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. 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 may review 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. Dealer costs must be calculated using generally accepted cost accounting principles for the preceding twelve-month period.

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, access 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 disclosure provisions of 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.

General Information

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

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) 

• User Guide for Printing Certificates (PDF) 

• Closing Fee Statute Update (June, 29 2023) (YouTube)

Law

• S.C. Code Ann. § 37-2-307

• Act 45 - 2023 Amendments to Closing Fee Statute **New**

Filing Forms

• Registered Creditors Filing Instructions (PDF)

• Registered Creditors Filing Flowchart (PDF)

• Terminology and Filing Assistance (PDF)

• Notice of Closing Fee Form (PDF) **Updated June 2023**

• Notice of Closing Fee Addendum (PDF)  **Updated June 2023**

• Address/Name Change Form (PDF)

Other Filings

• Credit 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.