South Carolina Boat Registration Fee Calculator

Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in South Carolina. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.

Annually.

Yes — in South Carolina the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our South Carolina trailer registration calculator for that cost.

Yes — South Carolina issues a boat title for a one-time $10 fee, generally required for larger or newer motorized vessels (smaller craft are often exempt). The title is separate from the registration fee shown above.

Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in South Carolina, usually in the smallest length class. The same SC Department of Natural Resources handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.

Boat registration in South Carolina is handled by the SC Department of Natural Resources. You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every year before your decal expires.