Free South Carolina VIN Check

What to know when buying used cars in South Carolina

It is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation into a car’s past before making a purchase. By running a South Carolina VIN check, you can access important information such as the vehicle’s accident history and ownership status. This will aid you in avoiding any potential issues and ensure that you acquire a reliable vehicle.

South Carolina is a state that boasts lower-than-average used car prices, as reported by CBS42. By conducting a thorough review of a South Carolina vehicle history report, buyers stand a better chance of identifying great deals and saving considerable funds.

South Carolina Vehicle History: If you consider buying a car in South Carolina, it is ideal to do it with South Carolina free VIN check to get a South Carolina vehicle history report and be up to speed regarding the vehicle’s past and current status. The details you can learn will aid in making an informed decision about whether to proceed with a car purchase. Additionally, further details regarding the car can be obtained by consulting with NMVTIS.

A South Carolina vehicle history report by South Carolina VIN lookup may show the following details:

• Vehicle specifications – basic features, dimensions, performance, and appearance of a car. 
• Accident history – data on past accidents or damages the vehicle has sustained previously
• Title information – shows whether a car possesses a clean title record or if it was branded as salvage, reconstructed, total loss, or others in the past. 
• Ownership history – details on past ownership, the length of time they legally owned the car, and the dates and frequency of ownership transfer.
• Mileage history – the distance tracked by the odometer since a vehicle was first driven; it can help identify any manipulation of a vehicle’s mileage.
• Vehicle use – checks if a car has past personal or professional purposes, and whether it has ever served as a rental, taxi, or transport car.
• Manufacturer recalls – displays recall data initiated by the car manufacturer, along with a brief description of a defect and proposed solutions (if there are any). 
• Theft record – shows any status that the vehicle has been marked as stolen or if it is connected to a theft recovery effort. 
• Liens and finance history – shows if a car has outstanding debts or liens that are not yet paid off, or if it has been confiscated for non-payment of loans.
• Others – information on active and expired warranties as well as car insurance policies.

Required Documents: When looking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle in South Carolina, it is imperative to obtain and thoroughly review certain documents. These vital documents include the title, registration, and bill of sale, which can assist in ensuring a wise decision and preventing potential problems from arising in the future.

Lemon Law Protections: It is important to note that South Carolina Lemon Law solely pertains to new vehicles, providing protection to consumers who either purchase or lease a new car if it proves to be defective. In order to be considered new, the vehicle must have been sold to a dealer by the manufacturer, only used for test drives, and have not had a title issued. A car is classified as a lemon when it meets three requirements: the problems or defects first appear within the first twelve months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, the issue hinders the car’s use, market value, or safety, and the manufacturer or dealer cannot resolve it within a reasonable timeframe.

Quickly Lookup Cars and Get Vehicle Info with South Carolina VIN Check

To ensure your car purchase is a sound investment, conduct a South Carolina Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check. This entails obtaining a South Carolina vehicle history report that verifies if the car was involved in a collision, experienced malfunctions, or was stolen. This approach can help secure a reliable vehicle that suits your preferences.

South Carolina DMV

The South Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV) assists in the registration of vehicles, issuance of titles, distribution of license plates, and other DMV services throughout the state of South Carolina. According to South Carolina law, it is mandatory to register your newly acquired vehicle within 45 days of the purchase date. If you made the purchase through a dealer, the titling and registration procedures are usually handled by the dealer. If you have an out-of-state registration, you have the same time frame of 45 days to transfer it to South Carolina. It is essential to note that in case of any changes to your name or address, South Carolina law requires you to update the department records within ten days of such a change.

Here is a short list of South Carolina DMV services car buyers and owners can avail of:

• Title and registrations for vehicles
• Title/registration transfers
• Replacement/Renewals of titles and registrations
• Issuance of South Carolina license plates
• Vanity or Personalized License Plate Requests
• Motor Vehicle Records

DMV FAQs

How to register and title a vehicle in South Carolina?

Here is a general overview of the process in South Carolina:

1. Obtain insurance: To drive in South Carolina, you have to get insurance that abides by the state’s regulations.

The minimum insurance coverage required in South Carolina is as follows:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident
• $25,000 for all property damage in one accident

2. Get a vehicle inspection: In South Carolina, it is not mandatory for drivers to undergo car inspections as part of their ownership arrangement. However, it is important to note that some other states may necessitate three types of automotive inspections, which consist of vehicle emissions inspection, VIN inspection, and others.
3. Apply for a vehicle title and registration: As a start, an applicant may submit a completed registration/title application form to an authorized South Carolina DMV office.
4. Pay the fees: Make sure to pay the fees to SC DMV to avoid any problems.
5. Submit the documents: When you go to the South Carolina DMV, follow their guidelines and give them all the requirements they need to complete your transaction.
6. Get the DMV materials: When you bring the right papers to the South Carolina DMV, they’ll hand you important documents like your registration and title certificates. 

According to regulations in South Carolina, it is mandatory for each driver to attach a single registration license plate to the back of their vehicle.

How much does it cost to register and title a vehicle in South Carolina?

The cost to register and title your vehicle in South Carolina varies based on its age, type, and location. If you want to know how much it might cost, you can check the regular fees.

Registration: $40

Title: $15

Car Sales Tax: 6%  

For other fees and charges, click here. 

What are the usual requirements when registering or titling a vehicle in South Carolina?

The standard documentation needed for registering and titling a vehicle in South Carolina includes:

• Proof of ownership: Bill of sale, past registration, and past title qualify. Provide a bill of sale and/or title with signatures from both parties (buyer and previous owner/seller) if transferring ownership. 
• Proof of identity and/or address: Driver’s license or any government or company-issued ID/paper
• Completed application form(s): Document(s) required for the official South Carolina DMV recognition of ownership. 
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance, such as an insurance card, might be required by DMV agents.
• Smog/Safety/Odometer certification: This may be required by an attending agent.

Payment of fees/taxes: Fees and taxes must be settled to complete the process.

Other Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Motor vehicle review websites are online resources that can give you insights into a car’s performance, safety standards, and popularity. If you’re in the market for a new car, visiting reputable sites such as Edmunds, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend can provide you with valuable expert opinions.

Vehicle safety rating websites rate vehicle safety and provide information on a car’s crashworthiness as determined by crash tests and the effectiveness of its safety features. The NHTSA and IIHS offer extensive details on vehicle safety.

Vehicle market value websites. If you want to calculate the worth of your car, you can use vehicle market value websites, such as Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides. These websites consider important factors, such as your car’s brand, model, age, and mileage, to give you an approximate idea of its value.

South Carolina crash report. According to the 2019 FARS report, there were 962 car crashes in South Carolina which resulted in 1,064 fatalities. It is possible that some of the cars involved in those accidents could still be available for purchase. To ensure your safety, it is advisable to always review the crash report before making any car purchase in South Carolina.

South Carolina crime report. The 2019 FBI Crime Report reveals that South Carolina experienced a high incidence of car thefts, with a total of 14,975 cases reported. If you plan on purchasing a used car in the state, it’s crucial to verify that it is not a stolen vehicle. Luckily, you can obtain a South Carolina vehicle history report to check its ownership background and other essential details. By reviewing a South Carolina car report, you can have the necessary information to ensure that the vehicle you’re buying is safe and legitimate.

South Carolina natural disasters. Primal Survivor warns that South Carolina has had several different types of natural disasters – such as heat waves, lightning strikes, and hurricanes. These occurrences can pose a threat to vehicles in the region, meaning there is a chance that the car you are considering purchasing might have been impacted by one of these events.

To make an informed decision about purchasing a car in South Carolina, it is recommended to obtain a South Carolina car report through South Carolina VIN decoder. This report provides information on any potential issues related to the car that may not be immediately noticeable. By reviewing this report, you can choose a car that best suits your needs and preferences.

Run the South Carolina VIN Check to generate a full South Carolina vehicle history report.