# S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-320: SECTION 50-23-320. Exceptions

> South Carolina · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-320

## Section

- **Citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-320
- **Heading:** SECTION 50-23-320. Exceptions
- **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 3 / Section 50-23-320

## Text

(A) A vessel is not required to be numbered under this chapter if it is: (1) covered by a certificate of number in effect which has been issued to it pursuant to federal law; (2) a federally approved numbering system of another state. However, this vessel must not be held or used in this State for more than sixty consecutive days; (3) from a country other than the United States and temporarily using the waters of this State; (4) a vessel whose owner is the United States except recreational-type vessels; (5) a vessel whose owner is the United States, a state, or political subdivision to a state used for governmental purposes and which is clearly identifiable as such; (6) a vessel's lifeboat if the boat is used solely for lifesaving purposes; (7) a vessel's tender; (8) boats designed, constructed, and used for racing; (9) a vessel belonging to a class of boats which has been exempted from numbering by the department after the department has found that the federal government has exempted the vessel or class of vessels from their numbering provisions or as otherwise permitted by the federal government; (10) documented by the United States Coast Guard or a federal agency successor to it; (11) used under authority of a valid temporary certificate of number issued by the department or its agent; or (12) a sailboat or paddle boat when no propulsion machinery of any description is installed in or attached to the boat. (B) Nothing in this chapter prohibits the numbering of an undocumented vessel upon request by the owner even though the vessel is exempt from the numbering requirements of this chapter. Editor's Note 1999 Act No. 124, SECTION 2.T, provided for the transfer of the sections from Article 3, Chapter 21 where this section was numbered SECTION 50-21-320. Effect of Amendment The 2008 amendment created item (2) from the last part of item (1); redesignated items (2) to (5) as items (3) to (6); added items (7) and (8); and redesignated items (7) to (9) as items (10) to (12).

## Nearby sections

- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-310 SECTION 50-23-310. Numbering of vessels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-310.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-320 SECTION 50-23-320. Exceptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-320.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-330 SECTION 50-23-330. Conformity to United States Government numbering system.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-330.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-340 SECTION 50-23-340. Application for and issuance of number and certificate; fee.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-340.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-345 SECTION 50-23-345. Temporary certificate of number.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-345.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-350 SECTION 50-23-350. Issuance of certificates of number by agents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-350.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-360 SECTION 50-23-360. Display of number.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-360.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-370 SECTION 50-23-370. Expiration and renewal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-370.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-375 SECTION 50-23-375. Display of number or decal on watercraft or outboard motor other than that for which it was issued.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-375.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-380 SECTION 50-23-380. Transfer of registration upon change of ownership; fee.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-380.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-385 SECTION 50-23-385. Houseboats with waste-holding tanks; indefinite mooring; waste pump-out.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-385.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-400 SECTION 50-23-400. Notice of change of address.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-400.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-420 SECTION 50-23-420. Display of hull identification number.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-420.md)
- [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-23-425 SECTION 50-23-425. Denial of renewal of registration; proof of payment of property taxes on watercraft.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-425.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SC_T50_C23_A3_S50-23-320. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.