Frequently Asked Questions

We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs

Navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
If you have a mutilated or damaged title for car, you must turn it in to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles at your earliest convenience, so they can dispose of it properly. Upon your visit, you can also apply for a SC duplicate car title with the correct documentation and payment. You will be required to present the following:
  • Application or Certificate of Title/Registration
  • Your South Carolina driver s license

If you do not have your SC drivers license on hand, you may present a United States passport, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a permanent residency card in its place. Your full name must be listed on the document.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
Stop by your local police station to file a report about your lost car title or stolen car title. Once you have arrived at the physical location, ask to speak to a law enforcement officer and inform them about your incident. After the police report has been filled out, you can request to be given a copy for your records. Take your copy to a local DMV office when getting a duplicate car title. Whether or not your duplicate fee is waived will be to the discretion of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
The state of South Carolina allows drivers to obtain a duplicate car title in one of two ways:
  • By mail
  • In person

In both instances, you will be required to fill out an Application or Certificate of Title/Registration and pay the appropriate fees. Before you make your way to a DMV office, make sure to gather these necessary materials with you in order to avoid any delay. Find a branch near you by clicking this link.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
In order to get a salvaged car title after the vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurance company must send the following items to the Headquarters Title Unit:

The aforementioned items must be submitted to a nearby DMV office of the address below:

Headquarters Title Unit PO Box 1498 Blythewood, SC 29216-0024

To learn more about salvage vehicles, contact the SC DMV at 803-896-5000.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

How do I transfer my car title between states?
If you are moving to a different state, you will need to get in touch with the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new location about car title transfer. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to their titling and registration process, therefore you may be required to present varying documents and necessary paperwork. Payment for a new car title fee may also vary.

When applying for a new car title in another state, have your drivers license on hand, as well as proof of car insurance.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If you have a lost car title, you will need to obtain a duplicate copy before you are able to transfer your title. To replace your car title, apply in person or by mail. In any case, you will need to fill out an Application for Certificate of Title/Registration and pay the appropriate $15 duplicate fee. This amount may vary. You will also need to present proof of identification, such as your South Carolina drivers license.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

How do I transfer my car title?
If you recently purchased a new vehicle, you can get a new title for car by visiting your local DMV branch with certain documentation, and payment for any necessary fees and taxes. The state of South Carolina gives drivers 45 days to title and register their new car after it has been purchased.

You can also complete your titling and registration process via mail. To do so, follow the instructions on the Application for Certificate of Title/Registration.

If you purchased your vehicle at a dealership, the dealer will take care of the necessary paperwork for you. If you are the seller of your vehicle, make sure to transfer your title to the buyer, along with a Bill of Sale that confirms the transaction between both private parties.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
In order to transfer the title of your RV, you will need to follow the same process you would to obtain a standard SC vehicle title. Visit your local DMV branch with these items on hand:
  • Proof of insurance
  • Paid vehicle property tax receipt
  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title/Registration
  • Payment for title and registration fees
  • Your South Carolina driver s license

The title and registration fee for an RV is $24. This cost is subject to change without notice. When filling out your Application for Certificate of Title/Registration, you will be required to note your current odometer reading.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
Currently, the state of South Carolina does not offer an option to request a car title replacement online. Instead, you are required to stop by at a nearby SC DMV office to complete this process, which includes filling out an Application for Certificate of Title/Registration.

If you are requesting expedited service for your car title by mail, you can expect to receive it within three business days. Only checks are accepted in this fashion, and they must be made payable to “SC DMV.” The department will not accept cash as a form of payment by mail.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
If you have inherited a vehicle with the passing of a loved one, you will need to visit your local DMV branch with the following items, in order to transfer the title to your name:
  • An Affidavit of Inheritance of a Vehicle
  • Certificate of Title
  • Will of the deceased
  • Your South Carolina driver s license

You will also need to bring payment for any necessary fees. Call your nearby DMV prior to your visit if you would like to find out more.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
There are a few instances in which you may be required to transfer titles in South Carolina. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
  • When your address has changed
  • When you have acquired a new name
  • When you are selling a vehicle
  • When you are buying a vehicle
  • When you are moving to another state
  • When you are donating a vehicle
  • When you are adding a co-owner to your car title
  • When you have inherited a vehicle

To complete the process of requesting a new title, you will need to either visit your local DMV branch or send all applicable documentation by mail. Simply fill out the Application for Certificate of Title/Registration and mail your items to the address on the form.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
In order to get a South Carolina car title copy, you will be required to pay a fee of $15. This fee is subject to change. If making your request by mail, only a personal check will be accepted. Your new car title will be sent to the address you have on file. However, if you have a vehicle lien, the title will be mailed out to the lien holder instead.

If you are submitting your duplicate fee payment in person, the DMV office will accept any of the following:

  • Credit card
  • Debit card
  • Cash
  • Check

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
When requesting an SC car title replacement, you will need to bring the following documentation with you to a DMV office in your area:

If you do not have your SC drivers license on hand, you may present a United States passport, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a permanent residency card in its place. Your full name must be listed on the document.

If you are replacing your car title by mail, make a copy of both the front and back of your credential and submit it to the address on your application.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
To properly obtain a new title and registration for your recently purchased vehicle, stop by a nearby DMV branch with the following items:
  • Car title or Manufacturer s Certificate of Origin
  • Paid vehicle property tax receipt
  • Paid Casual Sales tax
  • Payment for titling and registration fees
  • Application for Certificate of Title/Registration
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Your South Carolina drivers license

You will have 45 days to complete the titling and registration process for your new vehicle. You can also apply for a new DMV car title by mail and sending the Application for Certificate of Title/Registration to the address listed on the form.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
To get a car title copy, the state of South Carolina requires drivers to complete an Application for Certificate of Title/Registration. This important document contains sections you need to fill out about your vehicle, the owner of the vehicle and the current mileage. In order to be deemed valid, it must be dated with your signature.

If you would like to have your car title expedited to you, you can request this faster service for an additional charge of $20. You can expect to receive your expedited title for car in a matter of three business days after your request has been processed.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
In the event that you have found your South Carolina vehicle title after requesting a duplicate, your original will be considered invalid. In order to avoid any fraudulent use, bring your original car title to a nearby DMV branch and hand it to an agent to dispose of it. You can also contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles for further information, by calling 803-896-5000. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
In order to obtain a new car title for your motorcycle, you will need to follow the same process you would for a passenger vehicle. Visit your nearby DMV branch with the following items:

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
The Bill of Sale confirms the selling of a vehicle between two private parties. This crucial document should be filled out before the exchange is complete. Some important notations you should add to a Bill of Sale include the following:
  • Vehicle description
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • Seller s name, address and phone number
  • Buyer s name, address and phone number
  • Seller s signature and buyer s signature
  • Selling price of vehicle
  • Current odometer mileage

Some DMVs may have a formal Bill of Sale document you can use, or you may opt to write one of your own.

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in South Carolina

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
In South Carolina, you can send a request for replacing car title to the address below:

SC DMV PO Box 1498 10311 Wilson Blvd. Blythewood, SC 29016 0023

As part of your mailing package, you will need to include a completed Application for Certificate of Title/Registration and payment for the title fee, in the amount of $15. Only checks are accepted by mail. For expedited service, there is an additional charge of $20. Fees may be subject to vary without notice.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
The state of South Carolina does not require drivers to show proof of car insurance when replacing car titles. However, you may want to bring this documentation with you to a nearby DMV office, in the event that you are asked to provide additional information.

To obtain a duplicate car title, present a couple of standard documents that include the following:

If you do not have your drivers license with you, bring another proof of identity, such as your U.S. passport or a permanent residency card.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina