Can You Trade in a Vehicle without the Title?

You might think it’s pretty unusual to have a car but not possess the title for it, but it’s actually not uncommon! Many drivers around North Charleston and beyond have cars that have been passed to them by family or friends, or they’re driving cars whose titles have been lost or destroyed. If this applies to you, don’t worry–you’re not alone!

If you’re looking for a new vehicle, you might be interested in trading in your current vehicle to save some money. The question is, can you trade in a vehicle without a title? This is a question that our finance team gets all the time at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet, and we’ve got everything you need to know in the guide below.

Can You Trade in a Vehicle Without the Title in South Carolina?

So, can you trade in a vehicle without the title in the state of South Carolina? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. State law stipulates that the seller presents the title at the time of sale or trade in order to hand the vehicle over to the buyer. This is a way to make sure that the seller is legally able to sell their car, because the title identifies them as the owner. However, if you don’t currently have the title to your car, it isn’t necessarily the end of the road–you can get a replacement title with relative ease.

How to Get a Title if You Don’t Have One

You can’t trade in your vehicle in Mount Pleasant if you don’t have the title, but there are a few ways for you to get a replacement as long as you can prove you’re the rightful owner. Here are four easy ways you can get your hands on your car’s title:

• Check with the DMV. Your local DMV will be able to tell you the proper documentation you need to request a new title for your vehicle.
• Request a duplicate title from the state. It’s easy to request a duplicate title from the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
• Pay off the car. Your car’s title will still be with your lender if you haven’t fully paid off the vehicle. Once you’ve fully paid off the car, the title will be transferred to your name. If we’re taking over your loan when you trade your vehicle to us, we can take care of transferring the title over to you!
• Transfer the title to your name. If you have the title but it’s in the name of the previous owner–whether it was inherited or a gift–you can have the previous owner sign the title over to you so your name is on it. You can also provide legal proof to the state that the previous owner no longer owns the car.

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet is Here to Help!

We’re happy to help you with whatever you need in regards to getting a new title for your car. Feel free to contact our office with any questions, or to learn more about the services our finance team offers at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. You can also stop by our dealership near James Island to talk to a member of our finance team in person!