Vehicle Title

• The vehicle's seller must sign the front of the title on Line 3, located on the left side of the title. You cannot transfer ownership if a lien is listed on the vehicle's title. An authorized lien holder representative also must sign the title. A lien release also is acceptable proof of a satisfied lien, which the seller can obtain from the lien holder. It is the seller's responsibility to obtain the proper lien release, not the buyer's. New residents and buyers have 45 days from the date of moving or sale to retitle the vehicle.
  
  

Proof of Insurance

• If you plan to register your vehicle after acquiring a properly signed vehicle title, you must bring proof of liability insurance with you to a DMV office. The bodily injury portion of your liability policy, which pays for injuries you cause to other people in an at-fault accident, must provide at least $25,000 in coverage per person and at least $50,000 in coverage per accident. The property damage portion of your policy, which pays for property you damage with your vehicle, must provide at least $25,000 in coverage.
  
  

Application for Certificate of Title and Registration

• If you're the buyer, submit a completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration along with your title to transfer ownership. You can use this form to transfer the title into your name or to apply for a vehicle registration at the same time. Read the form over carefully before completing it, as some areas on the form are for dealer purchases, leases or to submit co-owner information. You'll need the seller's name and address to complete this form, so use the information off of your title to complete the form (see Resource).
  
  

Tax and Fees

• As of May 2011, a South Carolina vehicle title costs $15. South Carolina does not issue instant vehicle titles, but you may choose to expedite the mailing of your title by paying an additional $20. Registration cost varies by vehicle type and weight. If you plan to transfer plates from a different vehicle, expect to pay $10 for registration. You also must pay vehicle property tax, payable to your county treasurer. Sales tax, which is 5 percent of the vehicle's purchase price, is due when you transfer the vehicle's title.