Whether it’s your first time selling a car or you’ve sold several, handling a private car sale of a used car can feel overwhelming. Is it worth the hassle to get top dollar, or should you trade it in or sell it to a dealership and move on? How much paperwork will you need to complete?
This guide walks you through the selling process, step by step, so you can make an informed decision and be prepared if you decide to go the private sale route in South Carolina.
How To Sell Your Car in South Carolina
- Collect Your Required Paperwork
- Transfer the Title
- Remove Your License Plates
- Notify the DMV
- Update Your Insurance
- Consider Selling Via CarGurus
Collect Your Required Paperwork
Before listing your used vehicle, gather these essential documents to ensure a smooth process using the appropriate forms:
Certificate of Title
The vehicle title is the official and primary form of ownership verification. If there's an active lien, it must be fully paid off and released. If you've lost the original, request a duplicate Certificate of Title (Form 400) from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before proceeding with the sale.
Odometer Disclosure
For vehicles less than 20 years old, an odometer disclosure is required. The odometer reading is typically written on the back of the title. If there’s no space or the title isn’t available, use the Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 5047). Vehicles from model year 2010 or older are exempt.
Bill of Sale
This is not legally required but strongly recommended. A bill of sale records key information, including the sales price, vehicle identification number (VIN), and both parties' driver’s license details.
Notice of Vehicle Sold
To avoid liability after the time of sale, you must notify the SCDMV by submitting the Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416).
Transfer the Title
To complete the title transfer, the seller must fill out the back of the title, including the buyer’s name, address, sales price, odometer disclosure, and time of sale. According to the SCDMV Title Transfer Guide, the buyer’s signature must be on the back of the title to make the transaction valid. If a lien is recorded on the car title, a lien release is needed before the transfer of ownership can be finalized.
Remove Your License Plates
In South Carolina, the license plate stays with the seller, not the car. Remove it before the new owner drives off. You can either transfer it to another vehicle or return it to the SCDMV within 30 days. Return plates in person, by mail, or through the online plate return system. If mailing, include the License Plate Turn In (Form 452). Failing to return or reassign the plate may result in penalties.
Notify the DMV
To protect yourself from parking tickets, toll violations, or even accidents that happen after the sale, you are required to notify your local DMV by submitting the Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416). This alerts the SCDMV that the used vehicle has changed hands and formally removes you from any post-sale liability.
Update Your Insurance
After the transfer of ownership is complete, contact your insurance company to remove the vehicle from your policy. Some insurers may request a bill of sale or proof of sale — such as a notarized car title — as documentation. If you are not replacing the vehicle, cancel the policy to avoid extra charges.
Consider Selling Via CarGurus
CarGurus makes it easy to sell your car in South Carolina. You only need to provide some basic information about your vehicle to receive up to five offers from local dealerships. Simply choose the best offer and we'll put you in touch with the dealership to appraise your vehicle and finalize the sale. If you don’t want to sell it immediately, you have the opportunity to subscribe to a CarGurus vehicle market value tracker that will update you on your car’s approximate worth once a month via email.
