Can I Drive a Salvage Title Car in South Carolina?

No—under South Carolina law, a vehicle with a salvage title cannot be legally driven on public roads. To be road‑legal, it must be repaired, pass a state anti‑theft/salvage inspection, be retitled as “rebuilt” (or “salvage rebuilt”), insured, and registered. Limited movement may be allowed only with a specific state‑issued permit for inspection or transport; otherwise the vehicle must be towed or hauled.

What South Carolina law allows—and what it doesn’t

In South Carolina, a “salvage” title indicates the vehicle has been declared a total loss or otherwise meets the statutory definition of salvage. When a salvage title is issued, normal registration is effectively off the table: plates and registration are not valid for public-road use. You may not drive a salvage vehicle on highways until it has been rebuilt, inspected, branded as rebuilt, insured, and registered. If the title is branded “junk,” “non-repairable,” or “parts only,” it can never be retitled for road use in South Carolina.

How to make a salvage car road‑legal in South Carolina

The process to convert a salvage vehicle into one you can legally drive involves documentation, inspection, and retitling. The following steps outline what owners typically need to do to get a “rebuilt” title and register the vehicle.

1. Confirm the title brand. Verify whether the title is “salvage” (eligible for rebuilding) or “non-repairable/parts only” (not eligible).
2. Repair the vehicle. Perform repairs to make it safe and roadworthy; keep detailed records.
3. Document parts and labor. Retain itemized receipts for major components (engine, transmission, airbags, body panels). If using used parts, include donor vehicle VIN info where required.
4. Schedule the state inspection. Arrange the required anti-theft/salvage inspection with South Carolina authorities (SCDMV/S.C. Highway Patrol auto-theft unit, as directed by SCDMV). Bring the vehicle—typically trailered unless you have a specific permit—and your documentation.
5. Pass inspection. Inspectors verify the vehicle identification numbers and major components and check for stolen parts or improper repairs.
6. Apply for a rebuilt title. Submit the inspection report, ownership documents, and forms to SCDMV to receive a rebuilt (salvage rebuilt) title.
7. Insure and register. Obtain at least South Carolina‑required liability insurance, pay county property taxes, pay state fees (including the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee if due), and register the vehicle to receive plates.

Once these steps are completed and the rebuilt title is issued, you can legally insure, register, and drive the vehicle in South Carolina. Until then, it must remain off public roads except as expressly allowed by a state‑issued permit.

Fees, taxes, and paperwork to expect

Owners should plan for several standard South Carolina costs and documents when retitling and registering a rebuilt vehicle. While amounts can vary by situation, here are the typical items to have on your checklist.

• Title fee (South Carolina’s title fee is generally $15).
• Rebuilt/salvage inspection fee (state‑set; amount depends on current SCDMV policy).
• Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (5% of purchase price, capped at $500) if due.
• County personal property tax receipt (required before registration).
• Proof of South Carolina liability insurance to register.
• Ownership documents, inspection report, and detailed parts/labor receipts.

Having complete documentation and budgeting for taxes and fees helps avoid delays when applying for the rebuilt title and registration.

Insurance and registration realities

You cannot register or plate a salvage vehicle in South Carolina. After inspection and a rebuilt title are issued, you’ll need at least the state‑minimum liability insurance to register. Many insurers will write liability coverage on rebuilt vehicles, though comprehensive and collision may be limited or come with conditions and reduced payout basis due to the salvage history.

Exceptions, limits, and risks

South Carolina generally requires that unrepaired salvage vehicles be transported by trailer or tow truck. Driving one on public roads can lead to citations, impoundment, and insurance problems. In some cases, the state may authorize a specific temporary permit strictly to move the vehicle to and from an inspection site; confirm eligibility and conditions with SCDMV before attempting to drive it.

• Do not operate a salvage vehicle on public roads without a rebuilt title, registration, and insurance.
• If the title says “junk” or “non-repairable,” it can never be made road‑legal.
• Violations can result in fines, towing, and denial of insurance claims after a crash.

Following the permit, inspection, and titling rules protects you from penalties and ensures the vehicle’s history and safety are properly vetted.

Out‑of‑state salvage or rebuilt titles

If you bring a vehicle into South Carolina with an out‑of‑state salvage title, you still cannot drive it until it meets South Carolina’s requirements. Vehicles with an out‑of‑state rebuilt title can often be retitled and registered in South Carolina with the brand carried forward; however, SCDMV may require additional verification or inspection depending on the paperwork and history. Always check with SCDMV for current rules before purchase or transport.

Summary

You cannot legally drive a salvage title car in South Carolina. To put it on the road, it must be repaired, pass the state’s anti‑theft/salvage inspection, receive a rebuilt title, be insured, and be registered. Except for any specific state‑issued permit for inspection movement, salvage vehicles must be towed. If the title is branded non‑repairable/junk, it can never be made road‑legal. For the latest procedures, fees, and inspection scheduling, contact the SCDMV or consult its official guidance.

What happens if I get pulled over with a salvage title?

Depending on the laws where you live, you could receive a ticket or face more serious legal trouble, such as the loss of driving privileges. Salvage vehicles usually cannot be registered for use on the road, so the risk of being pulled over by police and receiving a citation is high.

Can you insure a car with salvage title in SC?

No, you cannot insure a car with a salvage title in South Carolina because it is considered a total loss by the insurance company and cannot be legally driven. However, you may be able to insure the vehicle after it is repaired and issued a rebuilt title by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). You will need to obtain a statement from a certified mechanic confirming the vehicle’s safety, apply for the rebuilt title, and then find an insurance provider willing to offer coverage, which may be limited to liability-only policies. 
Steps to Insure a Rebuilt Vehicle

1. Confirm the vehicle is repairable: Before you start repairs, check with the SCDMV to understand the requirements for a rebuilt title. 
2. Complete repairs: Make all necessary repairs to the vehicle. 
3. Get a mechanic’s statement: Have a certified mechanic inspect the completed repairs and provide a written statement confirming the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. 
4. Apply for a rebuilt title: Submit the mechanic’s statement, repair receipts, and any other required documentation to the SCDMV to apply for a rebuilt title. 
5. Shop for insurance: Once the vehicle has a rebuilt title, you can shop for insurance coverage. 

Important Considerations

• Limited coverage: Many insurance companies are hesitant to offer full coverage (comprehensive and collision) for rebuilt vehicles due to potential existing damage. 
• Specialized providers: You may need to work with an insurance company that specializes in high-risk insurance or has experience covering rebuilt vehicles. 
• State-specific process: Requirements for rebuilding and titling a vehicle, and subsequently insuring it, vary by state, so it’s crucial to check with the SCDMV. 
• Vehicle’s reduced value: A vehicle with a rebuilt title is worth less than one with a clean title, which can affect the payout if you need to file a claim. 

Can you drive a salvage title in South Carolina?

While some vehicles are able to be salvaged, other vehicles may be branded with a title that says things such as “only for parts.” These vehicles cannot be driven on South Carolina, or most other states’, roads.

Is it safe to buy a vehicle with a salvage title?

Perhaps the biggest risk of buying a car with a salvage title is safety. These vehicles have often sustained severe structural damage in an accident, the extent of which you may never know. The repair shop may have taken shortcuts or used cheaper parts to fix the vehicle. Also, some damage may not be immediately known.