How to Sell an ATV Privately in South Carolina (2026)
| Titling agency | South Carolina DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| OHV permit required | No separate permit program |
| DMV title issued for ATVs | Yes |
| Lien release form | TI-003A |
How to Sell an ATV Privately in South Carolina — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the frame VIN — on ATVs the 17-character frame VIN is stamped on the frame near the engine, on the steering head, or on a stamped plate on the left side of the frame rail. South Carolina requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement and class — ATV engines are sized in cc (cubic centimeters); youth ATVs under 90cc fall under separate South Carolina youth-rider rules and may have different registration paths than adult ATVs 250cc+.
- 3Clear any liens — if the ATV was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. South Carolina uses TI-003A.
- 4Gather documentation — clean South Carolina title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, manufacturer's owner's manual, and any OHV/trail permit stickers on the ATV.
- 5Price the ATV — check Kelley Blue Book Powersports, NADA Guides (ATVs), and recent South Carolina ATV Trader / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace comps. Hours, condition, aftermarket parts (winch, plow, tires), and youth/adult class all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, hours (if tracked), sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the South Carolina ATV title with buyer info, hours (if title shows hours), and sale date. South Carolina requires odometer/hour disclosure for ATVs under 15 years old.
- 8Notify South Carolina DMV — buyer must title and register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with South Carolina DMV to remove future liability.
South Carolina lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TI-003A from the South Carolina DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TI-003A releasing the lien.
- Submit TI-003A with the existing title and title application at a SC DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean South Carolina title.
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Start My South Carolina ATV Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina
Do I need a bill of sale to sell an ATV in South Carolina?▾
Yes. South Carolina requires a written bill of sale for private ATV transfers to document the frame VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the ATV with South Carolina DMV.
Does South Carolina title ATVs?▾
Yes — South Carolina titles ATVs through South Carolina DMV. The seller endorses the title to the buyer, and the buyer presents the endorsed title plus the signed bill of sale to title and register the ATV in their name.
What is the South Carolina ATV title transfer deadline?▾
South Carolina requires the buyer to transfer the ATV title within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private ATV sale in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina charges 5% sales/use tax on private ATV sales. IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max The buyer typically pays the tax at South Carolina DMV when titling the ATV.
Do I need an OHV permit to ride a privately purchased ATV in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina does not run a separate OHV permit program. The buyer's title/registration plus the bill of sale is sufficient to operate the ATV on public OHV trails. Private-property use does not require additional permits.
Do I need a notary for a South Carolina ATV bill of sale?▾
South Carolina does not require notarization for a private ATV bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' information is sufficient for South Carolina DMV.
Source: South Carolina DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07