South Carolina Bill of Sale

What South Carolina requires for a vehicle sale

• SCDMV says if the title assignment has no section for sales price, a bill of sale must accompany the paperwork.
• The seller signs the title over and records the odometer reading, purchase date and selling price on the back.
• The seller notifies SCDMV with Form 416 (Notice of Vehicle Sold). The page says this does not legally transfer ownership and sets no deadline.
• The buyer submits Form 400 (Title Application), the title fee, and either the infrastructure maintenance fee or sales tax.
• The infrastructure maintenance fee is 5% of the purchase price, but no more than $500.
• The buyer must register within 45 days of purchase and bring a paid county property tax receipt.
• If the seller will not move the plate to another vehicle, they surrender it. Plates cannot transfer if the original owner is not on the title.

South Carolina bill of sale: what to include

Whatever South Carolina requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of South Carolina.

Seller checklist (South Carolina)

• Sign the title over to the buyer.
• Record the odometer reading, purchase date and selling price on the back.
• File Form 416 with SCDMV in person or by mail.
• Surrender the plate if you will not move it to another vehicle.
• Complete Section 2 of Form 400 if you are financing the buyer.

Buyer checklist (South Carolina)

• Confirm the seller's name is on the title and the assignment is complete.
• Submit Form 400, the title fee, and the IMF or sales tax.
• Register within 45 days of purchase.
• Pay your county property tax bill and bring the receipt.

Things to watch in South Carolina

• The page we read does not mention notarization. Check with SCDMV.
• It sets no deadline for the seller's Form 416 filing.
• Form TI-006C is needed if the buyer has no SC license or ID.

About this page

We checked this page against the SCDMV sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with SCDMV before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.