South Carolina Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | TI-003A |
South Carolina title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TI-003A) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. South Carolina requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether South Carolina requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at South Carolina DMV — within 45 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to South Carolina DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — South Carolina DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with South Carolina DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
South Carolina estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to South Carolina DMV.
Need a South Carolina bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with South Carolina DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create South Carolina Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina
How long do I have to transfer a car title in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a South Carolina title transfer cost?▾
South Carolina charges 5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in South Carolina?▾
Yes — South Carolina requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. South Carolina DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in South Carolina?▾
In South Carolina, the lender must complete TI-003A confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to South Carolina DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to South Carolina DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: South Carolina DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07