Selling or junking a car in South Carolina

How do I sign over a car title in South Carolina?

The seller signs the title over to the buyer. On the back of the title the seller fills in the odometer reading at the time of sale, the purchase date and the selling price, and the buyer's name and address go in the first assignment. If the title has no space for the sale price, a bill of sale must go with it. SCDMV's selling instructions do not list notarization. The buyer must register within 45 days.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in South Carolina?

In general, you may not dispose of a vehicle to a demolisher or secondary metals recycler without a valid title in your name (S.C. Code §56-5-5670(B)). There is an exception if the vehicle is abandoned on your property, or you are the owner and the title is faulty, lost or destroyed, AND the vehicle is lawfully in your possession, is 12 model years old or older, has no valid plate attached, and has no engine or is otherwise totally inoperable. In that case you sign SCDMV's form affidavit (§56-5-5670(E)). The buyer must check with SCDMV that the vehicle is not stolen, report it to NMVTIS, and wait 3 business days before crushing. A magistrate's order of sale or a sheriff's disposal authority certificate can also replace a title.

How do I get a duplicate title in South Carolina?

Apply online (EZ Online Duplicate Title), or by mail or in person with the Title Application (SCDMV Form 400) and acceptable ID. The fee is $15. A same-day expedited duplicate is available in person only for an extra $20. If there is a lien, the duplicate goes to the lienholder.

Do I need to file a release of liability in South Carolina?

Yes. Complete the Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416) and drop it off at any branch or mail it to SCDMV, Mail-in Registration, PO Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0036. The form cites §56-3-1260, which requires notice 'immediately upon a transfer of ownership.' It protects the last registered owner but does not itself transfer ownership.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in South Carolina?

Plates do not transfer to a new owner. If you don't move the plate to another vehicle, you must surrender it: file Form 416 and the License Plate Turn In (Form 452), return the plate by mail or at any branch, and cancel your SC liability insurance. Active plates can also be decommissioned online. Expired plates don't need to be surrendered.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in South Carolina?

A demolisher or secondary metals recycler does not need to retitle the vehicle. After the vehicle is demolished or processed, it must surrender the title, magistrate's order or sheriff's certificate to SCDMV for cancellation, and report the vehicle to NMVTIS (§56-5-5670).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in South Carolina?

An officer may put a colored tag on a vehicle left on public or private property without the property owner's consent. On other public or private property the vehicle must be removed within 7 days of tagging (48 hours on a highway), or it can be removed and sold (§56-5-5850). A property owner can also apply to the sheriff for a disposal authority certificate after the notice steps in §56-5-5630 (§56-5-5670(D)).

Official sources

1. SCDMV - Buying or Selling a Car
2. SCDMV - Replace My Title
3. SCDMV - License Plate Return
4. SCDMV Form 416 Notice of Vehicle Sold
5. SCDMV - Fees
6. S.C. Code Title 56 Chapter 5 (§§56-5-5670, 56-5-5850)

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before you sell.