How To Sign Your South Carolina Title
Preparing to donate your car in South Carolina? This guide will walk you through the correct steps to sign your title without errors. We’ve included annotated images of actual South Carolina titles so you can follow along with ease. Get clear instructions on where to print and sign your name, what actions to take if multiple owners are listed and how to steer clear of common mistakes that could delay your donation. Whether you’re donating for the first time or just need a quick reminder, everything you need is right here. If you have any questions, help is only a phone call away.
The person (or persons)* listed on the front of the title must follow these steps, unless otherwise noted:
- Print your name (or names)* on the back of the title where it says “Seller’s Printed Name”.
- Sign your name (or names)* on the back of the title where it says “Seller’s Signature”.
To help with your donation, we have showcased the various South Carolina vehicle titles below as well as annotated on each title where to print and sign your name. To enlarge an image, simply click on the image. Questions? Give one of our friendly Title Clerks a call at (866) 233-8586.
Note: Actual title designs may vary slightly from the images shown above.
Official South Carolina Government Links & Contact Info
- County Title Offices
- Obtain Vehicle Specific Information
- Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles
- Vehicle Title FAQs
- Vehicle Title Forms
Contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: (803) 896-5000
Contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Title Division – (803) 896-5000, Option 4.
South Carolina Vehicle Titles: How To For Multiple Owners
If there is more than one owner listed on the title, one or both must sign it depending on how the names appear. See the below chart for details.
Remember, the name used to sign the title must match the name shown on the title exactly. Therefore, always remember to print/sign your name exactly as it is shown on the title.
|
John Doe OR Jane Doe |
If “OR” is present between the names, only one of the owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND/OR Jane Doe |
If “AND/OR” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND Jane Doe |
If “AND” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe Jane Doe |
If there is nothing present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
Please take note to adhere to the below instructions so as not to void your title.
- Do not use markers or pencils. Only blue or black pen are allowed.
- Do not cross out or strikethrough any text or writing.
- Do not use white-out or similar substance.
- Do not rip, tear, or tape the title.
- Do not doodle on the title.
Still Have Questions? Find Your Answer Below!
What Mistakes Do People Make When Filling Out a Bill of Sale?
- Missing Signatures: Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale for it to be valid.
- Incorrect Vehicle Information: Errors in VIN, mileage, make, model or year can void the form.
- Omitting the Sale Price: Leaving this out can lead to incorrect tax calculations.
- Messy or Illegible Entries: Cross-outs, overwriting or sloppy handwriting may cause the DMV to reject the document.
- Using the Wrong Date: Always make sure the date matches the day the vehicle was actually transferred.
What Should You Do If the Title Is Lost or Damaged Before the Sale?
If your vehicle title is lost, damaged or unreadable before the sale, you’ll need to request a duplicate through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). This involves completing Form 400 and paying a $15 replacement fee. Make sure there are no existing liens on the vehicle, or you’ll need a lien release from the lender first. Once your application is submitted, allow several business days for processing before scheduling the final sale or transfer with the buyer.
How Can You Check If There’s a Loan or Lien on the Title?
To determine whether a lien exists on your South Carolina title, you can inspect the title document itself and any lienholder will be listed there. If you don’t have the title in hand, you can contact the SCDMV for a title record or use their online services to check the title status. Additionally, obtaining a vehicle history report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck can reveal any liens or unpaid loans. If a loan exists, the lien must be released before a legal sale can take place.
What Should You Do Before Letting Someone Test Drive Your Car?
Before allowing someone to test drive your vehicle, always ask to see their valid driver’s license to confirm they are legally allowed to operate the vehicle. You should also check that your insurance policy covers other drivers during test drives. For added safety, it’s wise to accompany the prospective buyer on the drive and avoid handing over keys unless you’re physically present in the car. Choosing a safe, public location for the test drive helps prevent potential theft or disputes and ensures a more secure transaction environment.
Can You Transfer a Title If You’re Out of State?
Yes, if you’re temporarily outside of South Carolina but need to transfer a vehicle title, you can complete the process by mail. This involves filling out Form 400, including a copy of your driver’s license, and sending the signed title and payment to the SCDMV. While South Carolina does not require notarization, be mindful that the buyer’s home state might. It’s a good idea to verify title transfer requirements with the buyer to ensure a smooth interstate transaction.
What Happens If the Buyer Doesn’t Transfer the Title?
If the buyer fails to transfer the title after purchasing your car, you could still be held legally responsible for the vehicle. This could include traffic tickets, toll violations or even legal liability in the case of an accident. To protect yourself, South Carolina allows you to submit a “Notice of Vehicle Sold” (Form 416) to the SCDMV. This alerts the DMV that you are no longer the owner, effectively limiting your responsibility for anything the new owner does with the vehicle.
Do You Need to Get the Title Notarized in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not require notarization of a title for private vehicle sales. You and the buyer only need to fill out the title and sign it in the appropriate sections. However, if the buyer is registering the vehicle in a different state, that state may require a notarized title. It’s important to clarify this requirement with the buyer before finalizing the sale, especially if the transaction crosses state lines.
What Papers Should You Keep After Selling Your Car?
After selling your vehicle, it’s wise to retain a few important documents. Keep a copy of the bill of sale, as this provides proof of the transaction and agreed-upon sale price. You should also file and save confirmation of the Notice of Vehicle Sold with the SCDMV to officially document your release of ownership. If possible, retain a copy or photo of the signed-over title as well. These records can protect you if any legal or financial issues arise after the sale.
How Can You Avoid Title Transfer Delays or DMV Issues?
To ensure a smooth title transfer, always double-check that all paperwork is correctly completed and signed before visiting the DMV or mailing in documents. Make sure the vehicle has no outstanding liens and that the correct forms (especially Form 400) are used. Submit the necessary documents as soon as the sale is complete to avoid processing delays. Being proactive and precise in handling the transfer process will minimize the risk of errors or rejections from the DMV.
Why Should You Consider Donating Your Car Instead of Selling It?
Contributing your used automobile to a greater cause such as Goodwill Car Donations can have several benefits to you:
- Tax Benefits: You may be eligible to deduct the fair market value or sale amount from your taxes.
- Ease of Process: Donating eliminates the need to advertise, negotiate or meet with buyers.
- Support a Cause: Your donation can help fund programs for local charities and nonprofit organizations.
- Free Towing: Most car donation services offer free vehicle pickup regardless of the car’s condition.
At Goodwill Car Donations, your contribution – whether it’s a car, pickup truck, SUV, sedan, sports car, van, boat or any other vehicle – provides resources for those who need it. We accept donations from those all across South Carolina, including Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Columbia and beyond. Contact our team today to learn more about how you can do good with your used vehicle!
Last Updated: July 7th, 2025