South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
A South Carolina vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that serves as a formal receipt for the private sale of a motor vehicle. It outlines the terms of the transaction, the final purchase price, and the details of both the buyer and the seller. While the state primarily uses the vehicle's title to record the transfer, a bill of sale is essential for establishing the exact purchase price to calculate the state's Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF).
In South Carolina, a bill of sale is not strictly required by the SCDMV to transfer the title if the back of the title contains the purchase price and odometer reading. However, it is highly recommended to protect both parties legally. The state of South Carolina does not require a vehicle bill of sale or the title transfer signatures to be notarized.
South Carolina Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in South Carolina. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle in South Carolina
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and payment method with the buyer. Ensure you have the original, lien-free South Carolina vehicle title before proceeding with the sale.
Step 2: Complete the South Carolina vehicle bill of sale, ensuring the buyer's and seller's details, vehicle VIN, make, model, year, and exact purchase price are accurately recorded. You must also complete the odometer disclosure section on the back of the title.
Step 3: Sign and date the bill of sale and the vehicle title. South Carolina law does not require either of these documents to be notarized, so you can complete the transaction without a notary public.
Step 4: The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle and either transfer them to a new vehicle or return them to the SCDMV. The seller also has 30 days to submit a Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) to the state to remove liability.
Step 5: The buyer must pay their local county vehicle property taxes first to obtain a tax receipt. Then, within 45 days, submit the title, bill of sale, paid property tax receipt, proof of insurance, and a Title Application (Form 400) to the SCDMV. South Carolina does not require smog or emissions testing.
South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQs
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in South Carolina?
While not strictly required if the back of the title has sections for the purchase price and odometer reading, a bill of sale is highly recommended. The SCDMV relies on it to establish the purchase price for the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) if the title lacks that information or is from out of state.
Does a South Carolina vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. South Carolina does not require a notary public to witness the signing of a vehicle bill of sale or the certificate of title.
Can I write my own bill of sale in South Carolina?
Yes. The SCDMV does not provide an official state-issued generic bill of sale form. You can write your own or use a printable PDF, provided it includes the vehicle details, purchase price, date, and signatures of both the buyer and seller.
Are private vehicle sales in South Carolina considered 'as-is'?
Yes. All private party vehicle sales in South Carolina are considered 'as-is'. The state's Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles purchased from licensed dealers, meaning private buyers assume all risks once the sale is finalized.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not charge a traditional sales tax on vehicles. Instead, buyers pay an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) which is 5% of the vehicle's purchase price, capped at a maximum of $500.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the South Carolina DMV?
To successfully register and transfer the title, the buyer must bring the signed original title, a completed Title Application (Form 400), a paid vehicle property tax receipt from the county auditor, proof of South Carolina auto insurance, an unexpired ID, and payment for the title fee plus the 5% IMF tax. A bill of sale should also be brought to verify the final purchase price.