South Carolina Boat Registration Numbers: Size, Placement and Decals

South Carolina boat registration numbers start with SC, the state code in the federal numbering format (33 CFR 174.23), and go on each side of the forward half of the boat in plain vertical block characters of at least 3 inches (SC Regulation 123-6). The year decals go on each side of the bow, within six inches following the number (SC Code 50-23-310). This is a plain-words summary, not legal advice, so check with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) before you apply numbers.

What a South Carolina number looks like

The federal format begins with two capital letters for the state, then up to four numerals and up to two capital letters, or up to three numerals and up to three capital letters (33 CFR 174.23). The list of state codes gives South Carolina as SC (33 CFR part 173, Appendix A), so a number takes a shape like SC 1234 AB. That is an illustration of the shape, not a real number.

SCDNR says the number stays the same for as long as the boat remains registered in South Carolina, and that each annual renewal brings a new decal (SCDNR). Type yours exactly as your certificate prints it.

South Carolina boat number placement

The law says the owner must paint on or attach the identification number to each side of the forward half of the vessel and keep it legible (SC Code 50-23-360). The regulation words it as painted on or permanently attached (SC Regulation 123-6). SCDNR's form says "painted or attached" and adds a position distinctly visible to other vessels (SCDNR application). None of these texts names vinyl, so if you are unsure your lettering counts, ask SCDNR.

Some hulls hide the number. Where a number on the hull or superstructure would not be easily visible, the regulation has it go on a backing plate on the forward half, visible from each side (SC Regulation 123-6). Our pontoon guide covers how that works on a pontoon.

Size, color and spacing

• Style: plain vertical block characters, with a height of at least 3 inches (SC Regulation 123-6).
• Color: contrasts with the background and is distinctly visible and legible (same regulation).
• Spacing: a space or hyphen as wide as a letter other than "I" or a number other than "1" between the letter and number groups, as in DC 5678 EF or DC-5678-EF (same regulation).
• Direction: read from left to right (same regulation). SCDNR's form adds that the number reads as it appears on the certificate of number (SCDNR application).

SC boat decal placement

The statute says the decals the department issues are attached to each side of the bow within six inches following the identifying number, and that the decals count as part of the registration number when a certificate is issued or renewed (SC Code 50-23-310). SCDNR's form agrees: year decals on each side of the bow, immediately following the number, within six inches (SCDNR application).

If a decal fades before it expires, the SCDNR FAQ says to send in the Boating Renewal, Duplicate Decals and Registration Cards application with the fee, or ask for duplicates in person at a regional office, online or in the Go Outdoors app (SCDNR FAQ).

Only one number at a time

• Only one valid number may be displayed at any time, and no other number may be displayed on the forward half (SC Code 50-23-360).
• The number on a temporary certificate must not be displayed on the watercraft (SC Code 50-23-345).
• A registration number or decal may not be displayed on any watercraft other than the one it was issued for (SC Code 50-23-375).
• The federal rule tells the owner to remove the number and validation sticker when the boat is documented or is no longer principally operated in the state that issued them (33 CFR 173.33).

Boats that need no number, and other decals

A vessel documented by the Coast Guard, and a sailboat or paddle boat with no propulsion machinery installed or attached, are exempt from numbering (SC Code 50-23-320). SCDNR says a documented vessel does not have to be titled or registered in South Carolina (SCDNR documented vessels).

SCDNR also issues title decals for outboard motors. Those go on the starboard side of the motor cowling and are separate from the registration number (SC Regulation 123-9).

Ordering the numbers

Type your SC number the way the certificate shows it and choose 3, 3.5, 4 or 5 inch letters in our boat registration number decals tool. It shows the width and the price, from $41.99 per decal, and you order one for each side. We make the lettering only; SCDNR issues the year decals.

For straight placement and hull prep, see how to apply boat registration numbers. Neighboring guides: New York and Ohio. Need lettering for a truck or trailer too? Browse the shop.