Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel's Certificate of Number and Decals

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In South Carolina, you must have a South Carolina Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on South Carolina waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Vessels with valid registration in another state or country, temporarily on the waters of South Carolina

The registration number and validation decals must be displayed as follows.

• Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
• Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: SC 3717 ZW or SC-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Decals must be affixed on both sides of the vessel within six inches following the registration number.

PWCs also are required to display the certificate’s number and validation decals.

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• All vessels must be titled. The only exceptions are:
  • A vessel documented by the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Rowboats, paddleboats, and sailboards
• You must obtain a separate title for all outboard motors of 5 horsepower or greater. Battery-operated trolling motors are an exception.
• A Certificate of Number is valid for three years. Failure to renew within 30 days of the expiration date will result in a penalty.
• If you change your address, you must call or write the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) within 15 days.
• If you abandon or destroy your vessel or motor, you must report it to the SCDNR within 10 days and surrender your Certificate of Number and title.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number, title, or decal, you must apply to the SCDNR for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
• Vessels registered in another state may operate on South Carolina waters for 60 days before South Carolina registration and numbering are required.
• Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

Registration and title application forms can be obtained from: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Boat Titling and Registration Office Many marine dealers Most Department of Natural Resources offices Questions? Call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Boat Titling and Registration Office at 803-734-3857 or visit the website. Also, you can call or visit one of the DNR offices.

Hull Identification Number

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.

Hull Identification Numbers:

• Distinguish one vessel from another­—the same as serial numbers distinguish one car from another.
• Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom.

You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.