Junk Car FAQs: South Carolina

What Are South Carolina Car Registration Fees?

In South Carolina, car registration fees cover your vehicle’s registration, title, and local property taxes. Standard passenger vehicles typically have a $40 registration fee, a $15 title fee, and an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) of $250 due when you first register your car. Additional fees may apply for hybrid or electric vehicles. Registration is valid for two years, and you must have paid your county property taxes to complete the process.

For the most up-to-date information and to handle registration online, visit the South Carolina DMV.

Can I Junk a Car Without Keys?

Don’t worry if your car has no keys – most licensed junkyards will still take it. Just be sure to have the title handy, since buyers need it to make the sale official.

Can You Junk a Car Without a Title in South Carolina?

Good news! If your car is 12 years or older, you don’t need a title to junk it—just use Form T1-014A, which your scrapper will provide. For vehicles under 12 years old, a title is still required.

Want all the details on how to junk a car without a title in South Carolina? Check out our full, step-by-step guide.

How Do I Salvage a Car in South Carolina?

Wheelsaway simplifies car salvage. Enter your vehicle details, and we’ll see if it can be salvaged. If it has value, we’ll arrange free pickup and pay you immediately – no stress, no delays.

Who Buys Junk Cars with Liens Near Me?

Some junkyards will buy cars with liens, but the lien must be cleared before the sale is finalized. This usually involves paying off the lienholder, often using the sale proceeds, with their approval.

How Can I Scrap a Car for the Most Money?

Get the highest value for your scrap car with Wheelsaway! Receive competitive offers and enjoy free pickup anywhere in the state. Whether your car is junk or salvage, we make turning it into cash quick and easy.

How Do I Surrender My License Plates in South Carolina?

When you sell your vehicle on, you’ll need to properly surrender your license plates to avoid future liability. Here’s what to do:

1. Complete a Notice of Vehicle Sold – Fill out SCDMV Form 416 to notify the DMV that you’ve sold your car.
2. Complete a License Plate Turn-In – Fill out SCDMV Form 452 to officially surrender your plates.
3. Return the plates – You can mail them to the address listed on the form or drop them off at any SCDMV branch.
4. Cancel your insurance – Make sure to cancel your South Carolina liability insurance for the vehicle you sold.

Following these steps ensures you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle and that your license plates are properly turned in.

Can I Junk a Car with Expired Registration in South Carolina?

Yes! In South Carolina, expired registration does not prevent you from junking a car. You’ll need a valid title (or a duplicate) in your name and must clear any liens. Since an unregistered car can’t be driven legally, you may need to tow it to the junkyard. Don’t forget to remove your plates and file a Notice of Vehicle Sold with the SCDMV to avoid future liability.

Is It Possible to Junk a Vehicle That Has a Title Loan?

A car can’t be sold or junked while a lien (like a title loan) is still on it. To transfer a clear title to a junkyard or buyer, the lien must be resolved first – either by paying off the lender yourself or having the junkyard/buyer handle the payment directly. Once the lien is satisfied, ownership can be transferred and the car can be junked.

Do I Need a Bill of Sale to Junk a Car?

While a bill of sale isn’t legally required to junk your car, it’s a good idea to have one. It documents the sale between you and the junkyard, and in South Carolina, it can sometimes be used instead of the title.

What Happens to My Car After I Junk It?

Junked cars are carefully dismantled: usable parts are recycled or resold, hazardous fluids are removed safely, and the metal is crushed for recycling. Anything that can’t be recycled is disposed of responsibly, keeping the process environmentally friendly.

How Do I Tow a Car to a Junkyard?

Wheelsaway makes towing easy. We can safely remove your car, wherever it is and in any condition, and take it directly to the junkyard.

Can You Register a Car with a Salvage Title in South Carolina?

No – you must first repair the vehicle to meet inspection requirements and then register it with a rebuilt title.

Can I Junk a Car with a Lien on It?

No- you can’t legally scrap a car in South Carolina if there’s an active lien, unless the debt is cleared or the lender issues a lien release.

What Is a Junk Vehicle Affidavit and How Do I Use It?

A Junk Vehicle Affidavit is an official form that allows a vehicle to be sent to a salvage yard when the title, salvage title, or Certificate of Destruction isn’t available. It acts as proof of authorization, though not every state accepts it. In South Carolina, Junk Vehicle Affidavits are not used. You can check what paperwork is required with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

---

Ready to Get Cash for Your Junk Car?