{"id":15965,"date":"2017-06-21T13:41:28","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T19:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/signs-blog.signs.com\/?p=15965"},"modified":"2026-06-11T01:19:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T07:19:56","slug":"state-guide-on-boat-registration-number-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/signs-blog.signs.com\/blog\/state-guide-on-boat-registration-number-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"State Guide On Boat Registration Number Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

Registering a boat is a necessary requirement for operating it legally within a state. Each state has different specifications on what types of boats, watercraft, and vessels need to be registered. We\u2019ve compiled a state-by-state guide on which vessels need to be registered, those that need to display registration numbers, and customizable templates to create registration numbers according to the state requirements. Before we dive into the state-by-state guide, let\u2019s wade through some of the most frequently asked questions concerning boat lettering laws and regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhere do I go to register my boat?\n<\/h2>
\n

The department where you register your boat depends on the state you register with. Typically, the state departments that handle boat registration include the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Licensing, or the Department of Finance. It\u2019s recommended you check with your local government to determine which office to contact in order to register your boat in your state.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat do I need to do to register my boat?\n<\/h2>
\n

Registering your boat with a state requires you to fill out a registration form and submit either a bill of sale or a boat title to prove ownership. A fee (varies by state) is typically required to register your vessel.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nDo boat trailers need to be registered?\n<\/h2>
\n

Boat trailers do need to be registered with the state. Typically, such registration is separate from registering your boat<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat\u2019s the difference between titling and registering a boat?\n<\/h2>
\n

Like with a car, there are two parts to registering your boat with the state. A boat title is a declaration of ownership of the vessel, whereas boat registration documents that proof of ownership with the state.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?\n<\/h2>
\n

A hull identification number (HIN) is similar to a VIN number on a car, as it is a serial number from the manufacturer that uniquely identifies the boat while allowing the owner or potential buyer to track the history of the vessel. The HIN is permanently attached to the starboard side of the transom.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat is a registration number? What about a registration decal?\n<\/h2>
\n

A boat registration number acts like a boat\u2019s license plate. Each boat registered in the state is given a registration number to prove that your boat has been legally registered. A registration number allows port and government authorities to identify your vessel while in use.\u00a0Boat lettering or numbers<\/a>\u00a0then need to be displayed on your boat, typically on the front third of the boat.<\/p>

Registration decals (also known as validation decals) are similar to the registration stickers issued for cars. Registration decals prove that your vessel has been registered for that year. Typically, you will need to apply for new registration decals on a yearly basis. Registration decals are only provided for by the state.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat are the requirements for documenting my boat with the U.S. Coast Guard?\n<\/h2>
\n

In order to document your boat with the U.S. Coast Guard, the boat must weigh at least five net tons and be owned by a U.S. citizen. Vessels that weigh at least five net tons and are used for commercial fishing or trading purposes MUST be registered with the Coast Guard. More information on documenting with the U.S. Coast Guard can be found on the\u00a0USCG National Vessel Documentation Center website.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat are the benefits for documenting my boat with the U.S. Coast Guard?\n<\/h2>
\n

Documenting your boat with the Coast Guard allows your vessel to be recognized internationally as a vessel hailing from the United States. Documenting allows for vessels to do commerce between states and within certain restricted trade areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nDo I need to document with the U.S. Coast Guard and register my boat with the state I reside in?\n<\/h2>
\n

This depends on the state you reside in. In some cases, documented vessels do not need to register in a state. If documented vessels do need to register with a state, they are usually not required to display registration numbers. It is recommended that you check with your local state boating agency to determine if registration is necessary for your Coast Guard documented vessel.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nAre boat names and hailing ports required for registering my boat?\n<\/h2>
\n

A boat name and hailing port are only required for vessels documented with the U.S. Coast guard. Such vessels must display the boat name and hailing port (created with\u00a0boat decals<\/a>) on a visible area on the exterior portion of the ship in block letters no less than 4\u201d in height.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nWhat are personal watercraft (PWC)? Do they need to be registered?\n<\/h2>
\n

Personal watercraft (PWC) are typically smaller, one to two person vehicles such as water scooters, jet skis, waverunners, and seadoos. Registration requirements depend on the individual state, but in most cases PWC\u2019s are classified as motorized watercraft and must be registered and display registration numbers.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nCan I register my boat in multiple states?\n<\/h2>
\n

Boats can only be registered in one state at a time. Most states allow vessels registered in another state to operate for a period of 60 consecutive days before having to register with that state.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nIs a boat the same as a watercraft? A motorboat? A vessel?\n<\/h2>
\n

Typically, boat, watercraft, motorboat, and vessel are used interchangeably throughout state law. Specific definitions of these terms are set forth in each state\u2019s statutes or code.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nDISCLAIMER:\n<\/p>

\n

The information collected and provided has been written according to our knowledge about current boat registration laws and requirements and is subject to the laws and regulations of each individual state, county, or city. We are not experts on boat registration laws and, as such, are not held accountable if laws change or the information provided below does not reflect current legislation. We recommend confirming with local government offices and\/or law to verify the information found below. Last updated June, 2017.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nClick on a state to jump to its section\n<\/p>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Usa\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>

\nAlabama\n<\/h2>
\n

Alabama boat registration laws are found in\u00a0\u00a7 33-5-9 of the 2016 Alabama Code<\/a>.\u00a0Registration numbers are required for all vessels on the waters in Alabama, including sail boats. All other boats that are not powered by motors are exempt from registration laws.<\/b><\/p>

Boats that are registered\u00a0must display registration numbers on both sides of the bow of the vessel. Numbers are to be displayed in three parts, with a hyphen or space separating each part. Numbers are to be block characters, 3 inches in height or more (excluding borders)<\/b>.\u00a0Thickness of the characters must be uniform. Slanted characters, scroll and decorative fonts are unacceptable<\/b>. Registration must have hyphens or spaces between number and lettering groups, as follows:<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nAL 1234 AB or AL\u20131234\u2013AB\n<\/p>

\n

The validation decal (also known as a registration decal) must be placed within 6 inches and in line with the registration number on either side of the boat.<\/p>

Vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard do need to be registered with the state, but they do not need to display the registration number on the bow. The validation decal must be placed in a visible location on the vessel in this situation.<\/p>

Free or paid registration number templates and decorative decals are not provided for by the state.\u00a0<\/b>It is important to note that the validation decals are only available from the state after you register your vessel.<\/p>

We have provided templates below to create registration numbers, boat lettering, and decorative decals (not those required by the state) in accordance with Alabama registration requirements. We have also included a boat name and hailing port template in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alabama\n\n<\/a>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alabama\n\n<\/a>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alabama\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>
\n

More information on boat registration can be found on the\u00a0Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nAlaska\n<\/h2>
\n

Alaska boat registration laws are found in\u00a0section 05.25.053 of the 2016 Alaska Statutes<\/a>. Undocumented boats in Alaska must be registered in the state.\u00a0Vessels that do not need to be registered include non-motorized boats and handmade, non-motorized umiaq boats with a walrus or seal skin covering.<\/b><\/p>

The law explains that:<\/p>

\u201cA person may not operate a boat on water of the state unless a valid certificate of number has been awarded by the Department of Administration to the boat and the identification number and any required validation decals are properly displayed on the boat.\u201d<\/p>

The\u00a0state law does not outline specific requirements for character height or where the registration number is placed on the vessel<\/b>. It can be assumed that registration numbers must be displayed on the forward end of the bow on both sides of the vessel. Letter and number groupings of the registration number are to have hyphens or spaces between them.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nAK 1234 AB or AK\u20131234\u2013AB\n<\/p>

\n

With all boats documented through the U.S. Coast Guard and not the state, the hailing port and boat name must be displayed on the exterior hall in 4-inch lettering<\/b>. Commercial vessels must display name on port and starboard bow, and stern. Those vessels must also display the hailing port on the stern. The\u00a0hailing port must include a place and a state, territory, or possession<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alaska\n\n<\/a>

\n

The state does not provide free or paid templates or examples for registration numbers.\u00a0<\/b>We have included customizable templates below for creating registration numbers that meet Alaska requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alaska\n\n<\/a>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Alaska\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>
\n

More information on registering a watercraft can be found on the\u00a0Alaska DMV website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nArizona\n<\/h2>
\n

Arizona boating registration laws can be found in\u00a0Title 5-321 of the 2016 Arizona Revised Statutes<\/a>.\u00a0As with most states, registration numbers are required for all motorized watercraft. Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard do not need be registered.<\/b><\/p>

The AZ registration numbers\u00a0must be adhered or displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel<\/b>, reading from left right in block letters that are\u00a03 inches or more in height<\/b>. Numbers must be visible from 100 feet away during the day. The AZ letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen. An example of numbering is as follows:<\/p>

AZ \u00a01234 \u00a0AB \u00a0or \u00a0AZ\u20131234\u2013AB<\/strong><\/p>

Registration decals must be placed in front of the AZ on both sides of the vessel.<\/p>

The state only provides registration decals,\u00a0it does not offer free or paid registration numbers to adhere on your vessel.<\/b>\u00a0We have provided customizable templates below where you can create registration numbers (we do not provide state-authorized decals).<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Arizona\n\n<\/a>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Arizona\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>
\n

More information on boat registration in Arizona can be found on the\u00a0Arizona Game and Fish Department<\/a>\u00a0website.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nArkansas\n<\/h2>
\n

Arkansa boating registration laws can be found in\u00a0\u00a7 27-101-301 of the<\/a><\/p>

2015 Arkansa Code<\/a>.\u00a0All watercraft must be registered and have the corresponding registration number displayed on both sides of the bow. This includes all boats propelled by a sail or motor.<\/b><\/p>

<\/b>\u201cThe numbers to be procured and attached shall be\u00a0at least three inches (3\u201d) in height and of block character, and shall be attached to the forward half of each side of the vessel and clearly visible<\/b>, pursuant to federal law, and attached in such a manner and position on the boat as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission\u00a0in order that they may be clearly visible<\/b>.\u201d<\/p>

Registration numbers marked on the boat must be maintained in a legible condition. Numbers are to be displayed as follows:<\/p>

AR 1234 AB \u00a0or \u00a0AR\u20131234\u2013AB<\/strong><\/p>

Vessels that are already documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must register with the state, but do not need to display registration numbers as long as a hailing port and boat name are displayed.<\/p>

Registration decals (provided for by the state) must be displayed along with the registration numbers.\u00a0Free or paid registration numbers are not provided for by the state.<\/b>\u00a0We have included customizable templates below according to the Arkansas boat registration requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Arkansas\n<\/div>\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\"Arkansas\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>
\n

More information on Arkansa boating laws can be found on the\u00a0Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\nCalifornia\n<\/h2>
\n

California boating registration laws can be found in\u00a0Title 13 \u00a7 190.00 of the California Code of Regulations<\/a>. State law explains that all watercraft must be registered with the state. Vessels used on private lakes and waterways must also be registered.\u00a0Watercraft that are exempt for registering include:<\/b><\/p>