Looking to sell your vehicle in South Carolina? Whether you’re in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or a coastal or rural town, this guide walks you through every step to ensure a legal, easy, and profitable car sale.
Sell a Car in South Carolina – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you begin the sale process, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork:
- South Carolina Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name, and all liens must be satisfied before transfer. Both buyer and seller must sign the title.
- Valid ID: A South Carolina driver’s license or other state-issued ID is usually required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. This can be completed on the title or a separate form.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): While not required by the state, it’s strongly recommended to document the sale.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If your vehicle was financed, ensure you have a formal lien release from your lender.
South Carolina DMV Forms You May Need
Depending on the situation, these forms may be required:
- Form 400 – Application for Certificate of Title and Registration (used by the buyer)
- Form TI-005 – Affidavit of Vehicle Gift (if applicable)
- Form 416 – Power of Attorney (if someone is signing on your behalf)
- Form 5021-A – Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title)
All forms are available on the South Carolina DMV website.
Sell Your Car in South Carolina — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
You don’t have to invest in detailing or repairs unless you want to. We make it easy regardless of your vehicle’s condition.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. Whether it’s clean and road-ready or sitting in your driveway collecting dust, we’ll make you a competitive offer.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before selling, find out what your car is worth:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get a fast, no-obligation offer in under 2 minutes.
- Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA: These help you understand the car’s value based on features, mileage, and condition.
- Compare Local Listings: Research cars for sale in areas like Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, Florence, and Hilton Head for regional pricing insights.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
Here are your options for selling in South Carolina:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fast & Secure): We give you a fair offer, handle the title transfer, and pay you quickly.
- Trade It In: Convenient if you’re buying another vehicle, but trade-in values are usually lower.
- Private Sale: May result in a higher sale price, but comes with extra legwork — advertising, meeting buyers, and managing all paperwork.
We recommend Ken Ganley Buying Center if you value convenience, speed, and safety.
Step 5: Get Paid
Don’t risk receiving bad checks or dealing with unreliable buyers. With us, you’ll get same-day payment through secure, verified channels.
We handle everything from paperwork to payout, so you don’t have to.
What Affects Car Values in South Carolina? Local Market Insights to Know
In South Carolina, resale value can vary depending on location and vehicle type:
- SUVs and trucks are in high demand across the state, especially in rural areas and during hurricane season.
- Fuel-efficient cars and hybrids are popular in metro areas like Columbia and Charleston.
- Coastal conditions may impact vehicles exposed to salt air — inland buyers might prefer rust-free options.
- South Carolina has about 5.3 million registered vehicles: roughly 35.8% cars, 34% SUVs, and 22.8% pickups, indicating a balanced yet truck/SUV-heavy market. The average vehicle age is 13.6 years, higher than the national average (12.2 years), which reflects a relatively older vehicle fleet and strong used car demand.
Understanding your local market helps you price and sell your car more effectively.
Ready to Sell Your Car in South Carolina?
No stress. No surprises. Just a real offer and a fast, professional experience. That’s the Ken Ganley Buying Center promise.
Start your free appraisal online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We’re here to help you sell your car anywhere in South Carolina.
Need help selling your car in South Carolina? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not require title notarization, but all signatures must be present and correct. This makes South Carolina one of the simpler states for vehicle transfers, as both buyer and seller can complete the transaction without needing to visit a notary or special agent. However, it’s crucial that all information on the title is accurate and legible, as any errors or omissions can delay the transfer process.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale?
Yes. South Carolina license plates stay with the seller and must be returned to the DMV or transferred to another vehicle. When you sell your vehicle, remove the license plates before giving the keys to the buyer. You have the option to transfer the plates to a replacement vehicle within a reasonable timeframe, or you can return them to any SCDMV branch office to avoid potential liability issues.
Can I sell a car without the title?
No. You must apply for a duplicate title before you can legally sell your vehicle. If you’ve lost your South Carolina title, you’ll need to complete an application for a duplicate title and pay the required fee. The process typically takes 7-15 business days depending on whether you apply in person or by mail. South Carolina law requires that you have the original or duplicate title in hand before you can transfer ownership to a buyer.
Is a bill of sale required in South Carolina?
It’s not legally required, but highly recommended to document the transaction. While South Carolina doesn’t mandate a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers, having one provides important protection for both parties. A proper bill of sale should include the names and addresses of both buyer and seller, the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN, the sale price, odometer reading, and the date of sale. Many sellers choose to have their bill of sale notarized for additional legal protection.
Who pays sales tax when a car is sold?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax during registration at the DMV. South Carolina charges a maximum sales tax of 5% on vehicle purchases, though the actual rate may vary by county due to local taxes. The buyer pays this tax when they complete the title transfer and registration process using Form 400. As the seller, you are not responsible for collecting or remitting sales tax to the state.
How long does the buyer have to complete the title transfer?
South Carolina law requires that newly purchased vehicles be registered within 45 days of the purchase date, which is more generous than many other states that require 30-day transfers. This extended timeframe gives buyers more flexibility to complete the necessary paperwork and inspections. However, it’s still important for buyers to complete the transfer promptly to avoid any potential complications or late fees.
What documents does the buyer need to complete the transfer?
The buyer will need to complete Form 400 (Application for Certificate of Title and Registration) along with the properly signed title, proof of insurance, identification, and payment for applicable fees and taxes. If there are any liens on the vehicle, the buyer will also need the appropriate lien documentation. Form 400 serves as both the title application and registration application, streamlining the process for new vehicle owners.
Are there any inspection requirements for selling a car in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not require emissions testing or safety inspections for most vehicle sales. This makes the state relatively simple for vehicle transfers compared to states like Pennsylvania or Ohio that require various inspections. However, if you’re selling a vehicle that will be registered in certain areas or has specific characteristics, it’s always best to check with the local SCDMV office to confirm there are no special requirements for your particular situation.