Transferring a boat title in South Carolina requires specific documents depending on your situation. Miss one, and your paperwork gets returned — costing you weeks. Here’s what you need.
Every SC Boat Title Transfer Needs
No matter the situation, you’ll always need:
- Completed BTR-1 form (Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application), signed in Section F by all applicants
- Payment to SCDNR — check or money order (no cash) for all applicable fees and taxes
Buying a Used Boat In-State (With SC Title)
- Original SC title, completed and signed on the back by all owners
- Paid property tax receipt from your county of residence
Good to know: SC titles don’t need to be notarized. But if the title says “and,” all owners must sign. If it says “or,” only one needs to sign.
Buying a Used Boat In-State (Missing Title)
- Signed and notarized Bill of Sale (Section H of the BTR-1)
- Paid property tax receipt from your county
- $5 duplicate title fee per missing title
Bringing a Boat From Out of State
- Original title from the previous state (notarized if the title has a notary field)
- Written bill of sale
- Pencil tracing or photograph of the Hull Identification Number (HIN)
- Pencil tracing or photograph of the motor serial number
- Out-of-state registration card (if available)
Note: If the previous state doesn’t issue boat titles (like Alabama or Alaska), you’ll need the registration card and bill of sale as proof of ownership instead.
Family Transfers
If you’re receiving a boat from an immediate family member (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or spouse):
- All standard documents above
- Completed Family Transfer exemption (Section I of BTR-1)
The big benefit: you’re exempt from the 5% Casual Excise Tax, which can save you up to $500.
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration & Title | $20 |
| Motor Title (5+ HP outboard) | $10 per motor |
| Casual Excise Tax | 5% of price (max $500) |
| Late Fee (31-60 days) | $15 |
| Late Fee (60+ days) | $30 |
| Duplicate Title | $5 per title |
Where to Submit
- By mail: SCDNR, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202
- In person: 260 D Epting Lane, West Columbia, SC 29172
- Questions: (803) 734-3857, M-F 8:30 AM - 4:50 PM ET
Skip the Manual Process
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