How to Sell a Car to a Private Party in South Carolina

Buying and selling a car between private parties in South Carolina is fairly straightforward. The most difficult part is deciding a fair market price for your vehicle. Once you've found a buyer, it's only a matter of filling out some forms and filing them with the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer the title. If you not have a title for your car, you will need to get a replacement title before you can sell it.

Instructions

1

Locate the title to your vehicle. If you do not have a title, you will need to contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (see Resources) to find out how to get a replacement title. Fill out the top portion on the back of the title.

2

Create a bill of sale. Although South Carolina only requires a bill of sale for vehicles titled earlier than June 19, 1989, having a bill of sale is good protection for both the buyer and the seller. Make two copies, and have both people sign and date the document.

3

Remove the license plate from the vehicle. You can turn in the plate to the DMV or you can transfer it to another vehicle. If you are turning it in, you have 45 days to do so or you can face fines.

4

Give the signed title to the buyer. The buyer will need to file the title with the DMV to complete the transfer. They also have 45 days to do so, but all motor vehicles are required to display a license plate, either permanent or temporary, so it's in their best interest to register the vehicle promptly.

5

Complete a "Notice of Vehicle Sold" form and file it with the DMV. This lets the DMV know that the vehicle has been sold and is no longer in your possession, in case it is used in a crime or accident before the new owner registers it.