Free South Carolina Car Bill of Sale
South Carolina replaced vehicle sales tax with the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) — 5% of sale price, capped at $500. Using Form 4031, buyers have 45 days to transfer the title at the SCDMV.
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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
Exempt
Title Required
Yes
South Carolina title must be applied for within 45 days of sale. SC now uses a secure title certificate.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
South Carolina charges an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of 5% of the sale price, 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 Form 4031 + title + proof of insurance to SCDMV 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 title transfer window.
- Forgetting that the IMF applies even on gifted vehicles (based on fair market value).
Pro Tip
SC car: Form 4031 + 45-day transfer + 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 the sale price, capped at $500 maximum per vehicle. This makes SC one of the most tax-friendly states for purchasing expensive vehicles.
What is SCDMV Form 4031?
Form 4031 is the official South Carolina DMV bill of sale. It must accompany the signed title when the buyer applies for a new SC title 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