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.
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.
Can I sell a car without the title?
No. You must apply for a duplicate title before you can legally sell your vehicle.
Is a bill of sale required in South Carolina?
It’s not legally required, but highly recommended to document the transaction.
Who pays sales tax when a car is sold?
The buyer is responsible for paying sales tax during registration at the DMV.