How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in South Carolina
South Carolina has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
South Carolina-Specific Note
South Carolina-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
South Carolina Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In South Carolina, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs $24 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) capped at $500. South Carolina does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. South Carolina does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.
- 5% IMF on vehicle purchases, capped at $500
- Title transfer within 45 days of sale
- Property tax must be paid before registration
South Carolina sales tax on vehicle purchases
South Carolina has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), capped at $500. Private-party vehicle sales in South Carolina are subject to sales tax. IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max. The title transfer fee is $15.
South Carolina bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,283 bill of sale documents for South Carolina transactions, with 35 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More South Carolina Vehicle Guides
- Junk Title Conversion in South Carolina
- Kelley Blue Book Value in South Carolina
- Leasing vs Buying in South Carolina
- Mechanic's Lien on Vehicle in South Carolina
- New Resident Vehicle Registration in South Carolina
- Out-of-State Buyer Vehicle in South Carolina
Each guide is written specifically for South Carolina laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in South Carolina?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in South Carolina?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in South Carolina?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does South Carolina require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant South Carolina bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.