The South Carolina DMV bill of sale form is a binding document that clarifies the specific informational components related to the transaction of a vehicle for a purchase price. This form includes factual data applicable to the sale including the year, make, model, VIN, and a sale price of the automobile and corresponding buyer and seller info and signatures. This form may not be required to obtain title and registration in all regions of South Carolina, but it is a secure contractual instrument that can be utilized to protect from legal issues after transfer. It also serves as a record for tax purposes.
How to Register a Vehicle
When purchasing a new vehicle from a private party, it is mandatory that you register within the first 45 days of acquisition. The first step in this process is to visit your local County Auditor to make the payment for the vehicle county tax that is mandated by the county in which you reside. Once you have paid this initial fee, the next step will be to attend your closest South Carolina DMV Location with the following filings:
- The receipt for the vehicle county tax.
- Title complete with seller signature, new buyer information, vehicle purchase price, and odometer reading at the time of the sale.
- Completed bill of sale if the aforementioned Title is missing the odometer reading and/or purchase price of the vehicle.
- A fully filled-out South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Title Application (form SCDMV 400).
- Current automobile insurance within the state of South Carolina (SC Code § 56-10-225) (this can be confirmed electronically if your address is updated before your visit).
- Payment for South Carolina Title and Registration Fees (dependent on vehicle type)
How to Write
Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF.
Step 2 – Seller Information – Input the following information on the seller of the vehicle:
- Full Name(s)
- Street Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
Step 3 – Date of Sale – Enter the sale date in the following format:
- Day
- Month
- Year
Step 4 – Vehicle Information – Complete the portion of the form referring to information on the vehicle being sold:
- Make
- Model
- Body Type
- Year
- Vehicle Identification Number
- License Number
Step 5 – Buyer Information – Fill in all information about the buyer as follows:
- Full Name(s)
- Street Address
- City
- State
- Zip Code
Step 6 – Listed Liens/Sales Price – Input the following information about lien status and sales price specifics:
- Remaining liens on the vehicle.
- Sale Price of Vehicle
- Trade-in
- Subtract Trade-in from Sale Price to determine Taxable Total.
Step 7 – Odometer Disclosure – Fill in current information on the odometer reading of the vehicle and select if either of the statements in the odometer disclosure applies to the vehicle:
- If the vehicle is beyond its mechanical limits.
- If the vehicle odometer reading is incorrect due to odometer malfunction.
Step 8 – Seller/Buyer/Notary Signatures – Complete the final portion of the form in the presence of an official Notary Public as follows:
- Signature of Buyer(s)
- Date of Signature
- Printed Name Buyer(s)
- Signature of Seller(s)
- Date of Signature
- Printed Name of Seller(s)
- Notary section by official Notary Public