How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in South Carolina?
Registering a boat in South Carolina costs a flat $10 per year. It's handled by the SC Department of Natural Resources and renews annually. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| 20-ft motorboat | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| 28-ft motorboat | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- Annual county property tax on the boat must be paid before SCDNR renews — it usually exceeds the $10 registration.
- A new powered boat's initial title + registration runs $20 combined; casual excise tax is 5% capped at $500.
South Carolina: common questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in South Carolina?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in South Carolina. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in South Carolina?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in South Carolina?
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.
Do I need a title for my boat in South Carolina?
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.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in South Carolina?
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.
Where do I register a boat in South Carolina?
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.
Estimate your exact South Carolina cost
Your boat
- Registration fee$10.00
- Title fee$10.00
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://dmv.sc.gov/fees · https://www.sccounties.org/property-tax-rates-county — last reviewed 2026-07-21.