Boating in South Carolina

Registration, titles, boater education and taxes, from South Carolina DNR and other official sources.

Boating rules in South Carolina
Registering agency	South Carolina DNR
Registration fees	$10/yr; new title+registration $20; transfer $20
Renewal	annual
Title	yes (SC titles watercraft and outboard motors)
Boater education	Since August 18, 2023, anyone born after July 1, 2007 must pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, PWC or specialty propcraft with a motor of 10 hp or more; renters may instead carry a rental safety certificate (SCDNR, Boater Education); born after July 1, 2007 (10 hp or more); NASBLA-approved courses: Yes (source: dnr.sc.gov, checked 2026-11-04)
Sales/use tax	5% casual excise/use tax on private sales; cap: $500
Property tax	yes (county)
Forms	Official forms

Sources

Checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm with the agency.

Map of the 1,451 listed places with coordinates (outline: US Census TIGER). The lists below have every name and map link.