Deal with a vehicle in South Carolina
You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.
Vehicle Jointly Titled
If the vehicle was under joint ownership and the vehicle title includes the word “or” between the owners, the surviving owner should sign the title as the sole owner. If the vehicle was under joint ownership and the vehicle title includes the word “and” between the owners, vehicle ownership will be determined by probate court (refer to the Sole Ownership portion of this guide for additional steps).
Vehicle under Sole Ownership
If the vehicle was solely owned (or the vehicle includes the word “and” between owners), vehicle ownership will be determined by probate court. Depending on the court’s decision, the court will issue one of the following:
An Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property Pursuant to Small Estate Proceedings
Personal Representative with an original Certificate of Appointment
Probate Court Order