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.

South Carolina Requirements: Register within 45 days of purchase; the title law itself says to apply promptly after delivery. Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (capped $500) applies; it is not a flat percentage of the price.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Car Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

VIN *

Color *

Mileage *

License Plate

Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge

Lien Holder (if applicable)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

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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 Form

SCDMV Form 4031

Bill of Sale

Agency

SCDMV

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

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 obtains a 45-day temporary plate at time of purchase.

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.

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.

Other South Carolina Templates

Vehicle Bill of Sale Used Car Bill of Sale Motorcycle Bill of Sale Boat Bill of Sale Trailer Bill of Sale Horse Bill of Sale ATV Bill of Sale Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale RV Bill of Sale General Bill of Sale Free Printable Bill of Sale Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale As-Is Bill of Sale Gift Bill of Sale

Car in Other States

Texas Florida Georgia Missouri Utah Oregon Alabama Colorado Connecticut Arkansas

How to Fill Out

Step-by-step guide for South Carolina

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