Can a Teen 17 & Under Purchase a Car in Their Name in South Carolina? 

When it comes to minors buying a car, you should be aware of the age requirements regarding titling and financing. In many states, minors are not allowed to be the sole owner of a vehicle. This requires minors to have a trusted adult on their title. 

Additionally, most lenders will not enter a contract with a minor for their auto financing. Minors will need an adult with good credit to cosign on the loan. This makes the adult who cosigns the loan documents the legal owner of the vehicle until the minor reaches the age of majority. Then, the cosigner can transfer the vehicle ownership.

To test drive a vehicle, you’ll need  to show proof you are 18 or older. 

At some dealerships, you’ll be required to be 21 years old to test drive a vehicle without a parent or guardian present. Teens with their permit or their driver’s license are able to test drive, if their parent or guardian is there to request the test drive.

Ultimately, this decision is up to the dealership itself – it never hurts to ask!

In South Carolina, you must be at least 18 to finance and register your vehicle. 

However, you can purchase a vehicle in cash before the age of 18. The issue with buying a vehicle under the age of 18 is the state’s insurance requirement and registration. You must be 18 to obtain your own insurance, but if you’re on your parent or guardian’s insurance, you can insure your vehicle under their policy. They will have to add your vehicle and you as a driver to their auto insurance policy.

If you have a driver’s permit, you may be able to purchase a vehicle using cash, but you will not be able to finance your vehicle.

In the state of South Carolina, you will not be able to register your vehicle until you turn 18.

In South Carolina, those aged 16 with a special restricted license or special restricted license with a waiver may drive by themselves. 

A special restricted license allows 16-year-olds to drive by themselves from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A special restricted license with a waiver allows 16-year-olds who work or participate in certain extracurricular activities to drive until midnight by themselves. You will have to apply for this waiver and include a signed letter from school, work, church, vocational training, or extracurricular activity showing you need the waiver.

Your parent or guardian will also have to sign a letter, and as the driver, you’ll have to pass a vision test and pay $25.

In South Carolina, teen drivers with a special restricted license or without a waiver or conditional license are allowed to transport family members to and from school.

This is the only exception to the passenger rule which states teen drivers cannot have more than two passengers in the vehicle unless they are a licensed driver who is 21 or older.

In South Carolina, teen drivers are not permitted to drive at night unless they have supervision under certain circumstances.

Teens are allowed to drive alone from 6am until 6 p.m. During daylight savings time, this is extended until 8 p.m. Teens are permitted to drive with a licensed driver of at least 21 years of age from 6 p.m. until midnight.

Teen drivers in South Carolina can have passengers in their vehicle, but there are restrictions.

Teens cannot have more than two passengers under 21 in the car unless there is a licensed driver over 21 in the vehicle. The only exception to this rule is if you are transporting family members to and from school.

In South Carolina, law on driving as a minor include:

• At 15 years old, you are eligible for a learner’s permit.
• At 15 years old and 180 days, you are eligible for a conditional license.
• Conditional licenses only allow driving from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 At 16 years old, you are eligible for a special restricted license with or without a waiver

• You are only permitted to drive during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. unless a waiver has been approved by the SCDMV.
• At 17 years old, you’re eligible for a regular driver license (without conditional license).

If you haven’t turned 17 yet, you’re required to take a driver’s education course before obtaining any driver’s license. An approved South Carolina driver’s education course requires:

• 8 hours of classroom time
• 6 hours of training behind-the-wheel

Down payments on a vehicle are not illegal.

Unfortunately, social media platforms like TikTok have been spreading misinformation on the topic. People often feel negatively about car dealerships, but requesting a down payment is absolutely legal. Contrary to the misinformation, down payments can be beneficial to lowering your monthly payment and reducing the financial burden of a new vehicle if you choose to finance the purchase.

For example, if your new sedan costs $29,000 and you put down $3,000, you’ll only have to finance $26,000 instead of the initial $29,000.

When it comes to a new car, you’re not only paying the principal and the interest, but you’re also paying the taxes, fees, and any warranties. A down payment can cover those little costs that add up and help you have a lower monthly payment than if you didn’t put any money down. Some dealerships offer zero-down options, so simply talk to your dealer for more information.

A down payment is the initial sum of money applied to the purchase being financed.

When it comes to making a large purchase, many buyers will “put down” some of that cost upfront to reduce the amount that is being financed. The larger the amount you pay upfront, the less you have to finance, which means a lower monthly payment.

Unfortunately, a 500 credit score is considered poor credit, and lenders are more likely to see you as a risk.

You may also get a higher interest rate and have to provide a larger down payment to finance your purchase.

The most common form of payment used for a down payment is cash.

Most of the time, dealerships accept personal checks, money orders, and credit credits. Additionally, you can trade in your current vehicle to lower the amount you are financing.

The difficulty – or ease – of getting approved for a car loan is dependent on your personal financial situation and your lender.

If you have poor credit and inconsistent income, you may find it more difficult to get pre-approved for a loan.