Here's something from the SCDMV website...
If you need to title a vehicle, mobile home, or trailer that is 25 years old or older, and you are unable to obtain the previous title, you may apply for approval to title a vehicle. Requests for approval to title a motor vehicle, mobile home or trailer are only processed by mail in DMV headquarters and are done on a case by case basis.
The current owner of the vehicle must be a resident of South Carolina evidenced by a South Carolina credential, a mobile home housed in South Carolina or proof of legal presence in South Carolina (see Acceptable Forms of Identification for more information.)
Apply for approval to title by submitting the following:
1. Affidavit of Ownership, Form TI-021A, which must include the vehicle and current owner information, and a statement indicating how the vehicle was acquired to include in detail how, where and when the owner acquired the vehicle, who were the seller(s) and/or lien holder(s), the condition of the vehicle and any other information regarding the vehicle.
2. Photographs of the vehicle, mobile home, or trailer from all angles (photos will not be returned).
3. Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without Previous Title, Form TI-021B signed by a SCDMV official. The vehicle must be taken to a local DMV branch by the customer for an inspection if the customer wishes to obtain a South Carolina title. If a unique identifying number is not affixed to the vehicle, you will be required to apply for a special serial number from the Department – Application for a Special Serial Number, Form 401-A before proceeding with this request. If the vehicle is not operable at the time of inspection, you may be approved to obtain a title that is branded “not for road use” only. Once the vehicle is operable, it will need to be inspected before the “not for road use” brand can be removed and the vehicle can be registered.
4. Additional Requirements for Mobile Homes
a. A letter or receipt from the county treasurer’s office indicating property taxes are current for the mobile home.
b. Seven (7) years of property tax statements in the current owner’s name; or,
c. Insurance company records indicating the home has been insured in the owner’s name for the previous 7 years or more.
d. The insurance documents or property tax statements must include the mobile home’s vehicle identification number.
These documents should be submitted to SCDMV by mail at Post Office Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0024. Once the Department is certain that no previous title exists for the vehicle, or can be obtained, the Form TI-021A may be approved and you can apply for title using the approved Form TI-021A in lieu of the previous title in any SCDMV office. The approval to title is not proof of ownership and cannot be used to title in a jurisdiction other than South Carolina. You must meet all other titling requirements as outlined in this section, including payment of use taxes based on the purchase price of the vehicle, and title and registration fees.