Finding Your Boat's Registration Number In South Carolina

If you're planning to take your boat out on the water in South Carolina, you'll need to make sure it's registered with the state. The registration process can be a little tricky, but this guide will help you find your boat's registration number and get out on the water as soon as possible. In South Carolina, all motorized vessels in public waters must be registered and titled, except for sailboats with no mechanical propulsion, vessels powered by hand, and watercraft registered in another state and operated in South Carolina for less than 60 days. To register your boat, you'll need to submit the necessary paperwork, including the Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application, and pay the appropriate fees. Once your boat is registered, you'll receive a registration card and two decals, and your registration number will be displayed on each side of the front half of your boat.

How to find registration number for a boat in South Carolina

To find your boat's registration number in South Carolina, you must first register your boat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register your boat and find your registration number:

Step 1: Check Requirements and Exemptions

Before registering, confirm that your boat needs to be registered. In South Carolina, all motorized vessels in public waters must be registered and titled. However, there are some exemptions. Registration is not required for:

• Sailboats without mechanical propulsion (but they still need to be titled).
• Vessels exclusively powered by hand, such as canoes, kayaks, and rowboats.
• Watercraft registered in another state and operated in South Carolina for less than 60 days.
• Vessels documented with the US Coast Guard instead of the state.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To register your boat in South Carolina, you will typically need the following documents:

• Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application: This application requires the owner's contact information and details about the boat, including technical information.
• Paid property tax receipt in your name for the upcoming year from your county of residence.
• The original title for your vessel, completed and signed.

Step 3: Submit Application and Fees

Submit the required documents, along with the appropriate fees, to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). You can mail your application to:

SCDNR,

Attn: Titling and Registering,

P.O. Box 167,

Columbia,

SC 29202.

The standard registration fee is $20, and there are additional fees for titles, duplicates, and late renewals.

Step 4: Receive Registration Certificate and Decals

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a registration card and two decals. The registration card must be kept on the boat whenever it is on the water, and it is recommended to laminate it or place it in a waterproof sleeve.

Step 5: Display Registration Number and Decals

Your registration number and decals must be displayed on your boat. The registration number should be displayed on each side of the front half of the boat. It should start with "SC," followed by four numbers and then two capital letters, such as "SC 1234 AB." You can paint these numbers on or use vinyl stickers. The numbers should be at least 3 inches tall, read left to right, and contrast with the hull colour. The registration decals should be placed within 6 inches of the displayed registration number on both sides of the boat.

By following these steps, you will be able to find and display your boat's registration number in South Carolina, ensuring compliance with the state's boating regulations.

Registering a boat without a title

In South Carolina, all motorized vessels in public waters must be registered and titled. This includes motorboats, sailboats, and watercraft with outboard motors greater than 5 horsepower. The registration process requires submitting three pieces of paperwork: the Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application, a paid property tax receipt in your name for the coming year, and the original title, completed and signed. These documents must be submitted with the appropriate fees via mail to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

If you are registering a boat without a title, you must first pay your property taxes on the boat in your name with your county. You will then need to submit a receipt of the paid tax along with your Watercraft/Outboard Motor Titling and Registration Application and other supporting documents. The cost to register a boat that has never been registered or titled before in South Carolina is $20.

Once your boat is registered, you will receive a registration card and two decals. The decals must be affixed to each side of the boat, and the registration card must be kept on board whenever the vessel is in the water. It is recommended to laminate the card or put it in a waterproof sleeve and store it in a compartment near the steering wheel.

Additionally, you must display your assigned registration number on each side of the front half of your boat. The numbers and letters must be at least 3 inches in height, read left to right, and be in a color that contrasts with the hull color. The registration number will start with "SC," followed by four numbers and two capital letters, with hyphens or spaces between the letters and numerals (e.g., "SC-12345-AB"). The registration decal should be placed within 6 inches of the registration number on both sides of the boat.

Registering a boat with a title

If you're registering a boat in South Carolina, there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure your vessel is compliant. The state requires all motorized boats and watercraft to be registered and titled, with some exceptions.

Exemptions

Firstly, it's important to note that not all boats need to be registered in South Carolina. Exempted vessels include those documented by the US Coast Guard, and non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and inflatables. Sailboats with no mechanical propulsion are also exempt, but they must still be titled. Vessels that are fully registered and valid in another state can be operated in South Carolina for up to 60 days without registration.

Registration Requirements

To register your boat in South Carolina, you'll need to complete the Watercraft/Outboard Motor Titling and Registration Application. This application will require the owner's contact information, details of the boat's make and model, and other technical information. You'll also need to submit a paid property tax receipt in your name for the coming year from your county of residence. If you're registering a boat that has never been titled in South Carolina before, you'll need to pay property taxes on the boat in your name with your county and submit a receipt with your application.

If you're registering a boat with a title, you'll need to submit the original title, completed and signed. If there are any alterations to the title, it will be considered invalid. In this case, you'll need to submit a signed and notarized bill of sale, along with a $5 duplicate title fee.

Fees

Registering a boat in South Carolina for the first time costs $20. Additional fees include $10 for a watercraft title, $5 for a duplicate title, $5 for a duplicate registration, and $5 for a duplicate watercraft/outboard motor decal. There are also late fees for applications and renewals, which can range from $15 to $30.

Displaying Your Registration

Once your boat is registered, you'll receive a registration card and two decals. The decals must be affixed to each side of the boat, and the registration card must be kept on board whenever the vessel is in use. The assigned registration number must also be displayed on each side of the front half of the boat, and can be painted on or displayed using vinyl stickers. These numbers must be at least 3 inches in height, read left to right, and contrast with the hull colour. The registration number will start with "SC", followed by four numbers and two capital letters, with hyphens or spaces in between. For example, "SC 1234 AB" or "SC-1234-AB". The registration decal should be placed within six inches of the registration number on both sides of the boat.

Registering a boat from out of state

If you're registering a boat from out of state in South Carolina, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, all motorized boats and watercraft in South Carolina, including sailboats and all outboard motors of five horsepower and greater, must be titled and registered. This does not apply to vessels documented by the USCG, rowboats, paddleboats, sailboards, canoes, kayaks, and vessels powered exclusively by hand.

If you've purchased your boat out of state, you'll need to submit the appropriate paperwork and pay any necessary fees to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The required documents include a completed Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application, which you can obtain from the SCDNR or most Department of Natural Resources offices. The application will require the owner's contact information and details about the boat's make and model, as well as other technical information. You'll also need to submit a paid property tax receipt in your name for the coming year from your county of residence and the original title, completed and signed.

If you're bringing a boat into South Carolina that was previously registered in another state, you have 60 days before you're required to register it in South Carolina. During this time, you can operate your boat using your out-of-state registration. After those 60 days, you'll need to complete the registration process and obtain a South Carolina registration certificate, number, and decal. The registration certificate must be kept aboard the boat whenever it's on the water, and the registration number and decal must be displayed on each side of the boat.

It's worth noting that there are different procedures for unique situations, such as registering a boat purchased from an estate or by inheritance, a homemade boat, or a boat with no Hull ID number. If your situation is less straightforward, be sure to review the specific requirements provided by the SCDNR.

Registering a boat trailer

If you own a boat trailer in South Carolina, you may need to register it with the South Carolina Motor Vehicle Division. Registration is required for boat trailers with an empty weight of 2,500 lbs or more. If your boat trailer weighs less than 2,500 lbs and you are not planning to travel out-of-state, then you do not need to register it.

To register your boat trailer, you will need to complete the Application for Trailer License Plate (SCDMV Form PL-010A). You will also need to title the trailer, which requires presenting the bill of sale and previous title. If the previous title does not exist, you must complete the Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) and Vehicle Identification Verification for Title without a Previous Title (Form TI-021B).

The registration fee for a boat trailer license plate is $10 every two years. You must pay property taxes on the trailer with your county before you may register the trailer.

If you are a business owner, you must register your boat trailer in order to use it on South Carolina roads or out-of-state. The Trailer license plate for businesses is $20 every two years, and property taxes must be paid before registering.

Boat Registration in South Carolina

In South Carolina, all motorized vessels in public waters must be registered and titled, except for sailboats with no mechanical propulsion, vessels powered by hand (e.g. canoes, kayaks), and watercraft registered in another state and operated in South Carolina for up to 60 days.

To register a boat for the first time, you need to submit the following:

• Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application
• Paid property tax receipt in your name for the coming year from your county of residence
• Your vessel's original title, completed and signed

These documents should be submitted with the appropriate fees via mail to SCDNR, Attn: Titling and Registering, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.

Frequently asked questions