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How to Transfer the Title When Someone Gives You a Vehicle in South Carolina

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

What you need to do when you receive a vehicle as a gift

When someone gives you a vehicle in South Carolina, you must transfer the title into your name within a set timeframe. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) requires this transfer to happen before you can legally register the vehicle or drive it on public roads. The process involves getting the signed title from the person giving you the vehicle, gathering supporting documents, and submitting everything to SCDMV.

The person giving you the vehicle (the donor) must sign the title in the correct section. You cannot legally own or operate the vehicle until SCDMV processes the transfer and issues a new title in your name. This is different from buying a vehicle, because no money changes hands, but the paperwork requirements are similar.

Key Takeaways

  • The donor must sign the title in the "Assignment of Title by Owner" section, and you must sign as the new owner in the same section.
  • You need the original title, a completed Form MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title), a bill of sale, and proof of South Carolina residency to submit to SCDMV.
  • SCDMV charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value, plus a $5 application fee.
  • You can submit documents by mail to SCDMV or visit a local SCDMV office in person; processing takes longer by mail.
  • If the title is lost or the donor cannot locate it, you can request a duplicate title before transferring ownership.

Getting the signed title from the donor

The person giving you the vehicle must locate the original title document. This is a physical certificate issued by SCDMV when the vehicle was first registered in South Carolina, or transferred from another state. The donor should check their vehicle records, insurance documents, or loan paperwork if they financed the vehicle.

On the back of the title, the donor signs in the section labeled "Assignment of Title by Owner." They must sign exactly as their name appears on the front of the title. You then sign in the same section as the new owner. Both signatures must be present and legible for SCDMV to process the transfer. If either signature is missing or illegible, SCDMV will return the documents and delay your transfer.

If the donor cannot find the original title, they can request a duplicate from SCDMV before signing it over to you. This takes additional time, so ask the donor to search thoroughly first. If the vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), the lienholder's signature may also be required, and the donor should contact their lender to confirm the process.

Documents you must submit to SCDMV

You need to gather several documents before you can transfer the title. The original signed title is the most important, but SCDMV also requires a completed Form MV-1 (Application for Certificate of Title). You can download this form from the SCDMV website or pick one up at a local SCDMV office. Fill in your name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle information (make, model, year, and VIN).

You must also provide a bill of sale, even though no money was exchanged. This document shows that ownership transferred from the donor to you. You can use SCDMV's bill of sale form or write a simple statement that includes the donor's name and signature, your name, the vehicle's make and model, year, VIN, and the date of the transfer. The bill of sale does not need to show a price.

Proof of South Carolina residency is required. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your current address. The document must show your name and a South Carolina address. If you recently moved to South Carolina, bring a document dated within the last 60 days.

Fees and payment

SCDMV charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's value. The fee structure depends on the assessed value of the vehicle, not what you paid for it (since it was a gift). You can find the current fee schedule on the SCDMV website or call your local SCDMV office to ask what the fee will be for your specific vehicle.

In addition to the title transfer fee, you must pay a $5 application fee for Form MV-1. Payment methods vary by location: some SCDMV offices accept cash, check, or card, while mail-in submissions typically require a check or money order. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you are transferring a vehicle that is more than 10 years old, SCDMV may charge a different fee or require an inspection. Ask about this when you contact SCDMV about the total cost.

How to submit your documents

You have two options: submit documents by mail or visit an SCDMV office in person. Submitting in person is faster and allows you to ask questions if something is unclear. You can find the address and hours of your nearest SCDMV office on their website.

If you submit by mail, send the original signed title, completed Form MV-1, bill of sale, proof of residency, and payment to the SCDMV address listed on their website. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number so SCDMV can contact you if there are questions. Mail processing takes longer than in-person submission, often two to four weeks or more depending on volume.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If SCDMV loses a document or has a question, you will have proof of what you sent. Do not send the documents by certified mail unless SCDMV specifically asks you to, as this can delay processing.

What happens after you submit

SCDMV will review your documents and contact you if anything is missing or incorrect. If everything is in order, they will process the title transfer and mail you a new title certificate in your name. This usually takes two to four weeks if you submitted in person, or longer if you mailed the documents.

Once you receive the new title, you can register the vehicle and obtain license plates. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until both the title transfer and registration are complete. If you need to drive the vehicle before the new title arrives, ask SCDMV for a temporary registration or temporary tag.

If SCDMV denies the transfer or asks for additional documents, they will explain why in writing. Common reasons include a missing signature, unclear VIN, or a title that shows a lien. Contact SCDMV to clarify what is needed and resubmit as soon as possible.

What to do if the title is lost or damaged

If the donor cannot locate the original title, they can request a duplicate from SCDMV. The donor must complete Form MV-2 (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title) and pay a fee. This process takes time, so it is worth asking the donor to search thoroughly before requesting a duplicate.

If the title is damaged but readable, you can still use it to transfer ownership. If it is so damaged that the VIN or owner information is unclear, SCDMV may ask for a duplicate before processing the transfer. Bring the damaged title to an SCDMV office and ask whether it can be used or if a duplicate is necessary.

If the vehicle was purchased out of state and never titled in South Carolina, the process is different. You will need to contact SCDMV to learn what documents are required to title a vehicle for the first time in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?

No. You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until SCDMV issues a new title in your name and you register the vehicle. If you need to move the vehicle before the title arrives, ask SCDMV for a temporary tag or temporary registration that allows you to drive it for a limited time.

What if the donor's name on the title does not match their current ID?

The donor must sign the title exactly as their name appears on the front of the title, even if it does not match their current ID. If there is a significant discrepancy, contact SCDMV before submitting to ask whether additional documents (such as a marriage certificate or name change order) are needed.

Do I need a bill of sale if the vehicle is a gift?

Yes. SCDMV requires a bill of sale for all title transfers, including gifts. The bill of sale does not need to show a price; it simply documents that ownership transferred from the donor to you. You can use SCDMV's form or write a simple statement signed by both of you.

How long does the title transfer take?

If you submit documents in person at an SCDMV office, processing usually takes two to four weeks. If you mail the documents, it may take four weeks or longer depending on how busy SCDMV is. Call your local office to ask about current wait times.

What if the vehicle has a loan against it?

If the donor still owes money on the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title as the lienholder. The donor must contact their lender to find out whether the lender must sign the title or release the lien before the transfer can happen. Some lenders require the loan to be paid off before ownership can transfer to someone else.