Do I need a notary to sell a car in SC?

Check the current title and SCDMV guidance; many SC transfers do not require notarization, but follow what your title and forms state.

What do I do with my license plate?

Remove it. Transfer it to another vehicle you own or surrender an active plate to SCDMV.

Selling a Car in Spartanburg, SC: Title, Bill of Sale, Plates and SCDMV

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Step by step (South Carolina)

Sign the title over. On the back, enter the buyer's name and address, odometer reading, date of sale and sale price, and sign. If the title has no price field, also give a bill of sale.
Write a bill of sale anyway. Include VIN, year/make/model, price, date, "sold as-is", and both signatures. Keep a copy.
Keep your plate. SC plates stay with the owner, not the car. Transfer it to another vehicle or surrender an active plate to SCDMV.
File the Notice of Vehicle Sold (SCDMV Form 416) at a branch or by mail. It protects you until the buyer titles the car; it does not transfer ownership.
Liens: if you finance the buyer yourself, complete Section 2 of the buyer's Title Application (Form 400) to be listed as lienholder.
Cancel insurance once the plate is off and the car is gone.

The buyer has 45 days to title and register, pays a title fee and the infrastructure maintenance fee (5% of price, max $500), and handles Spartanburg County property tax before getting plates.

Local tips

Use a bank lobby or a police safe-exchange spot in Spartanburg for the handoff.
Check the current form versions on the SCDMV site before you go; forms are updated.

Where to sell

Facebook Marketplace: Free local listing; expect lots of messages and screen for scams. No affiliate program.
Craigslist: Low-cost local listing (Greenville/Upstate covers Spartanburg). No affiliate program.
Peddle: Instant offers on cars in any condition, including non-runners, with free towing.
CarMax: Online or in-store appraisal; useful as a second opinion against other instant offers.

Get three numbers before you sell

Instant offer (fastest, lowest effort).
Dealer trade or appraisal (may save sales tax on your next car in some states; SC caps sales tax/IMF at $500).
Private sale or auction (usually the most money, most work).

Enter the same mileage, condition and options everywhere, then compare what you net after fees, towing and your time.

Safety and scam checklist

Meet in daylight at a public place; many police departments offer safe exchange spots.
Accept cash you can verify at your bank, or a cashier's check confirmed by calling the issuing bank directly. Never accept overpayment "refunds".
Do not sign the title until funds are cleared. Remove your plate and personal data (garage remote, phone pairing, toll tag).
Pay off or get a payoff letter from your lender first if there is a lien.

South Carolina paperwork: SCDMV buying or selling a car · SCDMV license plate return.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary to sell a car in SC?: Check the current title and SCDMV guidance; many SC transfers do not require notarization, but follow what your title and forms state.
What do I do with my license plate?: Remove it. Transfer it to another vehicle you own or surrender an active plate to SCDMV.

More selling guides

Not legal or financial advice. Offers, fees and DMV rules change; confirm with each company and the SCDMV.