South Carolina VIN Lookup

Purchasing a used car in South Carolina can be a great investment if the buyer performs a VIN Lookup. The VIN check provides the buyer with details about the vehicle that would help in the purchasing process. It will provide information such as accident history and maintenance records.

South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State due to its large population of palmetto trees. It also has an abundance of forested peaks, especially around Blue Ridge Mountain and Piedmont Province. Most people around these forested areas prefer using pickup trucks due to their versatility and performance. On the other hand, the cities and Coastal areas have many sports cars, sedans, and SUVs.

Before buying a vehicle in South Carolina, it is crucial to conduct a VIN check. Residents can perform the check by using the SCDMV online service. Furthermore, people can use the NMVTIS and NHTSA systems to find information about a vehicle's history. Lastly, people can also find VIN information using free and paid third-party providers, like Infotracer, who offer lookup services.

VIN Verification

VIN verification is the process of confirming that the vehicle's VIN matches the one on official documents. It is not always a legal requirement, but when it is, authorities often request it during vehicle registration and titling.

In South Carolina, VIN verification is required for out-of-state vehicles that undergo registration within the state. The SCDMV conducts VIN verification. Individuals may inquire with the department regarding requirements and any fees charged.

South Carolina Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

94.0%

Registered Vehicles

2.3 per household

High Car Ownership Rate

South Carolina has one of the highest car ownership rates, with 94.0% of households reporting access to at least one vehicle. The average number of vehicles per household is 2.3.

Miles Per Year

14,941

Average Annual Mileage

The average driver in South Carolina records an average annual mileage of 14,941, which corresponds to the high car ownership rate.

Popular Car

Ford F-Series

Popular Car Makes in South Carolina

South Carolina's best-selling vehicle was the Ford F-Series. Other popular vehicles in that year were the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500/2500/3500, and Honda CR-V.

Crashes

964

Fatalities

1,015

Car Accidents

In 2022, South Carolina recorded 964 fatal crashes, which resulted in 1,015 deaths.

Fatalities

486

Speeding Related Crashes

Speed-related traffic crashes caused 486 traffic fatalities in 2021.

Crashes

213

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Driver under the influence was a contributing factor in 213 fatal collisions in 2020 in South Carolina.

Fatalities

88

Teen Safety

In 2020, there were a total of 88 teen drivers involved in fatal collisions. These are drivers aged 15 to 19.

South Carolina DMV

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) provides a range of motor vehicle-related services for residents of South Carolina. They include the following:

• Driver's Licensing: Issuance and renewal of driver's licenses. Administration of written and road tests for obtaining driver's licenses.
• Vehicle Registration and Titling: This includes initial registration and renewal of vehicle registrations, transfer of vehicle ownership, and issuance of vehicle titles.
• Identification Cards: Issuance and renewal of identification cards for individuals who do not drive.
• License Plates: Issuance and management of license plates for vehicles registered in South Carolina.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Services: It also provides services related to the issuing and renewing of commercial driver's licenses.
• Online Services: Access to online services for license and registration renewal, address changes, and appointment scheduling.
• Title Services: Handling vehicle title transactions, including title transfers and corrections.
• Driver Records: Access to driving records, including information about violations, accidents, and license status.
• Real ID Compliance: Assisting individuals in obtaining Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

Some of the key resources that provide information on federal law compliance and environmental quality for drivers in South Carolina include:

• South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC): Oversees environmental regulations and compliance at the state level.
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV): The SCDMV provides information on state-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
• South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT): This agency manages the state's transportation infrastructure and may provide information on state-specific regulations.
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT): Oversees transportation policies and programs at the federal level.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Regulates safety and compliance standards for commercial motor vehicles.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Sets and enforces environmental regulations, including vehicle emission standards.

Buying a Used Car in South Carolina

Individuals who want to purchase a used car in South Carolina are advised to follow certain legal procedures. In addition, there are considerations to make before purchasing the vehicle. They include:

Understanding Lemon Laws

The South Carolina Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. Therefore, used car buyers are not protected if the vehicle is defective. Buyers are advised to file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.

Title Transfer and Registration

Individuals must register their vehicles after purchase to ensure they are under the state. If purchased from a dealer, the dealer will handle titles and registration. If from a private seller, the buyer handles this work. Registration requires sharing certain documents, including the car's original title.

Conducting a VIN Check

Buyers should conduct a VIN check before purchase since Lemon Laws do not extend to used car buyers.

Sales Tax

Individuals must pay a 5% sales tax for used cars that must not exceed $500. In place of sales tax, some buyers may pay an infrastructure maintenance fee at the same rate.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in South Carolina

Performing a VIN check in South Carolina can be essential for the following reasons:

• Title Verification: Ensuring that the vehicle's VIN matches the information on the title is crucial for title verification. This helps prevent issues related to title fraud, which can have legal implications in South Carolina.
• Insurance Purposes: Some insurance companies in South Carolina may require a VIN check to provide accurate insurance quotes. The vehicle's history can affect insurance rates.
• Registration Renewal: During the vehicle registration renewal process, a VIN check may be required to verify the vehicle's compliance with state safety and emission standards.
• Used Vehicle Purchase: Before purchasing a used vehicle in South Carolina, conducting a VIN check is recommended to obtain information about the vehicle's history, including accidents, title status, and odometer readings.
• Avoiding Stolen Vehicles: A VIN check is crucial to identify and avoid purchasing stolen vehicles. This helps prevent legal issues and loss of investment.
• Odometer Fraud Prevention: VIN checks can help identify instances of odometer fraud by providing a history of recorded odometer readings. This is important for ensuring the accuracy of mileage information.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in South Carolina

South Carolina residents have multiple ways to look up a vehicle's VIN before making a purchase. They include:

VIN Replacement in South Carolina

The state of South Carolina does not provide the necessary procedures for VIN replacement. However, if a car's VIN is destroyed or the portion that houses the VIN plate is replaced, a person should contact the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office. They may provide valuable information about how to replace its VIN. It is important to note that the owner will be fined if the VIN was altered or amended during the inspection.

New Vehicle Registration in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the state requires new vehicle owners to register a car as soon as possible. When a person buys a new vehicle, the state requires the automotive dealer to handle the registration. However, in the case of a private sale, the new owner should register the car themselves.

It is important to note that the state requires a person to pay property tax first before registering a vehicle. To register a car in South Carolina, a person must provide:

• Proof of vehicle ownership, like the Certificate of Title, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO).
• Proof of identification either as a South Carolina identification card or driver's license.
• South Carolina liability insurance information.
• If the vehicle has a lien, a person must provide a lien holder disclosure statement with the name and address of the individual or company holding the lien.
• Bill of sale.
• Infrastructure maintenance fee (IMF).
• Vehicle registration fees.

Once a person has all this information, they can either mail the registration application and the documents to the SCDMV or visit their nearest DMV office.

How to Transfer VIN During a Sale in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a person must transfer a car's title within 45 days of making a purchase. The state's DMV is responsible for conducting title transfers and issuing new titles to vehicle owners. During the title transfer, all vehicle information, including the VIN, is transferred to the new owner.

If a person wants to get a title transferred in the state, they should have the following information:

• The original Certificate of title.
• A completed Title Application - SCDMV Form 400, with the buyer's and seller's signatures.
• A South Carolina driver's license or identification card.
• A signed bill of sale
• Infrastructure maintenance fee (IMF).
• A completed Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina - SCDMV Form TI-006,
• Odometer disclosure statement if applicable.
• If the vehicle has a lien, a person must provide a lien holder disclosure statement with the name and address of the individual or company holding the lien.
• If someone other than the owner requests a title transfer, they will need the power of attorney.
• Vehicle title fee.

What Would Vehicle History Report Include in South Carolina?

A vehicle history report in South Carolina includes details about its title history, flood damage or accidents, odometer readings, records of vehicle inspections, recalls, and maintenance. The report can vary depending on the car or platform that provides it.

How Can I Find the VIN by License Plate?

Individuals may use third-party service providers, which allow them to enter a vehicle's license plate number and obtain information about it, including the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in South Carolina

South Carolina requires annual vehicle inspections for all cars. This legislation does not apply to house trailers. The state DMV issues a certificate of inspection to indicate compliance with the law. All motor vehicles sold in South Carolina must have an inspection certificate.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in South Carolina?

A Vehicle Inspection Report in South Carolina contains information about the vehicle's overall condition. This may include the functionality of safety features, brakes, lights, tires, and other essential components. Additionally, the report may outline any identified issues or failures during the inspection, providing a clear overview of necessary repairs or adjustments to meet compliance standards.