RegistryFee

South Carolina Title Transfer Fee Calculator

Transferring a vehicle title in South Carolina costs $15 in title fees — but the real cost of a private-party purchase is usually the tax: 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee capped at $500 — any vehicle over $10,000 pays just $500, the cheapest big-ticket vehicle tax in the country. Budget the tax on top of the title and plate fees, and transfer within the state's deadline to avoid penalties.

Verified against official South Carolina sources on 2026-07-17. How we verify fees.

Your purchase

Estimated annual cost
$0.00/ year
    One-time fees (first registration)
    • Tax on sale
      5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee capped at $500 — any vehicle over $10,000 pays just $500, the cheapest big-ticket vehicle tax in the country.
      $500.00
    • Title fee
      $15.00
    One-time total: $515.00

    Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-17. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.

    What determines title transfer cost in South Carolina?

    • Purchase price (tax basis)
    • Title fee ($15)
    • Tax on private-party sales
    • Family/gift exemptions

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does a title transfer cost in South Carolina?

    The title fee itself is $15. 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee capped at $500 — any vehicle over $10,000 pays just $500, the cheapest big-ticket vehicle tax in the country. Use the calculator above with your purchase price for the full picture.

    Do I pay sales tax on a private-party car purchase in South Carolina?

    Yes — 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee capped at $500 — any vehicle over $10,000 pays just $500, the cheapest big-ticket vehicle tax in the country.

    Are family transfers or gifted vehicles taxed in South Carolina?

    Transfers between immediate family — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild — are excluded from the IMF entirely (SC Code §56-3-627).

    How long do I have to transfer a title in South Carolina?

    Register and title within 45 days of purchase. Late penalties scale from $10 (under 15 days late) to $75 (90+ days).

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    Title Transfer calculators for other states

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    More South Carolina fees

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    title transfer in nearby states

    North Carolina →Georgia →Florida →

    Official South Carolina resources

    Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.

    South Carolina DMV ↗☎ (803) 896-5000dmv.sc.gov — fee source ↗

    Data last reviewed 2026-07-17.