South Carolina Bill of Sale
Whether you are buying or selling a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or piece of equipment in South Carolina, a properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and satisfies SC record-keeping requirements. South Carolina is one of the states that requires notarization for a bill of sale, so make sure you plan a visit to a notary public before finalizing your transaction. Use the information below to understand exactly what South Carolina expects before you complete your transfer.
South Carolina Bill of Sale Requirements
To create a legally valid bill of sale in South Carolina, you must include the following information. Missing any of these details could delay your title transfer or leave you unprotected in a dispute.
- Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
- Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and body type
- Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading
- Notarized signatures for motor vehicle bill of sale
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in South Carolina
The buyer must submit the notarized bill of sale, assigned title, completed Form 400, proof of insurance, and payment for the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee at a SCDMV office within 45 days.
Pro Tip
Complete the bill of sale at the same time the title is signed over. Having both documents ready together prevents trips back and forth to the SC DMV.
Notarization Requirements
Notarization Required
South Carolina requires the bill of sale to be notarized for motor vehicle transactions. Both the buyer and the seller must sign the document in the presence of a licensed notary public. Without proper notarization, the SC title transfer office may reject your application.
Notary services are available at most banks, UPS Store locations, AAA offices, courthouse offices, and many law firms. Fees typically range from $2 to $15 per signature depending on the provider. Schedule your notary visit in advance and bring valid photo identification for all signers.
South Carolina DMV Information
For the most up-to-date forms, fees, and office locations in South Carolina, visit the official state motor vehicle agency website. Processing times, required documents, and fee schedules can change, so it is always a good idea to verify current requirements before your visit.
Important Notes for South Carolina
South Carolina requires notarization of the bill of sale for motor vehicle transfers. The state replaced its sales tax on vehicles with an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of 5% of the purchase price, capped at $500.
Always keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your personal records. Both the buyer and the seller should retain their own copy. In the event of a future dispute about the sale, your bill of sale serves as primary evidence of the transaction terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bills of sale in South Carolina.
Yes. A bill of sale is strongly recommended for any private-party transaction in South Carolina and is often required by the SC DMV or equivalent agency when transferring a vehicle title. It serves as your official proof of purchase and documents the terms of the sale, including the price paid, the date, and both parties' information. Without one, you may face delays or complications during the title transfer process.
Yes. South Carolina requires that the bill of sale be notarized for motor vehicle transactions. Both the buyer and seller should sign the document in the presence of a licensed notary public. Failing to notarize the bill of sale can result in the DMV rejecting your title transfer application. Many banks, UPS stores, and courthouse offices offer notary services.
The buyer must submit the notarized bill of sale, assigned title, completed Form 400, proof of insurance, and payment for the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee at a SCDMV office within 45 days. Make sure all fields on the bill of sale and the title assignment are filled out completely and accurately. Missing information is one of the most common reasons title transfers are delayed or rejected.
A South Carolina bill of sale must include: Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller; Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and body type; Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading; Notarized signatures for motor vehicle bill of sale. Our bill of sale generator automatically includes all of these fields and formats the document to meet SC standards, so you do not have to worry about missing any required information.
In South Carolina, you do not typically "file" the bill of sale with a state agency. Instead, the buyer presents the bill of sale along with the signed title and other required documents at the appropriate office when applying for a title transfer. South Carolina requires notarization of the bill of sale for motor vehicle transfers. The state replaced its sales tax on vehicles with an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of 5% of the purchase price, capped at $500. Keep your original bill of sale in a safe place, as both the buyer and seller should retain a copy for their personal records.
Bill of Sale in Nearby States
Buying or selling across state lines? Check the requirements for neighboring states to make sure you have the right documents for both jurisdictions.
South Carolina Bill of Sale by Vehicle Type
Need a document tailored to a specific type of property? Choose the template that matches your transaction.
BillOfSaleKit is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents generated are templates based on common South Carolina requirements. Users should verify documents meet their specific state and local requirements. Information on this page was last reviewed in 2026.