# S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-290: SECTION 50-23-290. Obtaining clear title to watercraft or outboard motor without proper proof of ownership

> South Carolina · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-290

## Section

- **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-290
- **Heading:** SECTION 50-23-290. Obtaining clear title to watercraft or outboard motor without proper proof of ownership
- **Jurisdiction:** South Carolina
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 23 / Article 1 / Section 50-23-290

## Text

Any person coming into possession of a watercraft or outboard motor without proper proof of ownership must apply to the department for a title using the form prescribed by the department. The application must be supported by an affidavit setting forth the circumstances under which the watercraft or outboard motor was acquired. The applicant must attempt to notify the last known titled or registered owner and any lienholder of record by certified mail of the application. The applicant must provide the department with proof of mailing. The applicant must publish an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county of residence of the last known owner of record for three successive issues. If there is no prior owner of record, the advertisement must be published in the county where acquired. The advertisement must be as prescribed by the department in the application. Proof of advertising must be submitted to the department. Thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest or ownership is made and the item has not been reported stolen, the department shall issue a clear title. If the item is reported stolen, the department shall dispose of the item according to law. If there is a claim of interest adverse to the applicant, the department shall not issue a title until the issue is resolved. The parties may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for resolution. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment rewrote this section which previously provided for issuance of a conditional title.

## Nearby sections

- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-10 SECTION 50-23-10. Marine dealer's permits.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-10.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-11 SECTION 50-23-11. Dealer demonstration numbers; unauthorized use; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-11.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-12 SECTION 50-23-12. Change in status forms required for trade-ins.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-12.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-20 SECTION 50-23-20. Watercraft titles; notification of transfer.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-20.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-24 SECTION 50-23-24. Boat liveries prohibited from leaving premises unless properly registered, numbered, and titled.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-24.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-30 SECTION 50-23-30. Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-30.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-35 SECTION 50-23-35. Watercraft title issuance; tax payment proof required; exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-35.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-55 SECTION 50-23-55. Certificate of title as evidence of ownership; watercraft from other states.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-55.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-60 SECTION 50-23-60. Application for certificate; late penalty.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-60.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-70 SECTION 50-23-70. Fee for certificate of title; issuance of duplicates; volunteer rescue squad watercraft exception.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-70.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-80 SECTION 50-23-80. Processing of applications and issuance of certificates; records to be kept by department; withholding issuance of certificate.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-80.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-90 SECTION 50-23-90. Contents of certificate; effect as evidence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-90.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-110 SECTION 50-23-110. Statement of origin.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-110.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-120 SECTION 50-23-120. Assignment and warranty of title; transferee or purchaser to obtain new certificate of title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-120.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A1_S50-23-290. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.