Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
South Carolina. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
State numbering.
The state
registration prefix for this state is "SC".
Title certificate.
Titles are
issued on registered boats except those which are Coast Guard
documented.
Registration certificate.
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.
Sales &
use tax.
Sales or use
tax applies to first time registrations and transfers of
ownership. Boats are also subject to property tax.
Loan perfection.
Boat security
interests in non-documented vessels are filed on the state title
records. A preferred vessel mortgage is required if the boat is
Coast Guard documented.
Registration agency.
South
Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Boat record search.
The
Department of Natural Resources will confirm hull numbers and certificates
in hand by telephone or provide print-outs by using its boat
record search request form.
Preliminary online boat record searches are also available to
the general public by visiting the DNR's web site. Boat records are maintained indefinitely.
Ownership designations.
On joint
ownerships with an "AND" designation, both signatures are
required to release the title. Either can sign with an "OR"
designation.
Residency requirements.
Residency is
not required for registration or title certificates if the boat
is primarily located in this state.
Hull number inspection.
Required if
there is a discrepancy.
Reporting requirements.
Transfers of
ownership must be reported within 15 days.
Outboard motors.
Title and
registration certificates are issued on outboard motors of 5hp
or greater.
Notary
public.
Notary seals
are not required if the notary states the commission date of
expiration.
Visitation period.
60 days.
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It is our mission to provide the absolute best in professional maritime
services and we are constantly striving
to improve our awareness of your vessel documentation, vessel titling,
and vessel transaction needs.
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