South Carolina DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In South Carolina (SC)

For the sake of legal terms, a “Car Title” refers not only to a car or truck used personally but also for boats, trailers, RV’s or anything else which is used on the road and requires insurance and tax to legally transport itself.

With that said, a title is the document which registers the vehicle or accessory with the state of South Carolina and allows it to be driven on a public road.

There are some common problems people face when ownership of property changes hands, and although such problems may seem an inconvenience to the layman, they aren’t uncommon and there are solutions written by legislation as to how best to proceed.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

This problem may be frustrating but has a simple solution.

You’ll have to wait in line at the DMV office to show your paperwork, or alternatively, pay someone who is licensed to represent you to do it.

You’ll need receipts for any payments you made, simply because if your information didn’t go through for the transfer it’s likely your payments weren’t entered into the system either. Any hard copy proof you have of the original transaction is going to be helpful.

Requesting A Duplicate Title

Duplicate or replacement vehicle titles can be requested online, in person at the nearest SCDMV office, or by mail.

The application process is relatively straightforward when requesting a duplicate by mail or in person. To get yours, simply follow the subsequent steps:

• Complete the Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Certificate of Title Report – Form TI004A.
• Fill out the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home – Form 400.
• Be sure to include the vehicle’s current odometer reading when filling out the Form 400.
• Submit these forms, both together, by mail or in person.

If submitting the application for a duplicate vehicle title by mail, address your postmarked envelope to:

How To Transfer A SC Car Title When Original Owner Is Deceased

The difficulty with a deceased owner has more to do with your grieving for a loved one while trying to manage their financial affairs.

In theory, the title can be signed and notarized so the recipient can conduct the transfer later, but rather than postpone the process it’s usually going to be easier to do it “now”.

You can go directly to the DMV and take care of it, most banks are authorized to conduct the transaction for you if you have other business with them, or the lawyer managing the estate should be able to either transfer the title or advise you as to how you should proceed.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

In everyday practical terms, you can’t even sell a or give a car to the junkyard without a title.

If you don’t have the title or access to a legitimate owner of the title, your options are limited.

You can hire a tow company to remove the car from your property, at which point they can do whatever they want with the vehicle as it is no longer your concern. The other option is that you can pay a broker authorized to do such things to declare the vehicle abandoned.

That will require tracking the car’s identification number to the last known owner, contacting the last known address, and likely waiting a year or two before receiving confirmation that you can apply for a new title in your name.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member

Once again, this process is as simple as going to the DMV office and telling them what you want to do. The process is similar to a sale, except you can check a box to claim the transfer as a tax exempt gift.

You will be required to list the transfer on federal and state annual tax returns as a gift.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

Filling out the required SCDMV transfer of title form is really not an issue when selling a car.

If you conduct the transaction at a bank or car dealership, the employee you work with will show you how to fill out the form.

For a private transaction, the DMV will tell you how to fill out the form, just be sure to have your picture ID (license or state ID card) and a secondary ID whether a passport, visa, or any other official document with your name on it.

Title Transfer Requirements

What do you need to transfer a car title in the state of South Carolina?

Title transfer requirements are fairly simple in South Carolina. Notarized signatures from the buyer and seller are sufficient.

Typically, the transaction is conducted in a bank or at the DMV, where a licensed notary can perform such function.

In a more private sale, the signatures are still going to require the stamp of a notary, as confirmation that the person who signed the document presented identification and testimony to prove they are authorized to sign such paperwork.

Required Title Transfer Fees

How much does it cost to transfer a car title in the state of South Carolina?

In South Carolina, the title transfer fee is based on the tax value of the vehicle. There is a $15 flat fee for the service of transferring the title, and a 5% (up to $500 maximum) road tax toward South Carolina infrastructure.

South Carolina DMV Hours And Contact Information

For specific questions regarding the title transfer process in the state of South Carolina, for DMV hours, or to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official SCDMV website by clicking here.

Common Questions About South Carolina Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of South Carolina.