Skip to main content

How to Transfer an Out-of-State Vehicle Title to South Carolina

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to do to transfer an out-of-state title

To transfer a vehicle title from another state to South Carolina, you must submit your current out-of-state title, proof of ownership, and identification to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The SCDMV will issue you a new South Carolina title in exchange. You cannot legally drive the vehicle in South Carolina on an out-of-state title — you need the state title before you can register the vehicle here.

The process takes roughly two to four weeks from the date the SCDMV receives your complete paperwork. If your paperwork is incomplete or the title has problems, the SCDMV will contact you and the timeline extends. You can submit your documents by mail or in person at a SCDMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have the original or certified copy of your out-of-state title before you start — a bill of sale or receipt is not enough.
  • South Carolina requires a VIN inspection at an SCDMV office or authorized third party before the title transfer is complete.
  • If the out-of-state title has a lien on it, the lienholder must sign off or release the lien before South Carolina will issue a new title.
  • You will pay a title transfer fee to the SCDMV, which varies based on the vehicle's age and value.
  • Submitting documents by mail takes longer than applying in person, but both routes are available.

Documents the SCDMV requires

Gather these documents before you contact the SCDMV or visit an office:

  • The original out-of-state title or a certified copy issued by the state that issued it.
  • A completed Application for South Carolina Title (Form 4031), available on the SCDMV website or at any SCDMV office.
  • Proof of ownership — usually the bill of sale, purchase agreement, or gift letter if the vehicle was given to you.
  • A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
  • Proof of South Carolina residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
  • Proof of a passing VIN inspection (see below).

If the vehicle has a lien, you will also need written confirmation from the lienholder that the lien has been released or will be released. Some lienholders send this directly to the SCDMV; others send it to you. Ask your lender or the bank holding the lien what their process is.

The VIN inspection requirement

South Carolina requires a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection before the SCDMV will issue a title. This is a physical inspection of the vehicle to confirm the VIN matches your paperwork and that the vehicle has not been reported stolen or salvaged. You cannot complete the title transfer without this inspection.

You have two options for the VIN inspection. You can visit any SCDMV office and have an inspector examine the vehicle there — bring the vehicle and your out-of-state title. Or you can use an authorized third party, such as a law enforcement agency, an insurance company, or a certified inspection station. The SCDMV website lists authorized inspectors by county. The inspection itself is free at SCDMV offices; third-party inspectors may charge a small fee.

Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a document or form confirming the inspection passed. Keep this with your other paperwork when you submit to the SCDMV.

How to submit your paperwork

You can apply for a South Carolina title by mail or in person. Applying in person is faster — you can often complete it in one visit if you have all documents and the VIN inspection already done.

In person: Visit any SCDMV office with your completed Form 4031, out-of-state title, proof of ownership, ID, proof of residency, and VIN inspection document. The staff will review your paperwork on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. You will pay the title transfer fee at that time. Processing takes two to four weeks after submission.

By mail: Send all documents to the SCDMV address listed on Form 4031. Include a check or money order for the title transfer fee. Mail takes longer because documents travel both ways, and if anything is missing, the SCDMV will mail you a notice asking for more information. This can add two to three weeks to the timeline. Use certified mail with tracking so you know the SCDMV received your package.

Title transfer fees

The fee for a South Carolina title transfer depends on the vehicle's age and whether it is a standard vehicle, motorcycle, or other type. Fees typically range from $15 to $50 for the title itself, plus any additional fees for services like duplicate titles or rush processing. The SCDMV website lists the exact fee for your vehicle type and year.

If you are transferring a title for a vehicle with a lien, the fee is the same. The lien does not change the cost of the title transfer — it only affects whether the SCDMV can issue the title to you or must issue it to the lienholder until the lien is paid off.

What happens if your out-of-state title has problems

Some out-of-state titles have issues that delay or block the transfer. The most common problems are a missing signature, a lien that has not been released, a title that is damaged or illegible, or a title that shows the vehicle as salvaged or branded (meaning it was in a major accident or flood).

If your title has a problem, the SCDMV will contact you by mail and explain what is wrong. You will need to contact the state that issued the title to get a corrected or certified copy. This can take several weeks. For salvage or branded titles, South Carolina has specific rules about whether the vehicle can be titled and driven here — contact the SCDMV directly to ask about your vehicle's status.

If the title is in someone else's name, you will need a bill of sale or power of attorney from that person before the SCDMV will transfer it to your name.

Timeline and what to expect

The timeline depends on how you submit your paperwork and whether everything is in order. If you apply in person with complete paperwork and a passed VIN inspection, the SCDMV will process your application and mail you the new title within two to four weeks. If you mail your paperwork, add one to two weeks for mail travel time on each end.

You will receive a notice in the mail when your new South Carolina title is ready. Some SCDMV offices allow you to pick up the title in person instead of waiting for it to be mailed. Once you have the title, you can register the vehicle with the SCDMV and obtain license plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle in South Carolina while waiting for the new title?

No. You must have a South Carolina title before you can register the vehicle and obtain South Carolina license plates. Driving on an out-of-state title and plates is not legal in South Carolina. If you need to drive the vehicle before the title arrives, you may be able to get a temporary registration from the SCDMV — ask at an office or call the main line.

What if the out-of-state title is in two names?

Both names must appear on the South Carolina title unless one person signs the title over to the other. If both of you want to be on the new title, both must sign the out-of-state title and submit it together. If only one person wants the title, the other must sign a release or power of attorney. The SCDMV can advise you on the exact form needed.

Do I need the original out-of-state title or can I use a copy?

The SCDMV prefers the original, but will accept a certified copy issued by the state that issued the title. A photocopy you made yourself is not acceptable. If you have lost the original, contact the state's motor vehicle department to request a certified duplicate title.

What if there is a lien on the vehicle and I am still paying it off?

The SCDMV will issue the title to the lienholder, not to you, until the lien is paid off. You will own and drive the vehicle, but the lienholder's name will appear on the title. Once the lien is paid, the lienholder must release it and send proof to the SCDMV, or you can request a new title showing you as the sole owner.

How much does the title transfer cost?

Fees vary by vehicle type and age, typically ranging from $15 to $50. Check the SCDMV website or call an office with your vehicle's year and type to get the exact fee before you submit your paperwork.