How to Sell a Car Privately in South Carolina

Sources checked October 9, 2026 · Every rule below links to the official page it came from

Selling your car yourself in South Carolina comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.

Transferring the title

• The seller signs the title over to the buyer and records the odometer reading, purchase date and selling price on the back. dmv.sc.gov
• The buyer submits a Title Application (Form 400) with the signed title, the title fee and any infrastructure maintenance fee or sales tax at an SCDMV branch or by mail. dmv.sc.gov
• Failing to register within 45 days of purchase adds a penalty on top of regular fees. dmv.sc.gov

License plates

• After selling, the seller submits the License Plate Turn In form (Form 452) and returns the plate by mail or at an SCDMV branch. dmv.sc.gov
• A seller whose plate is not moving to another vehicle surrenders it, and expired plates do not need to be returned. dmv.sc.gov
• Plates cannot transfer from one person to another if the original person is not on the title. dmv.sc.gov

Telling the state you sold the car

• The seller files a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) with SCDMV at a branch or by mail. dmv.sc.gov
• Form 416 is to be given immediately upon a transfer of ownership. dmv.sc.gov
• Filing it does not legally transfer ownership and is meant to protect the last registered owner until the buyer completes the transfer. dmv.sc.gov
• The seller is also told to cancel South Carolina liability insurance on the vehicle sold. dmv.sc.gov

Taxes and fees the buyer pays

• The buyer owes an infrastructure maintenance fee of 5 percent of the purchase price, capped at $500, on most vehicles purchased from individuals. dmv.sc.gov
• The buyer must register within 45 days of purchase and pay county property tax first, giving SCDMV the paid receipt. dmv.sc.gov
• The late penalty is $10 for 46 to 60 days, $25 for 61 to 75 days, $50 for 76 to 135 days and $75 over 135 days. dmv.sc.gov

Loans and liens

• If the buyer pays over time, the seller completes Section 2 of the buyer's Form 400, becomes the lienholder, and the title is mailed to the seller. dmv.sc.gov
• After the buyer pays in full, the seller signs off on the lien so the buyer can get a clear title at a branch. dmv.sc.gov
• A lienholder holding the title must release it within ten days after demand, and in any event within thirty days. scstatehouse.gov
• With a lien on the vehicle, owners cannot be changed on the title without involving the lienholder. dmv.sc.gov

Easy-to-miss rules in this state

• The seller must hold the title in the seller's name to sign it over to the buyer. dmv.sc.gov
• A buyer can get a 45-day temporary plate at an SCDMV branch with the title or bill of sale and a signed Form 45-A. dmv.sc.gov

Official South Carolina resources

• SCDMV: Buying or selling a car
• SCDMV: Titles
• SCDMV: Form 400 Title Application
• SCDMV: Form 400 instructions
• SCDMV: Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416)
• SCDMV: License plate return
• SCDMV: Registration
• South Carolina Code Title 56 chapter 19

Next steps

Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.

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