How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in South Carolina

Most new boats must be registered through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before they can be sailed.

VESSELS THAT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

Any motorboat (including those using motors as secondary propelling source, like sailboats).

VESSELS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION

Any boat that is propelled only by oars or paddles.
Boats registered in another country/state and not being used in South Carolina for more than 60 days.
Surfboards or sailboards.
Boats registered by the U.S. Coast Guard or its successive federal agency.
Boats registered in another country temporarily plying in South Carolina waters.
A ship's lifeboat.
Vessels using a temporary number.
Official vessels owned by the United States.
Boats owned by the United States, a solitary state, a county, or a municipality with clearly visible identification.

TO REGISTER IN PERSON

You can register a boat in person by visiting either the DNR office in Columbia or the one in Charleston:

Columbia Office:

S.C. Department of Natural Resources
Rembert C. Dennis Building
1000 Assembly Street, Room 104 
Columbia, S.C. 29201 
Telephone (803) 734-3857

Charleston Office
S.C. Department of Natural Resources
217 Fort Johnson Road
Charleston, S.C. 29422 
Telephone (843) 953-9301

You must bring a completed boat registration application and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, invoice, previous title and registration, Hull Identification Number (HIN), certificate of origin, sales tax receipt and in some cases Affidavit of Inheritance.

TO REGISTER BY U.S. MAIL

The boat registration application and proof of ownership along with appropriate fees and taxes can also be mailed to:

SC Dept. of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC, 29202

For additional information, contact the Columbia Registration Office at (803) 734-3857.

FEES

Boat registration fees are usually $40 for all vessels. See here for a more detailed breakdown of the registration fees. In addition, vessels registered in South Carolina are subject to Excise and Use Taxes based on the cost of the vessel and the place of purchase. The only exception is if the vessel is purchased from an immediate family member.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Both the vessel registration number and current decals must be clearly displayed on the vessel, according to South Carolina requirements.
The vessel's registration papers must be carried on the vessel while sailing.
For additional information, see the South Carolina Boating Handbook.

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