South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors
Section 50-23-125. Electronic transmission of information for watercraft title.

(A) In lieu of paper documents, the department is authorized to transmit and receive the following information through secure electronic means for a certificate of title:
(1) the title for a watercraft or outboard motor with any liens or security interests;
(2) to the first lienholder on the title, the addition of subsequent liens; and
(3) the discharge of a security interest or lien from a lienholder on the title.
The certificate of title record must contain the same information noted on a paper certificate of title. Upon receipt of the discharge of the final lien, a clear title must be printed and conveyed to the owner at the address on file with the department. The provisions of this section do not alter the priority of lienholders and encumbrances against a certificate of title. A duly certified copy of the department's electronic record of the lien is admissible in a civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding as evidence of existence of the lien.
(B) The department is authorized to collect an electronic transaction fee not to exceed five dollars for each transaction from commercial parties who transmit or retrieve data from the department pursuant to this section. The fee collected by the department is an official fee and must be used to defray the expenses of the electronic lien program.
(C) Notwithstanding Sections 37-2-202 and 37-3-202, commercial entities and lenders who transmit or receive data from the department pursuant to the provisions of this section may collect an electronic transfer fee not to exceed five dollars for each transaction from the owners of watercraft or outboard motors. A fee charged by the department related to a titled watercraft or outboard motor for the purposes of transmittal or retrieval of this data is deemed an official fee as referenced in Sections 37-2-202 and 37-3-202.
(D) All businesses and commercial lenders who are regularly engaged in the business or practice of selling watercraft or outboard motors as a licensed dealer pursuant to this chapter or in the business or practice of financing watercraft or outboard motors shall utilize the electronic lien system to transmit and retrieve electronic lien information. The department shall maintain contact information on its website for service providers utilizing an electronic interface between the department, lienholders, and sellers of watercraft or outboard motors. The department must establish procedures to ensure compliance with the use of the electronic lien system and provide for valid exceptions as determined by the department.
HISTORY: 2021 Act No. 78 (H.3884), Section 1, eff July 1, 2022.

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