The South Carolina boat bill of sale form works as a certificate for the exchange of a watercraft from one party to another. It is necessary to carry out this contract in the state of South Carolina as it functions as a receipt for the purchase and will need to be presented upon registration. All individuals involved must disclose information pertinent to the transaction such as the description of the watercraft, buyer/seller contact details, as well as the date and sales price.

How to Register a Boat

Once you have purchased a vessel in the state of South Carolina, it is essential that you register the watercraft with the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) within 30 days of acquisition to avoid any penalties. To do so, simply travel to one of the DNR’s boating office locations and submit the following:

• A bill of sale ratified by a notary public.
• Title accompanied by the former owner’s signature (unless the boat is exempt, in which case you would give a written letter explaining why the vessel is immune along with a photo of the boat’s HIN or a pencil tracing).
• A fulfilled Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application (Form SCDNR BTR-1).
• Payment for any titling, registration, and/or tax fees.

How to Write

Step 1 – Download in Adobe PDF.

Step 2 – Description of Watercraft – Disclose the following information requested concerning the vessel:

• Registration Number
• Title Number
• Hull I.D. Number
• Make
• Year
• Length
• Const

Step 3 – Description of Outboard Motor – If the vessel contains an outboard motor, the form requires you to list the following details related to the engine:

• Title Number
• Serial Number
• Model
• Make
• Year
• H.P. (Horsepower)

Step 4 – Sale Details – Indicate the specific information required into the corresponding spaces provided:

• Check the initial box if the following applies to your situation:
  • “I did not register/title watercraft because I used it without propulsion.”
• Seller(s) Name(s)
• Seller’s Address
  • Street Name and Number
  • Apt. Number (if applicable)
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code
• Date of Sale (Month, Day, Year)
• Purchaser(s) Name(s)
• Purchaser’s Address
  • Street Name and Number
  • Apt. Number (if applicable)
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code

Step 5 – Signature Section – In the presence of a notary public, provide the finalizing measures indicated below:

• Signature & Driver’s License Number of Seller
• Signature(s) & Driver’s License Number(s) of Co-Owner(s) (if applicable)

Step 6 – Notary Section – Notary must provide the following upon approval:

• Date of Signing (Day, Month, Year)
• Notary Signature
• Notary Printed Name
• Date Commission Expires

Step 7 – Seller Must Notify – The seller of the vessel is obligated to inform the DNR that they have transferred ownership of the watercraft and must provide the following numbers concerning the vessel and outboard motor:

• Purchase Price
• Less Trade-In
• Balance Subject to Casual Tax

Once you have input the individual prices, add them together for the total. (The address of the Watercraft Division is displayed on the form.)

Step 8 – Tax Exempt Form – If an immediate family member (parent, child, sister, brother, grandparent, grandchild, or spouse) is purchasing the vessel, they may be exempt from Casual Excise Tax. If this is the case, enter the following required information:

• Date
• Purchaser Name
• Seller Name
• Relationship
• Purchaser’s Signature

Step 9 – Co-Owner Form – If the owner would like to add a co-owner, simply input the following:

• Owner Printed Name
• Co-Owner Printed Name
• Owner’s Signature