South Carolina
boat registration summary presents an overview of boat titling,
registration, loan perfection, and operational requirements for the
State of South Carolina. More detailed information, forms, guidelines,
and other resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our
Forms
page. Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats and
trailers.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Boat Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 447,745 boats registered in South
Carolina. This state ranks 8th among nationwide boat
registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The state
registration prefix for this state is "SC". |
|
Registration Agency |
South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources |
|
Registration Requirements |
All motorized boats must be registered except
windsurfers, watercraft (canoes, kayak, etc.) propelled only by
human power with oars, paddles or similar devices.
Coast Guard documented vessels are exempt from registration. |
|
Title Requirements |
Titles are
issued on registered boats in South Carolina except those which are Coast Guard
documented. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
South
Carolina does not have provisions for bonded boat titles or
conditional boat registrations when there is insufficient proof
of ownership. However, they do have procedures for such cases
where the boat was previously registered in South Carolina.
Additional information on this subject can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Boat Registration Records |
Boat records are maintained indefinitely.
Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports
can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Tax Requirements. |
Sales or use
tax applies to first time registrations and transfers of
ownership. Boats are also subject to property tax. |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership Designations |
Joint
ownership is designated by an "and" or "or" on South Carolina
boat registrations. |
|
Residency requirements |
Non-residents
may register a boat in South Carolina if this is the state of
principal usage. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The hull must
be inspected by a South Carolina law enforcement official if
there is a discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Reporting Requirements |
Transfers of
ownership must be reported within 15 days. |
|
Outboard Motors |
South
Carolina issues titles and
registrations certificates on outboard motors of 5hp
or greater. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration and titling are required for those weighing over
2,500 lbs. They are optional for those weighing less. |
|
Notary Requirements |
Notary seals
are not required if the notary states the commission date of
expiration. |
|
Visitation Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are registered in another state,
Coast Guard documented, or registered in a foreign country. |
