South Carolina Car Bill of Sale: Form 4031 + Requirements
South Carolina recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The state publishes Form 4031 (Bill of Sale). SC's structural quirk: the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) caps motor vehicle sales tax at $500 per vehicle.
Is a bill of sale required in South Carolina?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Form 4031 (Bill of Sale) is South Carolina's optional template. Available at scdmvonline.com.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax / IMF implications
South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) on motor vehicle sales — capped at $500 per vehicle. This means high-value cars effectively pay a lower percentage.
For a $20,000 car: 5% = $1,000, but capped at $500. For a $5,000 car: 5% = $250 (under the cap).
The buyer pays at the SCDMV at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- No statewide emissions testing: SC doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Where to file
The buyer files at any South Carolina DMV office within 45 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in SC?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does SC require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the IMF in SC?
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee — South Carolina's version of vehicle sales tax. 5% of the sale price, capped at $500 per vehicle.
Why is the IMF capped at $500?
SC's IMF is structured to keep total tax exposure on high-value vehicle purchases bounded. A $50,000 car would otherwise face $2,500 in sales tax; under IMF, it's capped at $500.
What form do I use?
Form 4031 (SC Bill of Sale), available at scdmvonline.com.
Where do I file the bill of sale in SC?
At any SC DMV office, with the signed title. Within 45 days of sale.
Does SC require emissions testing?
No.
What if I lost the title in SC?
Apply for a duplicate at the SC DMV.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
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