The federal rules for registration numbers
Under 33 CFR 173.27, the registration number must be:
- painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat
- in plain vertical block characters, not script or slanted lettering
- at least 3 inches high
- in a color that contrasts with the background
- reading left to right
Spacing
Separate the letter groups from the number group with a space or a hyphen as wide as a letter (other than I) or a number (other than 1).
If the numbers would be hard to see
When the shape of the boat would make numbers on the hull or superstructure hard to see, put them on a backing plate attached to the forward half so they can be seen from each side.
Registration stickers (validation decals)
The sticker shows that the registration is current. Where it goes, and its size and color, are set by each state, so check your state guide.
Two examples from our state guides:
- Florida: an undocumented vessel's decal goes on the port side within 6 inches before or after its number. Florida guide →
- North Carolina: the assigned number goes on both sides of the bow, and the registration certificate must be on the boat while it is operating. North Carolina guide →
On an amphibious vehicle
An amphibious vehicle such as a WaterCar is a boat on the water, so its state boat registration number and sticker go on the hull the same way. On the road side it is registered with the motor vehicle agency. How the VIN and HIN work →
Find your state's rules
Each guide covers boat registration and low-speed vehicle registration for that state, with official agency links. See the map of all states →
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Quick answers
How big do boat registration numbers have to be?
Federal rules require plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches high, in a color that contrasts with the background (33 CFR 173.27).
Where do boat registration numbers go?
On each side of the forward half of the boat, reading left to right, painted on or permanently attached (33 CFR 173.27).
How are the letters and numbers spaced?
Separate the letter groups from the number group with a space or a hyphen as wide as a letter, for example DC 5678 EF or DC-5678-EF.
Where does the registration sticker go?
Each state sets the sticker (decal) rules. In Florida, for example, an undocumented vessel's decal goes on the port side within 6 inches before or after its number.