Free South Carolina Car Bill of Sale
South Carolina abolished vehicle sales tax and replaced it with the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee — 5% of fair market value, hard-capped at $500, which rewrites the math on expensive cars: a $10,000 sedan and a $60,000 truck pay exactly the same $500, while everything under $10,000 pays the full 5%. The state publishes its own bill of sale (Form 4031), the buyer has a relaxed 45 days to register at the SCDMV, and no safety or emissions inspection exists anywhere in the state. Budget instead for the county's annual vehicle property tax — the recurring cost that replaces the inspection hassle other states impose.
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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →
South Carolina Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
See state rules
Title Required
Yes
South Carolina requires registration within 45 days of the purchase date; the title law says to apply promptly after delivery. SC now uses a secure title certificate.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
South Carolina charges an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of 5% of fair market value (the price less any trade-in, or a national used-value guide figure), capped at $500 per transaction. This replaces traditional sales tax on vehicles.
Inspection Requirements
SC does not require a safety or emissions inspection at time of sale.
South Carolina Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Complete SCDMV Form 4031 with VIN, year, make, model, odometer, sale price.
- Seller signs the title over to buyer.
- Buyer submits the title + proof of insurance (plus Form 4031 if the title has no space for the price) to SCDMV and registers within 45 days.
- Buyer pays the IMF (5%, max $500) + title and registration fees.
- Buyer can get a 45-day temporary plate at an SCDMV branch (Form 45-A plus the title or bill of sale) to drive until the car is registered.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusing the IMF with traditional sales tax — SC's $500 cap makes it very favorable for higher-value vehicles.
- Not getting the 45-day temporary plate — driving without it is illegal.
- Missing the 45-day registration window.
- Assuming every gift is IMF-free — immediate-family transfers are excluded, but check other gifts with SCDMV.
- Moving your old plate onto the car you just bought without the paperwork. S.C. Code § 56-3-212(D) allows it on the purchase date only if the bill of sale and a copy of that plate's registration ride with the car, and the car is registered within 45 days.
Pro Tip
SC car: signed title (+ Form 4031 if no price field) + register within 45 days + 5% IMF capped at $500.
South Carolina Car Bill of Sale — FAQs
What is the SC Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF)?
The IMF is South Carolina's replacement for vehicle sales tax. It is 5% of fair market value on a private purchase, capped at $500 maximum per vehicle. On an expensive vehicle that cap is a real saving.
What is SCDMV Form 4031?
Form 4031 is the official South Carolina DMV bill of sale. SCDMV requires a bill of sale with the signed title when the title assignment has no space for the sales price, and the buyer must register within 45 days of purchase.
Who keeps the bill of sale after a South Carolina car sale?
The buyer should keep it in the car. S.C. Code § 56-3-210(K) says the bill of sale, the title, a temporary registration card, or a copy of one of them must stay in the vehicle at all times to prove the purchase date. The document must describe the car and give the seller's and buyer's names and addresses and the date of sale. The seller should keep a copy as proof of when the car left their hands.
Is a handwritten bill of sale legal in South Carolina?
The law that covers carrying proof of purchase, S.C. Code § 56-3-210(K), lists what the document must show, not a required format. It needs a vehicle description, both parties' names and addresses, and the sale date. When the fee is based on the price you paid, § 56-3-627(C)(3) has SCDMV ask for a bill of sale plus the owner's signature under the state's perjury laws, so write the true price clearly.
How does a private buyer legally drive the car home in South Carolina?
Under S.C. Code § 56-3-212(B), before driving during the 45-day window the buyer must do one of four things. They can move a plate from another vehicle they own (a $10 transfer under § 56-3-1290), buy a new plate and registration, buy a temporary plate from SCDMV, or buy one from their county auditor's office. SCDMV must issue a temporary plate to a private buyer who applies. A temporary plate from SCDMV or a county costs $5 for the plate plus a $5 fee. Only one is issued per purchase, and it lasts no more than 45 days. Driving in violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100.
Which family members are exempt from South Carolina's IMF?
S.C. Code § 56-3-627 excludes transfers to immediate family. It defines that as a spouse, parents, children, sisters, brothers, grandparents and grandchildren. Transfers to a legal heir, legatee or distributee are excluded too. A transfer to an aunt, uncle, cousin or friend is not on the list.
What IMF applies if the car was first titled in another state?
If the owner first titled or registered the car in another state and later registers it in South Carolina, the IMF is a flat $250 instead of 5% (S.C. Code § 56-3-627(D)). This $250 fee does not apply to an owner on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or to their spouse or dependent.