What a South Carolina bill of sale is and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else. In South Carolina, it documents the date of the sale, the vehicle details, the price paid, and the names and signatures of both the seller and buyer. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) does not require a bill of sale to transfer title, but having one protects both you and the buyer by creating proof of the transaction.
If you are selling a vehicle, a bill of sale shows that you no longer own it and are not responsible for what happens to it after the sale. If you are buying a vehicle, it proves what you paid and when, which matters if there is ever a dispute about the condition or ownership. Many lenders and insurance companies also ask to see a bill of sale before they will process a loan or policy.
South Carolina does not have an official state form for a bill of sale, so you can use a template from the SCDMV website, read one from a legal document site, or write one yourself as long as it includes the required information.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina does not require a bill of sale by law, but it protects both the seller and buyer by documenting the sale date, vehicle details, price, and signatures.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, sale price, date of sale, and the printed names and signatures of both parties.
- You can use a template from the SCDMV website, a third-party legal document site, or create your own as long as it contains all required information.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when they register the vehicle with the SCDMV and explore for a new title in their name.
Information that must go on the bill of sale
The bill of sale should clearly identify the vehicle being sold. Write the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, model, and color. Include the odometer reading at the time of sale. If the odometer is broken or reads over 99,999 miles, note that on the form.
Write the sale price in both numbers and words — for example, "$5,500" and "Five thousand five hundred dollars." Include the date of the sale. Both the seller and buyer must print their full names and sign the document. If either party is a business, include the business name and the name of the person signing on behalf of the business.
Add the seller's address and the buyer's address. Some templates also ask for phone numbers or driver's license numbers, which is helpful but not required by the state. If the vehicle is being sold "as is" with no warranty, you can note that on the form.
Where to find a bill of sale template
The SCDMV website offers a bill of sale template that you can read and print. Search the SCDMV website for "bill of sale" or look under the "Forms" section. The template includes all the fields South Carolina recognizes, so using it reduces the chance of missing something.
If you prefer a different format, sites like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and the American Automobile Association (AAA) offer free or low-cost bill of sale templates for South Carolina. These templates are usually fillable PDFs that you can complete on your computer and print. Make sure any template you choose is labeled for South Carolina, since requirements vary by state.
You can also write a bill of sale by hand on plain paper if you include all the required information and both parties sign it. Handwritten bills of sale are legal in South Carolina as long as they are legible and signed.
How to complete and sign the bill of sale
Fill in all the blanks clearly using either a pen or a computer. If you are handwriting it, use black or blue ink so it is straightforward to read and photocopy. Do not leave blank spaces — if a field does not explore, write "N/A" or draw a line through it.
Both the seller and buyer should sign and print their names on the form. The signatures do not need to be notarized in South Carolina, but some buyers or lenders may request a notarized copy for extra protection. If you want to notarize it, take the unsigned form to a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or the courthouse), and they will watch you sign it and add their seal.
Make at least three copies: one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one to keep with the vehicle's records. If the buyer is financing the vehicle, they may need to give a copy to their lender.
What happens after the bill of sale is signed
Once both parties have signed, the buyer takes the bill of sale to the SCDMV along with other documents to register the vehicle and explore for a title in their name. The buyer will also need the current title (if one exists), proof of insurance, and a completed process for Certificate of Title form.
The seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records. This protects the seller if questions arise later about when the vehicle was sold or who owned it. The seller should also notify their insurance company that they no longer own the vehicle so the policy can be canceled or transferred.
If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until the loan is paid off), the lender must sign the bill of sale or provide a separate document releasing the lien. The buyer cannot register the vehicle in their name until the lien is cleared.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "cash" instead of an amount. The SCDMV needs to see a specific dollar figure. If you are not sure what price to write, research the vehicle's value using resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides so you have a realistic number.
Do not forget to include the VIN. This is the most important piece of information on the bill of sale because it uniquely identifies the vehicle. Write it exactly as it appears on the title or registration — one wrong letter or number can cause problems when the buyer tries to register the vehicle.
Do not sign the bill of sale unless you are actually completing the sale. Once both parties have signed, it is a legal record of the transaction. If the sale falls through, both the buyer and seller should write "VOID" across the document and keep it for their records.
When you might need a notarized bill of sale
South Carolina does not require a notarized bill of sale, but some situations call for one. If the buyer is getting a loan to pay for the vehicle, the lender may ask for a notarized copy. If the vehicle is expensive or the sale is between people who do not know each other well, notarization adds a layer of verification.
To notarize a bill of sale, take the unsigned form and a valid photo ID to a notary public. The notary will watch you sign the document, verify your identity, and then stamp and sign the form themselves. This costs between $5 and $15 depending on where you go. The notarized bill of sale then serves as proof that you signed it in front of a neutral third party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
You can use a bill of sale from another state as long as it includes all the information South Carolina requires: VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures from both parties. However, using a South Carolina template is safer because it is designed to meet state standards and will be more familiar to the SCDMV and lenders.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
If you are the buyer and the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects you by documenting the transaction. Without it, you have no proof of ownership or sale price, and the seller could later claim they still own the vehicle or dispute what was paid.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my vehicle?
No. When you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealership handles the paperwork and title transfer. They will not ask for a bill of sale because they are a licensed dealer. A bill of sale is mainly used for private sales between individuals.
How long should I keep the bill of sale?
Keep your copy of the bill of sale for at least three to five years. If you are the seller, it proves you no longer own the vehicle. If you are the buyer, it documents your purchase and may be needed if you sell the vehicle later or if there is ever a dispute about ownership or condition.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I bought the vehicle?
If you are the current owner and lost your copy, you can request a duplicate title from the SCDMV, which will show you as the owner. You can also ask the seller for another signed copy if you still have contact with them. The SCDMV title is the official proof of ownership, so losing the bill of sale is not as serious as losing the title itself.