How to Sell a Boat Privately in South Carolina (2026)
| Titling agency | South Carolina DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 45 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | TI-003A |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in South Carolina — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. South Carolina requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with South Carolina DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. South Carolina uses TI-003A.
- 4Gather documentation — current South Carolina registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent South Carolina dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the South Carolina registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify South Carolina DMV — buyer must register within 45 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with South Carolina DMV to remove liability for future fines.
South Carolina lien release procedure
- Obtain Form TI-003A from the South Carolina DMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs TI-003A releasing the lien.
- Submit TI-003A with the existing title and title application at a SC DMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean South Carolina title.
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Start My South Carolina Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in South Carolina?▾
Yes. South Carolina requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with South Carolina DMV.
What is the South Carolina boat title transfer deadline?▾
South Carolina requires the buyer to transfer registration within 45 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in South Carolina?▾
South Carolina charges 5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. IMF applies to all vehicle sales, capped at $500 max The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with South Carolina DMV.
Do I need a notary for a South Carolina boat bill of sale?▾
South Carolina does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in South Carolina?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to South Carolina DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 45 days of the sale date.
Source: South Carolina DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07