South Carolina

Title Fee

$15.00

Who must title a vehicle in South Carolina?

All motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers used on highways, watercraft with mechanized propulsion, and outboard motors must be titled unless exempt.
Exempt: Mopeds/ATVs (owner’s option), US government vehicles (unless registered in SC), animal-powered vehicles, implements of husbandry, pole trailers, some special mobile equipment, USCG-documented vessels, aquaplanes, surfboards, windsurfers, outboard motors <5 hp.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
Application: Title and/or Registration Application (400) at SCDMV offices.
Fee: $15.00 (vehicles); $10.00 (watercraft/outboard motors via DNR); expedited title +$20.00.

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin + secure bill of sale/buyer’s invoice.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title (+ secure bill of sale if odometer info not on back).
Non-title states: Registration certificate + Affidavit of Responsibility (MV-103) + bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Ownership docs, EPA/DOT letters, import docs, English translation if needed.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Distinctive Title: For vehicles from states/countries not naming lienholders; “This Vehicle may be Subject to an Undisclosed Lien” brand.
Brands: Antique, Junk, Lemon Law, Low Speed, Not for Road Use, Odometer brands, Off-Road, Reconstruction, Salvage (Fire/Flood/Rebuilt), Duplicate, Undisclosed Lien, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required if declared total loss by insurer, repairs >75% of value, or unsafe body/frame; exempt if FMV ≤$2,000 or antique.
Rebuilt: Must be rebuilt, inspected, and certified; submit title, application, affidavit, salvage inspection report, and fees.
Junk: Vehicle only for parts/scrap; surrender title, registration, plates, and sticker; cannot be retitled.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Duplicate: Application (400), $15.00 fee; online option available.
Watercraft: BTR-1, $5.00 fee.
Amended: Application (400) + Lost/Stolen/Destroyed Certificate (TI-004A) if no title; $15.00 fee.

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required when no prior title; serial number required for homemade/replica/kit vehicles.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

Yes, for most forms (not secure title/POA/bill of sale); DNR does not accept e-signatures.

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF): 5.0% of sale price or FMV (max $500 for most vehicles); $250 for out-of-state vehicles registered in SC.Credit for trade-in and taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Nonresident sales, certain trailers, farm equipment, certain government/fleet/commercial sales, and more.
Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% on boat/farm/utility trailers <2,500 lbs., farm trailers, privately owned utility trailers; max tax applies to certain items.Credit for taxes paid to another state.
Casual Excise Tax: 5.0% on casual sales of watercraft, outboard motors, aircraft.
Personal Property Tax: Paid to County Treasurer; proof required for registration/renewal.
- Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

Business/commercial lenders must use ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) Program; $2.50 fee per electronic lien.
Nonbusiness: Lien noted on printed title.
Second lien: Letter from first lienholder + title + application + fee.
Perfected as of creation if filed within 10 days; otherwise, as of filing.

How are liens released or assigned?

Release submitted electronically to SCDMV ($2.50 fee); paper title: release on title or company letterhead.
Must release within 10 days of demand, 30 days of satisfaction.
Assignment: Submit title without releasing lien, new application, and assignment by lienholder.

How does repossession work in SC?

Lienholder may repossess if peaceful; need not obtain new title before transfer.
Submit Affidavit for Repossessed Motor Vehicle (4034) + assigned title + application + secured bill of sale.
Court order/affidavit required for watercraft; property tax receipt needed.

Other notes:

Lien for repairs/storage: Report unclaimed vehicles after 30 days; magistrate’s order of sale required for title.

Enforcement Agency:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
803.896.5000 | SCDMV

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol HQ, 10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 minimum; $5M for hazmat carriers; $750,000 for large freight vehicles; $300,000 for small freight vehicles.
Proof required at registration and must be carried; plates must be surrendered before canceling insurance.
No safety/emissions inspection required.
One plate issued; transferable within 30 days.
- Title/registration records kept indefinitely.