Prior to charging a closing fee (sometimes referred to by other terms such as doc fee, doc prep fee, administrative fee, processing fee), a motor vehicle dealer must provide written notice to the Department of the maximum amount of a closing fee the dealer intends to charge. This notice must be filed by January 31 each year. The required filing documents vary based on the dollar amount filed.

• $225.00 or less: If the maximum closing fee the dealer intends to charge is $225.00 or less, the dealer only needs to submit the Notice of Closing Fee Form and pay the $25.00 registration fee.
• Above $225.00: The Department reviews maximum closing fees exceeding $225.00 for reasonableness. To aid in the Department's review, the dealer also must submit the Notice of Closing Fee Addendum along with information to support the fee. 

NOTE: The Department relies on the accuracy and good faith of the information provided for closing fees in excess of $225.00. We may, however, audit the dealer's books, accounts, and records to verify the information provided with the filing and determine if the dealer is in compliance with the closing fee statute. Thus, even if the Department permitted a dealer to charge a closing fee in excess of $225.00 previously, the Department could require refunds to consumers if portions of the closing fee are found to be unreasonable upon further investigation.

*Please note the Department's new physical address is 293 Greystone Blvd., Ste. 400 | Columbia, SC | 29210*
**Mailings may still be sent to PO Box 5757 | Columbia, SC | 29250-5757**

General Information

• Closing Fee Proposed Regulation (11/29/2022) (PDF) *NEW*

• Memo Re: Closing Fee Statute Inapplicable to Dealers of Motorcycles, New RVs, or Mopeds (8/17/2021) (PDF)

• Memo Re: Motor Vehicle Closing Fee Analysis for Reasonableness (12/20/2019) (PDF)

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) 

• User Guide for Printing Certificates (PDF) 

Law

• S.C. Code Ann. § 37-2-307

• 2016 Amendments (PDF)

Renewal

A motor vehicle dealer must file its proposed closing fee and pay the registration fee before January 31st of each year.

Filing Forms

• Registered Creditors Filing Instructions (PDF)

• Registered Creditors Filing Flowchart (PDF)

• Terminology and Filing Assistance (PDF)

• Notice of Closing Fee Form (PDF) 

• Notice of Closing Fee Addendum (PDF) 

• Address/Name Change Form (PDF)

Other Filings

• Consumer Grantor Notification

• Maximum Rate Schedules - Be sure to use the Credit Sales Form.

Additional Information

• Consumer Credit: A Guide for Business - July 2012 (PDF)

• For a list of current closing fees by company, please see our Licensee Lookup page.