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

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to do when you move your car to South Carolina

When you move to South Carolina with a vehicle registered in another state, you must transfer the title to South Carolina within a set timeframe. South Carolina law requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency, which means getting a new title and registration from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The process involves submitting your out-of-state title, proof of residency, and other documents to SCDMV, either in person at a local office or by mail.

The exact steps depend on whether your out-of-state title is in your name alone, whether there is a lien on the vehicle, and whether you have the physical title document. Most people can complete this without the original title if they have the right paperwork, though having it makes the process faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you establish South Carolina residency to transfer your vehicle title and get a new registration.
  • You will need your out-of-state title (or an affidavit if you do not have it), proof of South Carolina residency, a bill of sale or similar proof of ownership, and a completed SCDMV application form.
  • If your vehicle has a lien, the lienholder must sign off on the title transfer, and you cannot register the vehicle until that is done.
  • You can submit documents by mail to SCDMV or visit a local DMV office in person; mailed applications typically take two to four weeks to process.
  • You will pay a title transfer fee and a registration fee; the amounts depend on your vehicle's age and value.

Documents you need to bring or mail

Start by gathering your out-of-state title. If you have the physical document, bring or mail the original. If you do not have it—because it is lost, the previous owner never gave it to you, or it is held by a lienholder—you will need to file an Affidavit of Ownership (Form 4007) instead. SCDMV provides this form on its website.

You will also need proof that you now live in South Carolina. SCDMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your South Carolina address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring or mail a bill of sale or other proof that you own the vehicle. If you bought the car from a private seller, a signed bill of sale works. If you inherited it, a copy of the will or probate document works. If you received it as a gift, a signed gift affidavit works. You will also need to complete Form MV-1 (Application for Vehicle Registration), which SCDMV provides free on its website or at any local office.

If your vehicle has a lien—meaning a bank, credit union, or other lender holds a security interest—the lienholder must sign the title or provide a lien release letter before you can transfer it. Contact your lender and ask them to send the release directly to SCDMV or to you so you can include it with your application.

How to submit your application

You have two options: mail your documents to SCDMV or visit a local DMV office in person. Mailing is slower but does not require you to take time off work. In-person visits are faster but require you to find a nearby office and wait in line.

To mail your documents, send them to the SCDMV address listed on their website. Include your completed Form MV-1, your out-of-state title or Affidavit of Ownership, proof of residency, proof of ownership, and a check or money order for the title transfer fee and registration fee. Do not send cash. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and a brief note explaining that you are transferring an out-of-state title. Mail applications typically take two to four weeks to process.

To apply in person, find the SCDMV office nearest you on the SCDMV website. Bring all the same documents plus a valid photo ID. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. You will receive your new registration immediately, though the physical title may arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

What happens if you have a lien on the vehicle

If you owe money on your car, the lender's name appears on your out-of-state title as the lienholder. You cannot transfer the title to South Carolina until the lienholder releases their claim. Contact your lender and explain that you are moving to South Carolina and need a lien release. Some lenders will mail the release directly to SCDMV; others will mail it to you.

If the lender mails it to you, include the release letter with your application. If the lender mails it directly to SCDMV, provide SCDMV with the lender's name and address so they know to expect it. Do not submit your application until you have the release in hand or confirmation from the lender that they have sent it. SCDMV will not process your transfer without it.

Fees and how long it takes

The title transfer fee is a flat amount set by South Carolina law. The registration fee depends on your vehicle's age and weight. Newer vehicles and heavier vehicles cost more to register. SCDMV publishes the exact fee schedule on its website, and you can calculate your fee before you apply.

If you apply by mail, expect two to four weeks for processing. If you apply in person at a local office, you will receive your registration on the spot, though the title will arrive by mail. If SCDMV needs more information from you, they will contact you by phone or mail, which can add one to two weeks to the timeline.

What to do if you do not have your out-of-state title

If your title is lost, damaged, or held by a lienholder who will not release it, you can still transfer your vehicle to South Carolina using an Affidavit of Ownership (Form 4007). This form tells SCDMV that you own the vehicle and explains why you do not have the title. You must sign it in front of a notary public.

To get it notarized, visit a bank, credit union, attorney's office, or notary service in your area. Bring your photo ID and the completed Form 4007. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the form, and stamp it with their seal. The cost is usually five to fifteen dollars. Once notarized, mail or bring the affidavit to SCDMV along with your other documents.

If your title is held by a lienholder and they will not release it, contact SCDMV directly to ask about your options. Some lienholders are slow to respond, and SCDMV may be able to contact them on your behalf or advise you on next steps.

After your transfer is complete

Once SCDMV processes your application, you will receive a new South Carolina title and registration. Your out-of-state title becomes invalid and should be kept for your records. Your new registration is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You will need to renew it annually.

You must also update your vehicle insurance to reflect your South Carolina address and registration. Contact your insurance company and provide them with your new registration number. Some insurance companies offer discounts for South Carolina residents, so ask about that when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I just moved to South Carolina but have not established residency yet?

You have 30 days from the date you establish residency to transfer your title. Residency is typically established when you sign a lease, close on a home purchase, or register to vote in South Carolina. Keep documentation of when you established residency so you know your deadline.

Can I drive my car with an out-of-state title and registration after I move?

You can drive it for 30 days while you complete the transfer. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state registration is illegal in South Carolina and can result in a fine. Do not wait until the last day to submit your application, since mail can be delayed.

What if my out-of-state title has both my name and my spouse's name on it?

Both owners should sign the title transfer application. If only one owner is present, bring a notarized power of attorney from the other owner authorizing you to transfer the title on their behalf. Contact SCDMV if you are unsure whether you need this.

Do I need an inspection before I transfer my title?

No. South Carolina does not require a vehicle inspection for title transfer. However, you will need to pass an inspection to renew your registration each year, so plan for that before your registration expires.

How much does it cost to transfer my title?

The title transfer fee is a fixed amount set by state law. The registration fee varies based on your vehicle's age and weight. Check the SCDMV website or call your local office to calculate the exact cost for your vehicle before you apply.