Selling a car privately in South Carolina
South Carolina's buyer costs are unusual and worth explaining up front: instead of regular sales tax, the buyer pays the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, 5% of the price capped at $500, when they title within their 45-day window. Your side is the first assignment on the back of the title: buyer name and address, odometer reading, sales price, date of sale, and both signatures. No notary is required.
South Carolina gives sellers a notice: file the Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416) within 30 days of the sale, online or at a branch. Plates belong to the seller; return yours to the SCDMV or transfer it, and only cancel insurance after the plate is returned or transferred, since South Carolina cross-checks coverage against active plates.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the seller's assignment (South Carolina)
Buyer name and address, odometer, sales price, date, and both signatures in the first assignment on the title.
- 2
File the Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416)
Submit within 30 days, online or at any SCDMV branch, to record the sale date.
- 3
Return your plate before canceling insurance
South Carolina plates stay with the seller; return or transfer the plate first, then drop coverage.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your South Carolina sale packet
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Start your free beta packetSouth Carolina private sale FAQ
Does a South Carolina car title need to be notarized?
No. Complete the seller's assignment fully: buyer name and address, odometer, price, date, and both parties' signatures.
What tax does the buyer pay in a South Carolina private sale?
The Infrastructure Maintenance Fee: 5% of the purchase price, capped at $500, paid when they title and register within 45 days.
What is SCDMV Form 416?
The Notice of Vehicle Sold. File it within 30 days of the sale, online or at a branch, so the state records that the vehicle left your hands during the buyer's 45-day window.
What do I do with my South Carolina plate?
Remove it and return it to the SCDMV or transfer it to your next vehicle, then cancel insurance. Canceling coverage while the plate is active triggers fines.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.