No. If a vessel is documented with the US Coast Guard it does not have to be titled or registered in South Carolina.
Outboard Motors: If a documented vessel has outboard motors and is primarily housed in SC, the motor(s) must be titled.
Lifeboat: A vessel’s lifeboat does not have to be titled or registered if used only for lifesaving purposes
Purchased a previously documented vessel and would like it titled and registered?
- Bill of Sale Completed, signed, and notarized. (page 2 of the Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application)
- Need appropriate documentation from the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.)
Note: A letter of deletion will not be issued if a preferred mortgage is still existing. - Completed and Signed Application
- Pencil tracing (if traceable), or printed photograph of Hull Identification Number
- Fees for Registration and Title
- Casual Excise Tax
Outboard Motor on your Documented Vessel
If the documented vessel is propelled by outboard motor(s), the outboard motor is required to be titled, if the state of principle use is South Carolina, and it is five (5) horsepower or greater.
Any vessel that is documented by the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) can be operated on the waters of this state with no additional S.C. registration issued by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Documented Vessels are exempt from registration in South Carolina.