It's the Law: Before Going

All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel's registration, titling, and operation.

Registering Your Boat or PWC

You must have a South Carolina Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to legally operate your boat or PWC on public waters in South Carolina. The only exceptions are:

• A non-motorized boat
• Boats documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Boats or PWC with valid registration in another state or country, temporarily used in South Carolina.

The Certificate of Number and validation decals are obtained by submitting the proper application and fee to the Department of Natural Resources, Boat Registration and Titling Office, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

This certificate (registration card) must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the boat or PWC is operated.

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.
• Decal must be affixed on both sides of the boat within six inches following the registration number.

Other Facts About Titling and Registration

• All boats and PWCs must be titled. The only exceptions are boats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard, windsurfers, rowing boats, or paddle boats. You also must obtain a separate title for all outboard motors of five horsepower or greater.
• 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, notify the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) in writing within 15 days.
• If you abandon or destroy your vessel or motor, you must report it to the SCDNR in writing within 10 days, and include a description.
• 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.
• Boats and PWCs that are currently registered in another state may operate on South Carolina waters for 60 days before South Carolina registration and numbering is required.

Buying or Selling a Vessel or Motor

The procedure for buying or selling, or otherwise acquiring, a vessel or motor is outlined on the "Watercraft/Motor Application" forms that can be obtained from the Boat Titling and Registration Office of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The process is essentially the same whether the "seller" is a marine dealer, or the "buyer" is an individual purchasing a pre-owned boat from an individual "seller."

• The sale of a vessel or outboard motor without a title is prohibited.
• If a registered vessel or motor is sold or transferred to another person:
  • The "buyer" must apply for the Certificate of Number and title to be transferred to his or her name within 30 days from the date of purchase.
  • The "seller" must provide the SCDNR, in writing, a description of the vessel or motor sold, name and address of the buyer and date of sale within 15 days of the date of sale.
• A new or used vessel with valid expiration decals may be operated for up to 60 days from the date of purchase when the temporary watercraft certificate (which comes attached to the application) and a bill of sale are carried on board.

Schedule of Fees to Register Your Boat or Motor

Where to Title and Register

You can carry out your registration and titling transactions by mail or in person.

For more information or for forms call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Boat Titling and Registration Office at 803-734-3857 or reach them by fax at 803-734-4138 or visit our website at www.dnr.sc.gov