Selling or junking a car in South Carolina, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the South Carolina DMV using SCDMV Form 400 Title Application; it can be done online.
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller signs the title over to the buyer and writes the odometer reading, sale date and selling price on the back. The seller should also file a Notice of Vehicle Sold and turn in the plate unless moving it to another vehicle.
- Deal with your plates. If you sell and do not move the plate to another vehicle, you must surrender active plates with a License Plate Turn In form (452), by mail or at a branch.
- File the Notice of Vehicle Sold. The seller files Form 416 at a branch or by mail to protect themselves as the last registered owner. It does not by itself transfer ownership.
How to sign over a title in South Carolina
The seller signs the title over to the buyer and writes the odometer reading, sale date and selling price on the back. The seller should also file a Notice of Vehicle Sold and turn in the plate unless moving it to another vehicle.
Official page: dmv.sc.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in South Carolina
You can request a replacement title online, or submit Form 400 with ID by mail or at a branch. Same-day expedited duplicates are available only in person.
- Form: SCDMV Form 400 Title Application — download
- Available online: yes
- Official page: dmv.sc.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
Notice of Vehicle Sold
The seller files Form 416 at a branch or by mail to protect themselves as the last registered owner. It does not by itself transfer ownership.
- Form: SCDMV Form 416
- Can be filed online: no
- Official page: dmv.sc.gov
Why it matters: release of liability when selling a car.
License plates after you sell
Plates generally need to be returned or surrendered to the state. If you sell and do not move the plate to another vehicle, you must surrender active plates with a License Plate Turn In form (452), by mail or at a branch.
Source: dmv.sc.gov
Junk and salvage titles in South Carolina
A junk brand goes on vehicles so badly damaged that they cannot be repaired to run and are worth only parts or scrap; such vehicles cannot be driven on SC roads. A salvage brand, once added, can never be removed.
Official page: dmv.sc.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in South Carolina
We didn't find an official South Carolina page describing a no-title option, so the safest route is to request a duplicate first. Our guide to junking a car without a title covers the general options buyers may accept.
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South Carolina title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in South Carolina?
You can request a replacement title online, or submit Form 400 with ID by mail or at a branch. Same-day expedited duplicates are available only in person. The form is SCDMV Form 400 Title Application.
Do I need to notify South Carolina when I sell or junk my car?
South Carolina uses the Notice of Vehicle Sold. The seller files Form 416 at a branch or by mail to protect themselves as the last registered owner. It does not by itself transfer ownership.
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in South Carolina?
If you sell and do not move the plate to another vehicle, you must surrender active plates with a License Plate Turn In form (452), by mail or at a branch.
Can I junk a car without a title in South Carolina?
It depends on the car and the buyer. The simplest route is usually to request a duplicate title first. Our guide to junking a car without a title explains the general options.
Official sources
- South Carolina DMV — homedmv.sc.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titledmv.sc.gov
- Duplicate or replacement title (SCDMV Form 400 Title Application)dmv.sc.gov
- SCDMV Form 400 Title Application formdmv.sc.gov
- License plates after a saledmv.sc.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesdmv.sc.gov
Summarized from official South Carolina government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the South Carolina DMV before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.