South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale Form

About This Form

Covers: South Carolina Bill of Sale (SCDMV Form 4031)

Agency: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

Purpose: Documents a private vehicle sale in South Carolina. Submitted with the title at an SCDMV location when the title assignment has no space for the sale price.

When required: Buyers must register the vehicle at a SCDMV location within 45 days of purchase. SCDMV requires a bill of sale when the title assignment has no space for the sale price.

Form 4031 and what SCDMV asks for

Form 4031 is the South Carolina DMV's bill of sale form number. The South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association also sells a secured version in packs of 100.

SCDMV's title page says a signed bill of sale or buyer's order is required for title transactions. It must show the total sale price minus any trade-in value, and the buyer must sign it. SCDMV's buying guide adds that a title printed without a price line needs a bill of sale sent along with it.

What goes on the back of the title

• SCDMV's advice: the person selling must hold the title in their own name, and you should look it over before any money changes hands.
• The first assignment on the title needs the buyer's name and address, any lender, the odometer reading, the sale price, the date of sale, and both signatures.

What to bring to SCDMV

• The title signed over to you.
• A completed Title Application (Form 400). It accepts electronic or digital signatures.
• The title fee and the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (or sales tax, if your vehicle type owes that instead).
• The Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina (Form TI-006), only if you have no South Carolina license or ID but want a South Carolina title.

The Infrastructure Maintenance Fee

• Most vehicles pay the IMF instead of sales tax: 5% of the price, but no more than $500.
• By law the fee is based on fair market value: the total price minus any trade-in, or a value from a national used-vehicle guide, minus any trade-in.
• When the fee is based on the total price, the law says SCDMV requires a bill of sale and the owner's signature, under South Carolina's perjury laws.
• Some transfers, such as between immediate family members, are excluded from the fee.

What to Include in a South Carolina Bill of Sale

A complete bill of sale usually includes:

• Seller name, address
• Buyer name, address
• Year, make, model
• VIN
• Odometer
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Seller signature