle, include the lender's name, address, date of the loan, and contact information. Both you and any co-owner must sign the form. Fill out Form TI-006 if you don't have a valid South Carolina driver's license or ID card.
Step 4: Calculate Fees
Figure out the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee by multiplying the sale price by 5%, up to a maximum of $500.00. This fee applies when you buy from a private person unless you qualify for an exemption, such as getting the vehicle from immediate family members (parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild). Add the $15.00 title fee and the registration fee that applies to your vehicle type for two years. For hybrid vehicles, add $60.00; for electric vehicles, add $120.00. If you're registering a vehicle from out-of-state for the first time, include the one-time $250.00 fee.
Step 5: Turn In Your Application
Bring your complete application to any SCDMV branch office or mail it to the address below. Include: the signed title or MSO, completed Form 400, Form TI-006 if needed, original paid property tax receipt (for registration), proof of SC insurance, valid ID, and payment by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. If paying by credit card, you'll pay an extra $1.00 plus 1.7% processing fee.
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
Step 6: Get Your Certificate of Title
The Department of Motor Vehicles will review your application and issue the certificate of title. The title will be mailed to the first lender listed on your application or, if you don't have a loan, to your address. Processing usually takes two to four weeks when all paperwork is correct. If you apply for expedited service in person at a branch office, you will pay $35.00 total ($15.00 title fee plus a $20.00 expedite fee) for same-day processing.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
South Carolina law under SC Code § 56-19-220 says certain vehicles don't need a certificate of title:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, unless registered in South Carolina
- Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers that are for sale, testing, or demonstration
- Vehicles owned by people who don't live in South Carolina and aren't required to register here
- Vehicles regularly used for interstate transportation that have a current title from another state
- Vehicles moved only by animal power
- Farm equipment used only for farming
- Special mobile equipment that doesn't need to be registered and licensed in South Carolina
- Pole trailers
- Vehicles that don't need to be licensed and registered in South Carolina, except mobile homes
- Vehicles used by manufacturers for employee benefit programs
- Vehicles used by manufacturers for testing, delivery, evaluation, and promotion (with certain limits)
- Mopeds
Contact Information
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard, Blythewood, SC 29016-0038
Phone: (803) 896-5000
Official Website: South Carolina DMV
