A South Carolina bill of sale is a written record that you and the buyer (or seller) both sign to prove the car changed hands and at what price
South Carolina does not have a state-mandated bill of sale form, which means you can write one yourself or use a template. What matters is that the document includes the essential details: the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of the sale, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer. The bill of sale protects both of you by creating a paper trail of the transaction and can be important if a dispute arises later about who owned the car on a particular date or what was agreed to.
You do not need to file the bill of sale with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, but you should keep a copy for your records. If you are the seller, the bill of sale shows you are no longer responsible for the vehicle once the buyer takes possession. If you are the buyer, it documents your purchase and can help when you register the car in your name.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina does not require a specific bill of sale form, so you can create one yourself as long as it includes the VIN, sale price, date, and both signatures.
- The bill of sale is not filed with the DMV but should be kept by both the seller and buyer as proof of the transaction.
- Include the odometer reading on the bill of sale to document the car's mileage at the time of sale.
- Both the seller and buyer should sign and date the document in front of a witness or notary public for added legal protection.
What information must go on a South Carolina bill of sale
The bill of sale should start with the date of the transaction at the top. Below that, write the full names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. Then include the vehicle details: the year, make, model, color, and most importantly, the VIN, which is a 17-character code found on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb. The VIN is what ties the document to the specific car and prevents confusion if either party owns multiple vehicles.
Next, state the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000" and "Five Thousand Dollars"). Include the odometer reading at the time of sale—this documents the car's mileage and is useful if questions arise later about wear or maintenance history. If the car has a lien (meaning a lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale as well. Finally, both the seller and buyer must sign and date the document. Having a witness or notary public sign as well adds a layer of legal protection, though it is not required in South Carolina.
How a bill of sale protects the seller
Once you sign a bill of sale as the seller, you have a dated record showing when you transferred ownership of the car. This is critical because you remain liable for the vehicle until the buyer registers it in their name with the DMV. If the buyer gets into an accident, receives a traffic ticket, or fails to pay property taxes before the title transfer is complete, you could be held responsible if you cannot prove you sold the car on a specific date.
The bill of sale also protects you if the buyer later claims the car had mechanical problems or defects that you did not disclose. By documenting the odometer reading and the condition of the car at the time of sale, you create a record of what the buyer received. If you sold the car "as-is," you can note that on the bill of sale to show the buyer accepted it in its current condition.
How a bill of sale protects the buyer
As the buyer, the bill of sale proves you own the car and shows the price you paid. This is your evidence of purchase if you need to file an insurance claim, register the vehicle, or resolve a dispute with the seller. The bill of sale also documents the odometer reading at the time of purchase, which can be important if the car later develops problems and you need to prove those problems existed before you bought it.
If the seller claims you still owe money or tries to repossess the car after you have paid, the signed bill of sale is your proof that the transaction was complete. Keep this document with your vehicle records and your title once you receive it from the DMV.
The difference between a bill of sale and a title
A bill of sale and a title are two separate documents that serve different purposes. The bill of sale is the record of the transaction—who sold the car, who bought it, when, and for how much. The title is the legal document issued by the South Carolina DMV that proves ownership of the vehicle. The title has the VIN, the owner's name, and information about any liens.
When you sell a car in South Carolina, you sign the back of the title to transfer ownership to the buyer. The buyer then takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the DMV to register the car in their name. The bill of sale supports the title transfer by documenting the sale itself. You need both documents for the transaction to be complete.
Where to get a South Carolina bill of sale template
Since South Carolina does not have an official state form, you can find templates online through the DMV website, legal document services, or general bill of sale templates. Many templates are free and can be downloaded and printed. You can also write your own bill of sale on plain paper as long as it includes all the required information: the date, the names and addresses of both parties, the vehicle details including the VIN, the sale price, the odometer reading, and the signatures of both the seller and buyer.
If you want extra legal protection, you can have the bill of sale notarized. A notary public will verify the identities of both parties and witness the signatures. This costs a small fee (usually between $5 and $15) but creates a more legally binding document. Some banks, credit unions, and shipping stores offer notary services.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed the bill of sale, each should keep a copy. The buyer should take the signed bill of sale along with the signed title to the South Carolina DMV to register the vehicle. The DMV will issue a new title in the buyer's name. This process typically takes one to two weeks, though it can vary depending on how busy the DMV office is.
As the seller, keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. If any questions arise about when you sold the car or whether you disclosed known problems, you will have proof of the transaction. Do not sign over the title until you have received payment in full and both you and the buyer have signed the bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale in South Carolina?
No, a notary is not required for a bill of sale in South Carolina. However, having a notary public witness and sign the document adds legal weight and can help if a dispute arises later. The cost is usually $5 to $15.
Can I write a bill of sale by hand?
Yes, you can write a bill of sale by hand on plain paper. It does not have to be typed or printed. Just make sure it includes all the required information: the date, both parties' names and addresses, the VIN, the sale price, the odometer reading, and both signatures.
What if I sell a car without a bill of sale?
Selling without a bill of sale is legal in South Carolina, but it is risky for both parties. Without a written record, it is harder to prove when the sale occurred or what was agreed to. If a dispute arises, you have no documentation to support your side of the story.
Should I keep the bill of sale after I sell my car?
Yes, keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. It proves you sold the car on a specific date and protects you if questions arise about the condition of the vehicle or when ownership transferred.
Can the buyer register the car without a bill of sale?
The buyer can register the car using just the signed title, but having a bill of sale is helpful documentation. It shows the purchase price and odometer reading, which can be useful for insurance and maintenance records.