Quick answer
In South Carolina, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats operating on South Carolina waters. Registration is handled by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), is valid for 1 year (renewed with county property taxes), and costs $10.00 to $20.00 before any purchase tax or local add-ons.
Official source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) · Last checked in site data: June 23, 2026 · All official state agencies
South Carolina Registration Guides
Use these South Carolina-specific guides for renewal, title, tax, non-resident, vessel-type, and paperwork questions that need more detail than the state overview.
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In South Carolina, registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats operating on South Carolina waters. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All motorized watercraft and sailboats operating on South Carolina waters
Exempt from registration:
- Non-motorized, non-sailing vessels (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards)
- Vessels registered in another state temporarily in South Carolina
Registration Fees & Costs
South Carolina boat registration fees range from $10.00 to $20.00 depending on vessel length and type. The state applies a 5% sales tax capped at $500, and title fees are $10.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New Registration & Title (all sizes) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Annual Renewal (all sizes) | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Sales Tax Rate: 5% (capped at $500)
Title Fee: $10.00
How to Register Your Boat in South Carolina
To register a boat in South Carolina, you must apply within 30 days of purchase through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Online registration is available. Registration is valid for 1 year (renewed with county property taxes).
Registration can be completed:
- Online: Through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) portal
- In Person: At your local South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Required Documents
- Completed registration application form
- Bill of Sale or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) verification
South Carolina Boat Title & Title Transfer
South Carolina requires a boat title for all motorized boats and watercraft, and all outboard motors 5 HP and greater. The title application fee is $10.00, and transfers cost $20.00.
Title required: Yes — All motorized boats and watercraft, and all outboard motors 5 HP and greater
Title application fee: $10.00
Title transfer fee: $20.00
Required Documents for Title Transfer
- Original signed title from seller (used vessels)
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels from dealer)
- Paid property tax receipt from county of residence
- Completed application form
- Valid photo ID
For state-specific paperwork, see South Carolina Boat Title Transfer: SCDNR Fees, Tax and Documents (2026). For the national process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in South Carolina
If you are selling a boat in South Carolina, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in SC |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Sign the existing title exactly as the owner name appears. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | Required for all motorized boats and watercraft, and all outboard motors 5 HP and greater; title transfer fee is $20.00. |
| Tax | 5% sales or use tax may apply, capped at $500. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
South Carolina Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (renewed with county property taxes)
South Carolina boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal or online registration services are listed as available in current SC state data. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
South Carolina requires a boater safety course. Individuals born after July 1, 2007, must complete an approved boater education course to operate a boat or PWC with 10+ HP motor.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Individuals born after July 1, 2007, must complete an approved boater education course to operate a boat or PWC with 10+ HP motor
Accepted courses: SCDNR free classroom courses, NASBLA-approved online courses
Course cost: Free (SCDNR classroom) or paid online providers
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: SC 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Within 6 inches of registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How South Carolina Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $10.00 | 1 year (renewed with county property taxes) | Yes | 5% |
| Georgia | $45.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4% |
| North Carolina | $34.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | 4.75% |
South Carolina Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in South Carolina?
Do I need a title for my boat in South Carolina?
Is boater education required in South Carolina?
How does boat registration renewal work in South Carolina?
What taxes apply to boat purchases in South Carolina?
Can non-residents operate boats in South Carolina?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in South Carolina? Visit the official South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at 803-734-3857 for the most current information.