How to transfer a car title in South Carolina
For private sellers and buyers in South Carolina. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in South Carolina, the seller signs the title over with the odometer reading, date and price, files Form 416 and moves or surrenders the plate. The buyer files Form 400 and pays the $15 title fee and the infrastructure maintenance fee.
What do the buyer and seller each do in South Carolina?
Seller
- Sign the title over to the buyer. On the back, write the odometer reading, the date and the price.
- File the Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) at a branch or by mail.
- If you do not move the plate to another car, surrender it.
Buyer
- Make sure the seller has the title in their own name.
- Fill out the title application, Form 400.
- If the title has no space for the price, bring a bill of sale.
- Pay the title fee and the infrastructure maintenance fee, which is 5% of the price and at most $500.
- To get a plate, pay the county property tax bill first.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles before you go: dmv.sc.gov
How do I sign over a car title in South Carolina?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over to the buyer.
On the back, write the odometer reading, the purchase date and the price.
Step 2 · Seller
File Form 416.
Drop off the Notice of Vehicle Sold at a branch or mail it. It protects you until the buyer titles the car.
416 · Notice of Vehicle SoldStep 3 · Seller
Move or surrender the plate.
Put it on another car you own, or surrender it. An expired plate does not need to be surrendered.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles asks for a bill of sale when a car is sold. dmv.sc.gov checked
South Carolina bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in South Carolina?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title.
The seller's name must be on it, and the back must show you as buyer, the odometer reading, the price and the date.
Step 2 · Buyer
Fill out Form 400.
Bring a bill of sale if the title has no space for the price.
400 · Title and/or Registration ApplicationStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the title fee and the IMF.
The infrastructure maintenance fee is 5% of the price, at most $500. Some vehicles owe sales tax instead.
Step 4 · Buyer
Go to a branch within 45 days.
Title and register at the same visit, or send the papers by certified mail.
After SCDMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
South Carolina guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in South Carolina · Steps to buy a car in South Carolina
- South Carolina bill of saleWhat to include. No official form found
- Replace a lost title in South CarolinaReplacement title (400)
- Car title after a death in South CarolinaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in South Carolina?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $15 | Buyer | dmv.sc.gov Checked |
| Infrastructure maintenance fee (IMF) | 5% of the price ($500 maximum) | Buyer | dmv.sc.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $15 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the SCDMV (infrastructure maintenance fee).
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for South Carolina are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Title and/or Registration Application (400).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
What is the infrastructure maintenance fee?
5% of the price ($500 maximum), paid by the buyer when the car is titled. Some vehicles owe sales tax instead.
dmv.sc.govsource 2 checked
How long does the buyer have in South Carolina?
SCDMV asks you to register the car within forty-five days of buying it.
dmv.sc.gov checked
Why should the seller file Form 416?
It protects you until the buyer puts the car in their name.
dmv.sc.gov checked
Sources for this page
- dmv.sc.gov/fees Checked
- dmv.sc.gov/vehicle-owners/
buying-or-selling-a-car Checked - dmv.sc.gov/vehicle-owners/
titles Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official South Carolina sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.