Frequently Asked Questions

File a BTR-1 form with SCDNR within 30 days of purchase. You'll need the completed form, proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), a county property tax receipt, and payment for fees and excise tax.

No. Non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats) do not require registration or titling in SC.

Mail-in processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. In-person at SCDNR offices in West Columbia, Charleston, or Aynor can be same-day for the registration card.

$20 combined title and registration fee, plus 5% Casual Excise Tax on the purchase price (capped at $500 per vessel, $500 per motor). Outboard motors 5+ HP cost an additional $10 each to title. Motor-only purchases have no excise tax cap.

No. Transfers between immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, spouse) are exempt from the Casual Excise Tax. You still pay the $20 title/registration fee.

SCDNR charges $15 if you file 31-60 days after purchase, and $30 if you file more than 60 days after purchase. There is no late fee within the first 30 days.

SC charges a 5% Casual Excise Tax (not traditional sales tax) on private boat purchases, capped at $500 per vessel and $500 per motor. Motor-only purchases have uncapped 5% excise tax. Dealer purchases may be handled differently.

The BTR-1 (Watercraft/Outboard Motor Application) is the official SCDNR form used for all boat title and registration transactions in South Carolina, including purchases, transfers, and out-of-state boats.

Not necessarily. The BTR-1 form includes a built-in bill of sale (Section H). If you complete Section H and have it notarized, you don't need a separate bill of sale document.

Yes. Section H of the BTR-1 (the bill of sale section) must be signed by both buyer and seller before a notary public.

You need the standard BTR-1 form plus the Family Transfer Exemption section (Section I of the BTR-1), which exempts immediate family members from the Casual Excise Tax.

In addition to the BTR-1, you need the original out-of-state title (notarized if it has a notary field), a written bill of sale, a HIN tracing or photograph, and motor serial number tracings for each outboard motor.

You can mail your completed paperwork to SCDNR, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. For in-person submissions, visit 260 D Epting Lane, West Columbia, SC 29172. Make checks payable to SCDNR.

SCDNR charges a $15 late fee if you file 31-60 days after purchase, and $30 if you file more than 60 days after purchase.

BoatForms is free to use. You pay state fees (registration, title, excise tax) directly to SCDNR. BoatForms does not charge to fill forms, calculate fees, or generate your packet.

No. BoatForms works without an account. Enter your situation, get your packet, submit it. Your data is stored locally on your device.

Full support for South Carolina today. More states are in development — see the states page to join the waitlist for yours.

Not yet. The app is currently available on iOS and as a web app. Email support@boatforms.com to join the Android waitlist.