Form 4038 at a glance
What it is: Form 4038 is the Affidavit of Specialty Constructed Vehicle of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
Where and when to file: Mail this form to SCDMV, Specialized Titles and Registration Unit, 10311 Wilson Blvd., Building C, Blythewood, SC, 29016-0039.
What to bring and attach to Form 4038
You must turn in the previous certificate of title and/or registration with this form and the application for title, if applicable.
You must complete Form 400 Title and/or Registration Application. If you are purchasing a license plate or transferring a plate from another vehicle to this vehicle, you must also complete Section 3 of the Form 400.
A bill of sale and/or receipts for parts and any custom kit documents used to rebuild or make the vehicle must also be attached.
A filled-in Form 4038 example: a kit car with its previous title
How to fill out Form 4038, box by box
Vehicle Information
Under penalties of perjury, you declare that you are the legal and rightful owner of the vehicle described under VEHICLE INFORMATION and that you purchased or came into possession of the motor, body, frame, and other necessary parts in a legal and lawful manner and that these component parts were acquired or purchased for the purpose of assembling or rebuilding the vehicle described under VEHICLE INFORMATION.
Under VEHICLE INFORMATION, enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Make, Model, Year and Body style.
Check Gas, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric.
Enter the Last Registered and License Year if registered.
Vehicle is classified as (Check one)
Under Vehicle is classified as (Check one), check one: Reconstructed or Kit Car.
A Reconstructed Vehicle is a vehicle type required to be registered materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.
A Kit Car is a car sold as a set of separate components, designed to be assembled by the purchaser.
The vehicle has the following major components replaced
Under The vehicle has the following major components replaced; write the major components replaced on each line.
Affidavit of Responsibility
Check the Affidavit of Responsibility box only if previous title is not available. By it you shall be responsible for any liens or encumbrances that may be filed against the vehicle, as you have exhausted all means of obtaining the previous title for same as shown by the attached documentation. Sign as Signature of Applicant.
Previous title not available
The previous title is not available
If it is available, the previous certificate of title must always be turned in to the Department. If the certificate of title is not available, the Department will inform you what documents are needed. The Department will not issue you a title based on this affidavit alone.
If no previous title is available, the current owner of the vehicle, trailer, or mobile home must submit Affidavit of Ownership, Form TI-021A; photographs of the vehicle, trailer, or mobile home from all four sides (photos will not be returned); and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without Previous Title, Form TI-021B from a SCDMV official.
A unique identifying number is not affixed to the vehicle
If a unique identifying number is not affixed to the vehicle, the customer will be required to apply for an assigned serial number from the Department by completing Form 401-A Application for an Assigned Serial Number.
Common questions about Form 4038
Where do I file it?
Mail this form to SCDMV, Specialized Titles and Registration Unit, 10311 Wilson Blvd., Building C, Blythewood, SC, 29016-0039.
Are there fees?
You must pay the $15.00 title fee plus the applicable IMF or sales tax (checked November 8, 2026).
Is there a penalty?
Making a material false statement, failing to disclose a security interest, or concealing any material fact in an application for vehicle title with fraudulent intent constitutes a felony. A felony under this act is punishable by imprisonment of not more than five (5) years.
Sources
[1] Form 4038 (Rev. 10/2023), Affidavit of Specialty Constructed Vehicle, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).