Free South Carolina Bill of Sale Template

A South Carolina bill of sale is a legal document that records the sale and transfer of personal property. It serves as proof of ownership, helps prevent disputes, and may be required by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) or the Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for registration.

A valid South Carolina bill of sale should include:

• Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures
• Property description (make, model, year, VIN/HIN/serial number)
• Purchase price and date of sale
• Notarization, if required

A South Carolina bill of sale is required or recommended for these transactions:

• Vehicles: Required for private sales if the title does not include the selling price and odometer reading. Registration must be completed within 45 days. Auto liability insurance minimums: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 for all persons per accident, $25,000 for all property damage per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage must follow the same formula as above, with typically a $200 deductible. Seller must file Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416).
• Boats: Required for registration with the SCDNR. Bill of sale must be notarized except if the original title is from South Carolina
• Trailers: Required for titling but not always for registration. Trailers under 2,500 lbs. do not require registration unless used out of state; trailers over 2,500 lbs. must be titled.
• Firearms: Recommended but not legally required. South Carolina does not require firearm registration; open carry is legal without a permit; concealed carry became permitless in 2024, though permits remain available for reciprocity with other states.
• Motorcycles: Required if title lacks designated purchase price section or odometer info. Buyers must register newly purchased motorcycles within 45 days. The SCDMV Bill of Sale Affidavit (Form 4031) or equivalent must be notarized.

Notarization rules vary by sale type:

• Vehicles: Not required unless title lacks purchase price or odometer info.
• Boats: Required for all boat bills of sale, except if the original title is from South Carolina.
• Trailers: Not required unless tied to lien releases.
• Firearms: Not required.
• Motorcycles: Required when using SCDMV Bill of Sale Affidavit (Form 4031).

Keep these state requirements in mind when completing a bill of sale:

• Vehicle sales: Seller files Notice of Vehicle Sold (Form 416) with SCDMV to protect against liability before ownership officially transfers.
• Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF): Buyers pay 5% of the sales price (max $500) instead of property tax at registration.
• Boat deadlines: 30 days to start registration for a newly purchased boat, 60 days to complete it (if it goes beyond the 30 days, a late fee applies).
• Trailer exemptions: Under 2,500 lbs. empty weight, no registration needed unless traveling out of state.
• Firearm laws: Concealed carry no longer requires a permit as of 2024, but permits remain useful for travel reciprocity.
• Motorcycle rules: Title transfer required; registration within 45 days of purchase or moving into the state.