South Carolina VIN Lookup

When purchasing a used car in South Carolina, it is essential to conduct thorough research to ensure you are making a good investment decision. Generally, used cars have lower purchase prices and lower insurance premiums compared to new vehicles. However, used car purchases come with disadvantages, from frequent repairs and higher maintenance costs to uncertainty about the vehicle’s history.

South Carolina is home to about 531 used car dealerships with a used car dealer rate of 10.37 per 100,000 residents. In addition, it costs around $24,390 to purchase a used car in the state. Unfortunately, South Carolina has no legal protection for used car purchases. Lemon laws in the state protect consumers purchasing new vehicles. This means buyers of used cars must exercise due diligence to avoid acquiring faulty vehicles.

Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your investment. One proven measure is to perform a VIN lookup. VIN lookups provide detailed information about a car’s history, helping buyers make informed decisions, and reducing the risk of purchasing problematic vehicles.

Why Performing a South Carolina VIN Check Is Important?

VIN, Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique 17-character code assigned to every motor vehicle at manufacture. It is an alphanumeric code that serves as the vehicle's fingerprint, providing specific information about its make, model, and year of manufacture. It is essential to perform VIN checks to avoid legal issues and financial losses associated with fraudulently represented vehicles. Performing a South Carolina VIN check can reveal the following information:

• Registration and Title Verification: Per Section 56-3-110 of the South Carolina Code, every vehicle operated within the state must be registered and licensed following state laws. Therefore, to drive legally in South Carolina, you must have your vehicle properly registered. Failure to register your vehicle in the state can lead to consequences, including fines, additional fees, and possibly suspension of driving privileges. By performing VIN checks, you may verify the vehicle’s registration history and confirm if it has a clean title.
• Odometer Verification: Odometer verification is the process of ensuring that a vehicle displays the actual mileage the vehicle has covered. Sometimes, the odometer numbers are deliberately redacted to make the car less used. According to the NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold yearly with manipulated mileage. Conducting VIN checks enables buyers to compare the current odometer readings with past records to confirm their authenticity.
• Title Brands: Conducting VIN checks can help discover if the car has any title brands, such as salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood, or lemon, which can indicate past significant damage or issues with the vehicle.
• Theft History: South Carolina has a car theft rate of 267 thefts per 100,000 residents. VIN checks reveal if the vehicle has been reported stolen, helping you avoid legal complications from purchasing a stolen car.
• Auto Fraud Prevention: South Carolina ranks 21st in auto-related fraud. Recent data shows the state records about 1,314 auto fraud cases annually, with an auto-fraud case rate of 255.2 per 100,000 residents. Performing VIN checks uncovers potential fraudulent activities associated with the vehicle, such as cloning or using counterfeit VINs.

How To Perform a South Carolina VIN Check

Persons intending to purchase used cars can utilize state and federal online resources to perform VIN checks in South Carolina. These resources include:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV):

The SCDMV permits VIN checks through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) portal. While South Carolina does not have an online system to perform VIN checks, the state, through the NMVTIS, provides a list of credible third-party websites, such as GoodCar, to perform VIN Checks.

The NHTSA VIN Decoder:

The NHTSA VIN Decoder offers an online VIN check service. The platform allows users to conduct VIN checks using full or partial VINs. It provides details on the vehicle’s manufacture, model year, plant of manufacture, vehicle types, and class. Additionally, the tool identifies any open recalls associated with the vehicle.

The NICB VINCheck Lookup:

The NICB VINCheck Lookup provides a free VIN check service. This tool allows you to find records of reported thefts, salvage history, and insurance claims on vehicles in South Carolina. The VIN checks on this platform generate reports indicating whether the vehicle has ever been stolen or involved in fraudulent activity.

Free vs. Paid VIN Check Services in South Carolina

Free and paid VIN check services are available for anyone to look up a car’s history in South Carolina. Typically, government and nonprofit websites offer basic information on vehicle history at no cost. While these free services are beneficial for basic checks, they may not provide detailed insights into the vehicle’s complete history. Therefore, for a more thorough understanding of a vehicle's background, third-party premium services like GoodCar, CarFax, and iSeeCar offer extensive reports. These sites aggregate information from multiple databases and provide the following comprehensive information when used to conduct VIN checks:

• Registration history
• Service and maintenance records
• Vehicle specifications
• Ownership records
• Lien records
• Loan records
• Odometer readings
• Recall information
• Title records
• Title brands
• Usage history
• Accident history
• Rebuild records
• Sales history
• NHTSA crash test ratings, and much more!

What Used Car Scams Are Common in South Carolina?

Used car scams have a significant impact on buyers in South Carolina, often leaving them with vehicles that have hidden problems, compromised safety records, or even stolen vehicles. Recently, a South Carolinian man made the headlines when he discovered he had been a victim of a used car scam, specifically VIN cloning. The car, listed below market value, should have been the first red flag. He recounted how he later discovered that the VIN on the vehicle had been swapped, leaving him in possession of a stolen car and financial loss.

Multiple incidents like this across the state remind buyers to be knowledgeable about used car scams. Some used car scams common in South Carolina include:

Curbstoning:

In curbstoning scams, unlicensed dealers pose as private sellers, often selling vehicles with hidden issues.

Odometer Rollbacks:

This scam involves tampering with the vehicle’s odometer to display a lower mileage than the car has traveled. Lower mileage can inflate the car’s value, deceiving buyers about its true conditions.

As-Is Sales without Disclosure:

Some sellers use the “as-is” clause to sell vehicles without disclosing known defects or past damages.

Fake Vehicle Documentation:

Scammers produce counterfeit documents, such as forged titles or maintenance records, to convince buyers that the vehicle has a clean history, even when it may have significant hidden problems.

VIN Cloning:

In this scam, fraudsters copy the VIN from a legally registered vehicle and apply it to a stolen or salvaged car, making the vehicle appear legitimate while concealing its true history.

When buying a used car, avoiding scams is essential to protect your investment and ensure you get a reliable vehicle. There are several steps used car buyers can take to prevent falling victim to used car scams in South Carolina. They include:

• Research the vehicle you want to buy.
• Research the seller, check their reviews, and ratings, and proceed with caution.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, such as extremely low prices.
• Inspect the vehicle. Get a trusted mechanic to also inspect the vehicle in person.
• Review all relevant documentation.
• Conduct VIN checks using reputable sites like GoodCar to ensure that the history report corresponds to the car you intend to purchase.

How Do I Check the Status of My Vehicle's Title in South Carolina?

If you are unsure whether your vehicle’s title is clear or if there are errors, it is essential to verify that everything is in order. Similarly, if you are uncertain about the accuracy of the lienholder details, you may need to check your vehicle’s title. Checking the status of your car helps avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

South Carolina does not have an online repository to check vehicle title status. However, the state provides links to reliable third-party sites such as GoodCar, where you can check the vehicle’s history, including any lien information. Typically, this site requires users to input their VIN or license plate number to retrieve title history, lien status, or any brand information. Complete the transaction by paying the required fees through the secure online portal.

How To Register a Brand New Car in South Carolina

In South Carolina, titling a vehicle refers to the process of officially recording the ownership of the vehicle with the state. Registering a vehicle, on the other hand, involves recording the car with the state to obtain permission for it to be driven on public roads. When you register your brand-new car in South Carolina, you receive a license plate and a registration card as proof that the vehicle is legally permitted to operate on South Carolina roads.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is the state agency responsible for vehicle titling and registration. Per South Carolina law, all persons who purchase new cars in the state may register the car within 45 days from the date of purchase. Failure to do so attracts penalties and fines. Generally, vehicles purchased from licensed dealerships are usually titled and registered by the dealer, who takes care of all the necessary paperwork on behalf of the buyer. However, if your new car is purchased from a private seller, the buyer handles the titling and registration paperwork.

What Are the Requirements for Registering a New Car in South Carolina?

Registering your new car is a crucial step in ensuring that your vehicle is legally recognized, properly titled, and ready for South Carolina roads. In South Carolina, over 5.2 million cars are registered annually, demonstrating the importance of staying compliant with state regulations. The following are the requirements for registering new vehicles in South Carolina:

• Complete the Title and/or Registration Application form.
• Complete the Statement of Vehicle Operation in South Carolina if you do not have a South Carolina driver’s license or ID.
• Car insurance policy documentation.
• The Power of Attorney if you are leasing your vehicle.
• The Title signed over to the buyer with the price and odometer reading at the time of sale.
• A signed Bill of Sale or Buyer’s Order.
• Property tax receipt (the fee varies per county).
• The title fee of $15.

The registration fee varies based on vehicle type and weight. However, expect to pay between $10 to $250 to register your car with the SCDMV. The state also charges between $30 to $110 as a gross vehicle weight fee. There is a property tax which varies per county. Additionally, the state mandates an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) instead of a sales tax.

Does South Carolina Mandate Vehicle Inspection?

South Carolina does not require a statewide, annual safety or vehicle emission inspection for most privately owned passenger vehicles. Instead, the state leaves routine vehicle inspection to the discretion of individuals. The state attempted to reinstate mandatory vehicle inspections in 2017 through House Bill 3989. The bill stalled in committee and did not become law.

While the state does not mandate annual safety and vehicle emissions inspections, certain conditions may warrant vehicle inspection in South Carolina. When a vehicle has been declared salvaged or rebuilt, an inspection is typically required during the title transfer process to verify that the necessary repairs have been made and that the VIN and odometer readings are accurate.

How Do I Get a Replacement VIN in South Carolina?

The SCDMV is responsible for issuing replacement VIN plates when a vehicle’s original VIN is no longer usable. Generally, if the vehicle's original VIN plate is damaged, missing, or has been tampered with, it is necessary to obtain a new VIN. In addition, vehicles built from scratch and homemade automobiles do not come with an original VIN. Therefore, such car owners may apply for a VIN to register the car legally.

In South Carolina, if your vehicle is defaced, missing, or damaged, you will need to submit a sworn statement detailing the issue along with any evidence of the damaged or missing VIN to the SCDMV. The next step is to visit your local DMV to obtain and complete the Application for Replacement VIN form. After your application is submitted and the fees paid, the SCDMV schedules an inspection of your vehicle to assess the condition of the VIN and verify your claims. If the application is approved, the SCDMV will issue you new VIN plates to be fixed to your vehicle.

Does South Carolina Require a VIN Inspection for Out-of-State Vehicles?

No. South Carolina does not require a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Generally, routine VIN inspection is not required when registering an out-of-state vehicle, provided the car has complete documentation, including title and registration, that correctly lists the vehicle’s VIN.