South Carolina Title Transfer Does Sc Require Notary Seal For Auto Title Transfer (2024)

South Carolina Title Transfer Does Sc Require Notary Seal For Auto Title Transfer (1)


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.

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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:

SCDMV
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

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.

South Carolina Title Transfer Does Sc Require Notary Seal For Auto Title Transfer (2024)

FAQs

South Carolina Title Transfer Does Sc Require Notary Seal For Auto Title Transfer? ›

No. A notary does not have to witness the buyer and the seller signing the vehicle title. How to Sell a Car in South Carolina - AutotraderCorrect it is a no on the notary.

Does South Carolina require notary on titles? ›

A title transfer in NC requires the use of a notary but SC does not and there is no section on the title for a notary's info or stamp.

Do I need a notary to sell my car in SC? ›

The seller filled out the South Carolina motor vehicle bill of sale and I also have the title to the car. The South Carolina bill of sale requires notarization. It also requires that both buyer and seller must be present during the notarization process.

What do I need to do to transfer a car title in South Carolina? ›

What You'll Need to Do to Transfer your Vehicle Title in South Carolina
  1. Complete and sign the title certificate (seller and buyer).
  2. Complete a Bill of Sale (if applicable).
  3. Complete the title application form.
  4. Visit any DMV office near you. Consider making a DMV appointment or getting a line waiting concierge.

Do you have to get a bill of sale notarized in SC? ›

Some states require bills of sale to be witnessed by a notary public, but in South Carolina, two private parties can sign a valid bill of sale on their own. Using document templates like those provided by PandaDoc is recommended. Doing this can make sure you include all the important information in a bill of sale.

Does South Carolina require a notary stamp or seal? ›

A notary public must have a seal of office to attach to notarial acts and should indicate below his or her signature the expiration date of his or her commission (§26-1-60).

Can you register a car in SC with just a Bill of Sale? ›

In South Carolina, taxes on your vehicle are paid a year in advance. In order to register a vehicle, we need one of the following: Bill of Sale. Title.

How do you fill out the back of a SC car title? ›

Back of the South Carolina Title

In the teal-colored section numbered “1,” the buyer fills out the day, month, and year the vehicle was transferred, followed by their name, street, city, state, and zip code. 2. The seller enters the exact odometer reading in the red section marked “2”.

How do I register my car from a private seller in SC? ›

In order to register a vehicle, the owner of the vehicle must provide (either by mail or in person) the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, vehicle property tax receipt and payment for the registration fees to the South Carolina DMV.

Can I sell my car in SC without a title? ›

So, can you trade in a vehicle without the title in the state of South Carolina? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. State law stipulates that the seller presents the title at the time of sale or trade in order to hand the vehicle over to the buyer.

How do I transfer my car registration to South Carolina? ›

You'll need the following to transfer your-out-of-state vehicle title and registration:
  1. Your out-of-state vehicle title and registration. ...
  2. Liability insurance information. ...
  3. Completed Form 400, Application for Certificate of Title/Registration. ...
  4. Paid property tax receipt. ...
  5. Title and registration fees. ...
  6. Driver's license.

How much is the title fee in South Carolina? ›

This includes the $250 IMF, $15 title fee, and $40 registration/license plate fee but does not include the property tax you will pay to your county of residence. You will pay the IMF once per vehicle, but you will not have to pay it again. You will pay the registration/plate fee every two years.

How to transfer SC title to NC? ›

For a title transfer, the information on the back of the original title must be completed by both the original owner and the recipient. North Carolina titles must be notarized. For out-of-state titles, NCDMV will recognize that state's requirements.

Does a South Carolina title need to be notarized? ›

Hints: Original titles from SC do not have to be notarized. The owner's driver's license number is not required. Titles issued in previous years were required to be notarized. Owner's driver's license number was previously required.

Can a bill of sale be handwritten in SC? ›

A bill of sale also works like any other legal document. If other legal documents are valid, then a handwritten bill of sale is also valid.

Can you buy a car in NC if you live in SC? ›

Can you buy a car in NC and register it in SC? Yes! What state you buy a car in does not matter, what matters is that you title and register the vehicle in South Carolina at the SCDMV. You will pay about $305, which includes $250 IMF, $15 title fee, and $40 license and registration fee.

Does a deed have to be notarized in SC? ›

Yes, a deed must always be notarized and filed in public records. Deeds are a formal document that verifies legal interest in a property and the right to sell. Notarizing deeds ensures that an individual's claim to a property is verified and protected.

Is South Carolina a notary state? ›

A notary public's jurisdiction extends throughout the State of South Carolina, but does not extend beyond its borders (§26-1-80). Jurisdiction is limited to the physical borders of South Carolina and notarial acts cannot be performed outside of the state.

Does South Carolina have paper titles? ›

A lienholder with an active South Carolina e-title may request a printed paper title from the South Carolina DMV at any time through the South Carolina ELT system. The printed South Carolina title may also be requested at the time of releasing the lien.

Do both parties have to be present to get a title notarized in NC? ›

No, in North Carolina, the buyer or seller must be present to sign the vehicle title in front of the notary to ensure the authenticity of the signatures and the transaction.

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