(A) The department shall file each application for certificate of title which is received by it, provided it is accompanied by the required fee and complies in all other respects with this chapter. When satisfied that the application is in proper form, that the applicant is the owner of the watercraft or outboard motor, and that there is no security interest in the watercraft or outboard motor not disclosed in the application, the department shall issue a certificate of title to the watercraft or outboard motor.
(B) The department shall maintain a record of all certificates of title issued by it:
(1) Under a distinctive title number assigned to a watercraft or outboard motor;
(2) Under the identification number awarded to a watercraft in accordance with the registration and numbering act of the state in which it is registered. If the State requires outboard motors to be registered separately, the department shall keep the motor registration numbers in its titling records;
(3) Alphabetically, under the name of the owner; and
(4) In the discretion of the department, in any other method it determines.
(C) All records of the department relating to the titling of watercraft or outboard motors shall be public records.
(D) If the department is not satisfied that the applicant for a certificate of title to a watercraft or outboard motor is the bona fide owner of such watercraft or outboard motor and that there is no security interest in it not disclosed in the application, the department shall withhold the issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant reasonably satisfies the department that the applicant is the owner of the watercraft or outboard motor and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 70-295.108; 1971 (57) 915; 1993 Act No. 181, Section 1270.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
Chapter 23 - Watercraft And Outboard Motors
Section 50-23-10. Marine dealer's permits.
Section 50-23-11. Dealer demonstration numbers; unauthorized use; penalties.
Section 50-23-12. Change in status forms required for trade-ins.
Section 50-23-20. Watercraft titles; notification of transfer.
Section 50-23-35. Watercraft title issuance; tax payment proof required; exceptions.
Section 50-23-55. Certificate of title as evidence of ownership; watercraft from other states.
Section 50-23-60. Application for certificate; late penalty.
Section 50-23-90. Contents of certificate; effect as evidence.
Section 50-23-110. Statement of origin.
Section 50-23-125. Electronic transmission of information for watercraft title.
Section 50-23-140. Priority and validity of liens and other encumbrances; discharge of liens.
Section 50-23-150. Lost, stolen, or mutilated certificate; issuance of duplicate certificate.
Section 50-23-170. Serial number or hull identification number.
Section 50-23-185. Inspection of watercraft related facilities.
Section 50-23-210. Suspension or revocation of certificate.
Section 50-23-220. Deposit and use of funds.
Section 50-23-240. Filing and publication of rules and regulations.
Section 50-23-250. Employment and duties of investigators.
Section 50-23-260. List of owners furnished to county auditors.
Section 50-23-270. False statement in document or other submission to department; penalty.
Section 50-23-275. Watercraft not previously titled.
Section 50-23-310. Numbering of vessels.
Section 50-23-320. Exceptions.
Section 50-23-330. Conformity to United States Government numbering system.
Section 50-23-340. Application for and issuance of number and certificate; fee.
Section 50-23-345. Temporary certificate of number.
Section 50-23-350. Issuance of certificates of number by agents.
Section 50-23-360. Display of number.
Section 50-23-370. Expiration and renewal.
Section 50-23-380. Transfer of registration upon change of ownership; fee.
Section 50-23-385. Houseboats with waste-holding tanks; indefinite mooring; waste pump-out.
Section 50-23-400. Notice of change of address.