Requirements for Boat Letters Registration

Most people who buy a new boat will quickly name 'her' and have the name painted on the back of the boat. It's a time-honored tradition in the boating world, and there are virtually no regulations regarding what you personally call your boat. Besides the name, though, there is a short series of numbers and letters that must appear on the boat, and those are regulated. Not only should new boat owners know what numbers and letters to place where, they should also know what those numbers and letters are for---and never display other lettering in the areas set aside for this identification.

Vessel Registration Numbers

On your boat's registration papers you will find its identification numbers. These numbers need to be placed on both starboard and port (right and left) sides of the bow (front) of the boat for quick identification. This is a universal requirement that does not change from place to place.

Application

Vessel identification lettering should not be frilly or flourished. All lettering for identification needs to be block letters (either painted on or vinyl stickers), three inches in height for easy visibility, and must contrast with the color of the boat they are placed on. Typically these letters begin with the two letter abbreviation for the state in which the boat is registered followed by a space and four numbers with another space followed by two more letters. All letters must be capital case letters, and identification numbers must read left to right on both sides of the bow.

Hull Identification

The hull identification number, or HIN (comparable to an automobile VIN number), is a unique number only for that boat. It is issued by the maker of the boat. This number is permanently engraved in a metal or plastic plate and attached to the transom (the upper panel of the back of your boat) on the starboard (right) side. Write this number down and put it someplace safe in case you ever need to identify your boat.

Registration

Some states issue expiration stickers when a boat is registered. There will be two of these stickers attached to your new registration forms that are sent back to you. One should be placed at the end of the registration lettering on the starboard and port bow of your vessel.

State Laws

While boat registration numbers are uniform throughout the U.S., each state has different requirements for registration. Find out what your particular state demands.

References

• Boat Ed - Boat ID Numbers