South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
South Carolina stands out from most states when it comes to vehicle purchase costs. In 2017, the state replaced its traditional sales tax on vehicles with the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), set at 5% of the purchase price and capped at just $500. That means whether you are buying a $5,000 commuter or a $80,000 truck, you will never pay more than $500 in IMF.
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles manages all vehicle titling and registration. The state offers a generous 45-day window for completing a title transfer — one of the longest in the nation. South Carolina does not require emissions testing or vehicle safety inspections, further simplifying the process for private party vehicle sales.
A well-drafted bill of sale is important for documenting the transaction, establishing the purchase price for IMF calculation, and protecting both the buyer and seller. South Carolina does not require notarization of the bill of sale or the title assignment, keeping the paperwork straightforward. Keep in mind that South Carolina does levy an annual property tax on vehicles based on assessed value, which is a separate ongoing cost from the one-time IMF.
5%
IMF (capped at $500)
45 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
SC DMV Requirements
South Carolina's DMV handles all title and registration transactions. Here's what you need for a private party vehicle transfer:
Important: IMF Cap Saves You Money
South Carolina's $500 IMF cap is a major advantage for buyers of higher-value vehicles. On a $30,000 vehicle, you pay $500 in IMF instead of the $1,500 you would owe in a state with a standard 5% sales tax. Make sure your bill of sale accurately reflects the purchase price — the DMV uses it to calculate your IMF obligation.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: Complete the assignment section with the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with both parties' information, vehicle details, VIN, sale price, date, and signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — mileage and accuracy statement on the title or a separate form
- Lien Release: If the vehicle had a loan, documentation showing the lien has been satisfied
What the Buyer Must Bring to the SC DMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all assignment fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: South Carolina driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: South Carolina minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($15), registration (based on vehicle value), and IMF (5%, max $500)
How to Fill Out a South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these six steps to complete your South Carolina vehicle bill of sale. Our template covers every detail the SC DMV needs for a smooth title transfer.
Enter Seller Information
Record the seller's full legal name as it appears on the South Carolina title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title lists multiple owners joined by "and," all listed owners must sign. If joined by "or," any one owner can complete the sale.
Enter Buyer Information
Fill in the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current South Carolina address, and contact details. The buyer's county of residence is relevant for the annual property tax assessment, though the IMF rate is the same statewide.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the vehicle's dashboard or door jamb and verify it matches the title. Any VIN discrepancy will prevent the DMV from processing the transfer.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded the mechanical limits, or does not reflect the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 model years old or older and those over 16,000 lbs GVWR may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numerals and words. The SC DMV calculates the IMF based on this figure — 5% of the sale price, capped at $500. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift." The DMV may still assess the IMF based on fair market value for gifts between non-family members.
Sign and Date
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for each party. South Carolina does not require notarization, so your signed bill of sale is ready to take to the DMV. You have a generous 45 days from the sale date to complete the title transfer.
South Carolina Title Transfer Process
After completing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer must visit a SC DMV office to finalize the transfer. South Carolina's 45-day window gives you plenty of time, but it's best to complete the process promptly to avoid any complications.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, sign the title assignment, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain South Carolina minimum liability insurance before visiting the DMV
Visit a SC DMV Office
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and IMF
Title fee ($15), registration (based on value), and IMF (5%, max $500)
Receive Your New Title and Registration
The SC DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides registration and plates
South Carolina IMF & Vehicle Fees
South Carolina's Infrastructure Maintenance Fee replaced the traditional vehicle sales tax in 2017. The $500 cap makes it exceptionally favorable for expensive vehicle purchases compared to other states. Here are the costs to expect:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) | 5% of sale price, capped at $500 |
| Title Transfer Fee | $15 |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle value (varies) |
| Annual Property Tax | Varies by county (based on assessed value) |
| License Plates | Included with registration |
| Duplicate Title | $15 (if title is lost) |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Varies (after 45 days) |
Sample South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our South Carolina-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your completed document will include all fields the SC DMV requires for processing the title transfer.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about South Carolina vehicle bills of sale, the IMF, title transfers, and SC DMV requirements.
Official South Carolina Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, locate a DMV office, and access forms for your South Carolina vehicle transaction.
SC DMV Online
Title transfers, registration, and vehicle services
SC DMV — Vehicle Titles
Title transfer requirements, forms, and fee information
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
SC Department of Revenue — Vehicle Taxes
IMF details, property tax, and exemption information
Other South Carolina Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for South Carolina? We offer state-specific templates for all kinds of property transfers.
South Carolina Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
South Carolina Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
South Carolina Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
South Carolina Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
South Carolina General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
South Carolina ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
South Carolina Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
South Carolina Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your SC DMV-compliant document in minutes. Take advantage of the $500 IMF cap.
No account required. Free to create and preview.