Car Buying Costs in South Carolina
South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) on vehicle purchases, capped at $500. South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee instead of sales tax on vehicle purchases, capped at $500 — so any vehicle over $10,000 pays a flat $500. Registration typically costs $40, the title fee is $15, and dealer doc fees are uncapped.
Vehicle Tax
5%
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) — max $500
Doc Fee Limit
No Cap
Registration
$40
Title Fee
$15
South Carolina Cost Calculator
Estimate your total out-the-door cost
Many cities add their own tax on top of the 5% state rate
Cost Breakdown
Estimates are based on typical South Carolina fees and assume no trade-in credit. Excludes any local property/ad valorem taxes, EV surcharges, and manufacturer or dealer add-ons, so this is not a complete out-the-door price. Actual costs vary by county, city, and dealer — always ask for a complete itemized out-the-door quote before purchasing.
South Carolina Car Purchase Fee Details
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| South Carolina Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) | 5% (max $500) |
| Doc Fee | No state limit |
| Registration | $40 |
| Title Fee | $15 |
| Vehicle Inspection | Not Required |
| Emissions Test | Not Required |
South Carolina Negotiation Tips
- 1.South Carolina has no doc fee cap - negotiate!
- 2.The IMF is capped at $500, so a higher negotiated price doesn't raise your tax on vehicles over $10,000
- 3.Always ask for an itemized out-the-door breakdown before agreeing to a price
About This Data
Last reviewed: . Tax rates and fees change — always confirm with the South Carolina Department of Revenue or DMV and your dealer's itemized quote before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Car in South Carolina
What is the car tax (Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF)) rate in South Carolina?▼
Vehicle purchases in South Carolina are subject to a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), capped at $500. South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee instead of sales tax on vehicle purchases, capped at $500 — so any vehicle over $10,000 pays a flat $500. Use our calculator above to estimate your total.
How much does it cost to register a car in South Carolina?▼
Vehicle registration in South Carolina typically costs $40. The title fee is $15. No vehicle inspection is required. No emissions testing is required statewide.
Are dealer doc fees capped in South Carolina?▼
No, South Carolina does not have a state-mandated cap on dealer documentation fees. No state limit - fees average $300-$600
When is the best time to buy a car in South Carolina?▼
There's no single best month — discounts depend on the dealer, the model, and current inventory. Shopping at the end of the month or quarter can help, as dealers work to meet sales targets, and outgoing model years are often discounted when the new year arrives. The most reliable approach is comparing itemized out-the-door quotes from multiple South Carolina dealers.
Know the fees — now find the right price
Search live South Carolina inventory, see what buyers actually paid, or have a dealer quote checked line by line.