How to Write and Use a South Carolina Vehicle Bill of Sale

What a 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. It names the seller, the buyer, the vehicle, the sale price, and the date. In South Carolina, a bill of sale protects both of you: it proves you no longer own the car, and it proves the buyer paid for it.

You do not have to use a specific form. South Carolina law does not require a particular document or agency approval. You can write one yourself on plain paper, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form from an office supply store. What matters is that the bill of sale contains the right information and that both you and the buyer sign it.

The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer. The title is the legal ownership document that goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill of sale is your proof of the transaction and stays with you and the buyer.

Key Takeaways

• A bill of sale must include the seller's name and address, buyer's name and address, vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, year, sale price, date of sale, and signatures from both parties.
• South Carolina does not require a specific form, so you can write one yourself, use a template, or buy a pre-printed form.
• Both the seller and buyer should keep a signed copy for their records.
• A bill of sale is not the same as a title transfer; you still need to notify the DMV that you sold the vehicle.
• If you sell a vehicle without a bill of sale, you have no proof of the sale if a problem arises later.

What information must go on the bill of sale

The bill of sale should include your name and address as the seller, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of the sale. Write out the date in full (for example, January 15, 2025) rather than using numbers alone, to avoid confusion.

Include the vehicle's complete identification number (VIN), which you can find on the dashboard on the driver's side, on the title document, or on the registration card. Also write the year, make, model, and color of the vehicle. If the vehicle has a known mechanical problem or damage, you may note it on the bill of sale, though this is not required.

Write the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000 (five thousand dollars)"). If you are trading the vehicle as part of the sale, describe what you are receiving in return. Both you and the buyer must sign and print your names on the bill of sale. Some people also add the date they signed it, though the sale date is the most important one.

How to fill out a bill of sale correctly

Start with a clear heading at the top: "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." Below that, write "Seller:" followed by your full legal name and street address, city, state, and ZIP code. On the next line, write "Buyer:" followed by the buyer's full legal name and address in the same format.

Create a section for vehicle details. Write "Vehicle Information:" and then list the year, make, model, body style (sedan, truck, SUV, etc.), color, and VIN. Leave space for the odometer reading if you want to include it, though South Carolina does not require it on a bill of sale.

Add a line for the sale price and the date of sale. Write "Sale Price:" followed by the amount in both numbers and words. Write "Date of Sale:" followed by the full date. At the bottom, leave space for signatures. Write "Seller Signature:" with a line, then "Seller Printed Name:" with a line. Repeat for the buyer. Both parties should sign in blue or black ink.

When to sign the bill of sale

You and the buyer should sign the bill of sale at the time of the sale, ideally before the money changes hands. This way, both of you have a record that matches the transaction as it happened. If the buyer pays you and then you sign later, there is a gap in the record.

Make sure you sign in front of the buyer, or at least that you both sign before parting ways. You do not need a notary public to witness the signature, and South Carolina does not require it. However, some people choose to have a notary sign as a witness for extra protection, especially if the sale price is high.

What to do with the bill of sale after you sign it

Make two copies of the signed bill of sale: one for you and one for the buyer. Keep your copy in a safe place with your other car documents. The buyer should keep their copy as proof of purchase.

After you sign the bill of sale, you must still notify the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles that you sold the vehicle. You do this by submitting a notice of sale form to the DMV within 10 days of the sale. This step removes you from liability if the buyer gets into an accident or breaks the law with the vehicle after you sold it. Without this notice, you remain the registered owner in the DMV's system.

To file the notice of sale, go to the DMV website or visit a local DMV office in person. You will need your driver's license, the vehicle's title, and the bill of sale. Some DMV offices allow you to mail the notice, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

What happens if you sell without a bill of sale

If you sell a vehicle and do not create a bill of sale, you have no written proof of the sale. If the buyer later gets a traffic ticket, is in an accident, or commits a crime with the vehicle, the police and courts may still contact you because the title is in your name. You will have to prove you no longer own it, and without a bill of sale, that proof is harder to establish.

A buyer without a bill of sale also has no proof they paid for the vehicle. If a dispute arises about the price, condition, or ownership, both of you are at a disadvantage. The bill of sale costs nothing to create and takes a few minutes to write. It is worth doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a notary to sign a bill of sale in South Carolina?

No, South Carolina does not require a notary signature on a bill of sale. Both the seller and buyer can sign without a witness or notary present. However, having a notary sign as a witness adds an extra layer of proof if a dispute arises later, and some people choose to do this for high-value vehicles.

What if the buyer does not have a current address?

Write the address the buyer gives you at the time of sale. If they do not have a permanent address, use the address where they say they can be reached. The purpose is to have a record of who bought the vehicle, so any address they provide is better than leaving it blank.

Can I sell a vehicle with a lien on the title?

You can write a bill of sale, but the buyer cannot legally own the vehicle until the lien is paid off and removed from the title. The lender's name appears on the title document. You must contact the lender, pay off the loan, and get a clear title before the buyer can register the vehicle in their name. The bill of sale can note that the sale is contingent on the lien being cleared.

What if I sell the vehicle to a family member?

Create a bill of sale even for a family member. Write the actual sale price or the agreed-upon amount, even if it is lower than market value or if you are giving the vehicle as a gift. If you are giving it as a gift with no payment, write "gift" or "$0" as the sale price. This protects both of you and makes the ownership transfer clear to the DMV.

How long should I keep my copy of the bill of sale?

Keep your copy for at least three to five years after the sale. This protects you if the buyer later has legal or financial problems involving the vehicle. After that time, you can discard it, though keeping it longer does no harm.