South Carolina Title Transfer Guide (Private Sale)
Transferring a car title in South Carolina after a private sale: the state transfer fee is $15, you have 45 days from the sale date, and sales tax of 5% is typically collected at transfer. Both parties sign the title; the buyer files with the state.
Verify current figures with the South Carolina titling agency · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
Transfer fee
$15
Deadline
45 days
Sales tax
5%
Inspection
Not required
Official source: dmv.sc.gov
Before you sign: run the VIN
The transfer is the last moment problems are the seller's. The $9.99 Full VIN Report shows the vehicle's federal record — recalls, owner complaints, service bulletins — and the original window sticker where available, in about a minute. One-time, no subscription. Run the report →
FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in South Carolina?
The state title transfer fee is $15. On a private sale, sales tax (5% in South Carolina) is typically due at transfer, plus registration if you're plating the vehicle. Verify current figures with the state.
How long do I have to transfer a title in South Carolina after buying?
45 days from the sale date, per state guidance — late transfers usually incur penalties.
What should I check before signing the title?
Three things: (1) the VIN on the title matches the dashboard and door-jamb VIN character-for-character; (2) the title face is clean of brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt) and undisclosed lien notations; (3) the vehicle's federal record — the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report shows recalls, owner complaints, and service bulletins for that exact vehicle, plus the original window sticker where available. Most title problems are cheaper to find before the handshake.
Who holds the title after the transfer if I have a loan?
Depends on the state: in most states the lender holds the title until payoff; in seven owner-held states (Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York) you hold it with the lien recorded. See CarWhere's title-holding states guide for the full map.
Sources: transfer fee and deadline from South Carolina titling guidance (linked above); tax and inspection facts from CarWhere's per-state dataset. Figures change by statute — confirm with the state before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "South Carolina Title Transfer Guide," carwhere.com/titles/title-transfer/south-carolina, verified 2026-06-12.