Special Transactions

Information about Trusts

A trust is a legal entity, typically created and used to do particular things, like manage property or wealth in some way. A trust is a legal entity distinct from any person.

Since trusts can be legally recognized the same way a person or a corporation can be, vehicles may be titled in the name of a trust when the trust documents allow for such transactions.

Items Needed to Title a Vehicle to a Trust

Trust Documents

One of the following trust documents is required: 

• Certification of Trust or Declaration of Trust
• The whole trust document, which must specifically state that the trustee(s) have the power to buy, sell, title, or transfer personal property
• Certain pages of the trust document,* which must also specifically state that the trustee(s) have the power to buy, sell, title, or transfer personal property

*If only part of the trust is provided, then the SCDMV must have the pages that contain the following information:

• Name and date of the trust,
• List of trustee(s),
• Powers of the trustee(s), and
• Signature and notarization pages

The trust document must be notarized and signed by all trustees.

Title Application (SCDMV Form 400) and Certificate of Title

All trustees required to act on behalf of the trust must have signed for the transaction, including the title assignment and Title Application (Form 400).

The Title Application (Form 400) must include the name of the trust and the date of the trust, as well as the name of the trustee(s).

The Title Application (Form 400) must also include the word "Trustee" after the name and signature of the trustee(s) in each place where an individual must sign or complete as a trustee.

The Title assignment must include the word "Trustee" after the name and signature of the trustee(s) in each place where an individual must sign or complete as a trustee.

Legal Disclaimer

SC Code Sections 62-7-402 and 62-7-816.