A certificate of title issued by the state of South Carolina is a document that proves legal ownership of a vehicle. A title must be obtained when an individual purchases a new vehicle. A title transfer must also be completed when a used vehicle is sold or gifted, or when a vehicle changes hands as a result of the death of the vehicle's owner. In South Carolina, a vehicle should be titled within 45 days of purchase.

OBTAINING A TITLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE:

For new vehicles, the licensed dealer that sold the vehicle typically will accept and submit the required titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer. However, buyers wishing to handle the titling independently can do so. Those interested in applying for a new title without the dealer's assistance should refer to the fees page on the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

TRANSFERRING A TITLE ON A USED VEHICLE:

Sale/Purchase or Gift of a Used Vehicle

When you purchase a used vehicle, or obtain one as a gift, the title must be legally transferred into your name. This is done by obtaining the following documents, and submitting them along with the appropriate fees to the DMV office:

1. The current title, with the assignment completed by the seller or donor (signing the title over to you). The title must include the federal odometer disclosure, if the vehicle is less than ten years old.
2. If the title does not indicate the date of sale and selling price, a completed Bill of Sale, signed by both current and new owner and notarized, is required.
3. An Odometer Disclosure Statement, if the title does not include this information and the vehicle is less than ten years old. This form has to be obtained from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, as copies are not accepted.
4. A completed Application for Title/Registration.
5. If applicable, the original or copy of the vehicle's financing statement or security agreement.
6. Proof of liability insurance coverage.
7. Receipt for the property taxes paid in your county, which must be done before titling/registering the vehicle.

Fees

Along with the appropriate transfer of title documents above, you will need to submit the following Purchasing a New or Used Vehicle:

1. $15 title fee
2. $20 expedited title processing fee, if applicable.
3. 5% sales tax on purchase price (Max $300).

Contact your local DMV office to calculate the correct amount due.

Transfer of Title Following Death of Vehicle Owner

In the event of the death of the vehicle owner, the title is often transferred to the heirs or someone else identified in the owner's will. The procedures and fees for this type of transfer are similar to those outlined above. In addition, it is important to determine how the estate of the deceased has been settled by the heir(s). In some cases, the heirs may need to complete an Affidavit of Inheritance of a Vehicle, and provide copies of the death certificate, the will (or a notarized statement of its contents), if there is one, and other applicable documents. For more information on title transfers following the death of a vehicle owner, refer to the DMV website, contact the local DMV office, or call (803) 896 5000.

Submission

Appropriate title transfer documents and fees should be submitted to the local DMV office or mailed to the headquarters office:

SC Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0024    

Additional Information

• Contact the local DMV office if you wish to add, remove or change a name on a vehicle title for reason other than those discussed above.
• If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, there will be additional requirements for transferring the title.
• A valid title provides proof of ownership of the vehicle. However, remember that a title transfer does not entitle the new owner(s) to legally operate the vehicle. For this, refer to the appropriate license and registration information.