Q: Do I Need To Apply For A Certificate Of Title
A: All boats 14 feet or greater in length that are designed for use with a motor, or that use a motor at any time, must be titled. For example, sailboats 14 feet or longer with a backup motor in use, or sailboats designed for use with a backup motor, must be titled. Even canoes 14 feet or longer that use a motor of any type must be titled. Boats exempt from titling requirements include U.S. government-owned vessels federally documented vessels boats used solely for demonstration, testing, sales, or promotional purposes by a dealer or manufacturer and boats registered in another state which are not located in the Commonwealth for more than 60 consecutive day
Florida Boat Registration Number & Florida Boat Validation Decal
PLACEMENT of Florida Boat Registration Number and Letters number should be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the boat bow and placed where it can be observed clearly above the water surface line.MUST READ of Florida Boat Registration Number and Letters numbers and letters should read from left to right on both sides of the boat bow.SIZE of Florida Boat Registration Number Letters and Numbers number and letters must be in at least three-inch-high bold BLOCK letters.COLOR of Florida Boat Registration Number Letters and Numbers should be in high contrast with its background. should be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen can be used equivalent to the letter space width: FL 9999 FX or FL-9999-FX. should be affixed to the port side of the boat vessel within six inches BEFORE or AFTER of the registration number.
Georgia Certificate Of Boat Registration
You must have a Georgia Certificate of Boat Registration and a validation decal to legally operate your boat or personal watercraft on public waters in Georgia. The only exceptions are:
- Sailboats under 12 feet in length
- Canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rubber rafts that have no mechanical propulsion
- Boats operated exclusively on private ponds or lakes
The Certificate of Boat Registration and validation decal are obtained by submitting by mail the proper application and fee.
This certificate must be onboard and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the boat or PWC is operated.
The registration number and validation decal must be displayed as follows:
- Number must be painted, decaled or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow
- Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow
- Number must be in at least three-inch-high block letters
- Numbers color must contrast with its background
- Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: “GA 3717 ZW” or “GA-3717-ZW”
- No other numbers may be displayed
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Az 1234 Ab Or Az1234ab
Registration decals must be placed in front of the AZ on both sides of the vessel.
The state only provides registration decals, it does not offer free or paid registration numbers to adhere on your vessel. We have provided customizable templates below where you can create registration numbers .
More information on boat registration in Arizona can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Arkansa boating registration laws can be found in § 27-101-301 of the
2015 Arkansa Code. All 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.
The numbers to be procured and attached shall be at least three inches in height and of block character, and shall be attached to the forward half of each side of the vessel and clearly visible, 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 in order that they may be clearly visible.
Registration numbers marked on the boat must be maintained in a legible condition. Numbers are to be displayed as follows:
South Dakota Boat Registration Numbers
South Dakota boat registration numbers should be affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel. These should be the only numbers on the forward half of the boat.
The boat registration numbers must be in three inch, block style lettering. The numbers should be easily read left to right. The registration number color must contrast with its background color.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen, for example: SD 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
South Dakota boating law states that no person may operate or give permission for operation of a nonmotorized boat over twelve feet in length or a motorboat on the waters of this state unless a registration validation decal is displayed on each side of the bow of the boat. No person may operate or give permission for operation of a nonmotorized boat over eighteen feet in length or of a motorboat on the waters of this state unless the boat is numbered in accordance with this chapter and the identifying number set forth in the certificate of number is displayed on each side of the bow of the boat.
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Dl 1234 Ab Or Dl1234ab
There is no mention of registration decals in state law or on the state boating website, but it can be assumed that decals are provided for by the state. The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers to attach to the vessel. We have included customizable templates below to create attachable numbering in accordance with boat registration laws in Delaware. We have also included a template for creating a hailing port and boat name for those vessels that are registered with the U.S. Coast Guard.
More information on boat registration can be found on the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
Illinois Boat Registration Numbers
Illinois boat registration numbers must be placed on each side of the vessel and they should be placed on the forward part of the hull and the only numbers placed in that area. They must be easily read from left to right. It must start with two capital letters followed by a space, four digits, another space, and end with two capital letters, for example: IL 1234 AA.
The registration number must be at least three inches high and in a block style font. The color must contrast with its background.
Illinois boating law states that it is unlawful operation of unnumbered watercraft. Every watercraft other than non-powered watercraft on waters within the jurisdiction of this State shall be numbered. No person may operate, use, or store or give permission for the operation, usage, or storage of any such watercraft on such waters unless it has on board while in operation.
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Boat Numbers And Decals
After registering your boat you will be given an assigned number and expiration decals that will need to be affixed to your boat. Your assigned number must be painted or permanently attached to each side of the forward top half of the boat. Numbers must be vertical block letters at least three inches tall that read from left to right. They must contrast with the background color and be distinctly visible and legible. Hyphens or spaces equal to one letter width must separate letter and number groupings.
A registration decal will also be issued. This expiration decal remains on your boat for the duration of the three-year registration period. Registration decals are displayed in line with the assigned number on each side of the boat.
Oklahoma Boat Registration Numbers
Oklahoma boat registration numbers should be affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel. These should be the only numbers on the forward half of the boat.
The boat registration numbers must be in three inch, block style lettering. The numbers should be easily read left to right. The registration number color must contrast with its background color.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen, for example: OK 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Oklahoma boating law states that all boats, with a few exceptions, used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on the waters of this State, are required to be titled and registered annually.
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Nj 1234 Ab Or Nj1234ab
Registration decals are required to be displayed on both sides of the bow along with assigned registration numbers.
The state does not provide free or paid displayable registration numbers to attach to your vessel. We have included customizable boat templates below that are in accordance with New Jersey boat registration laws. Weve also included a template to create a hailing port and boat name display for your vessel in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
More information on registering your vessel can be found on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.
Md 1234 Ab Or Md1234ab
Validation stickers are to be placed in line and within three inches of the displayed registration number.
Vessels that are documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must display the appropriate documented use decals . As per the U.S. Coast Guard, boat name and hailing port must be displayed clearly on a visible, exterior part of the hull. We have included customizable boat name and hailing port template below.
The state does not provide free or paid number templates for registration numbers. We have included customizable templates below to create displayable registration numbers for your vessel. Our templates meet Maryland boat registration requirements.
More information on boat registration can be found on the .
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Washington Boat Registration Numbers
Washington boat registration numbers should have a hyphen or space between the three segments of the number, for example: WA 1234 AA.
Numbers should be in an easy to read, block style. They should be attached to both sides of the bow on the forward half and be the only numbers in this location. Registration numbers need to be three inches high and contrast with the color of the background so they are distinctly visible. Furthermore, they should always be read from left to right.
Washington boating law states that except as provided in this chapter, a person may not own or operate any vessel, including a rented vessel, on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal in accordance with this chapter.
Ak 1234 Ab Or Ak1234ab
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. Commercial vessels must display name on port and starboard bow, and stern. Those vessels must also display the hailing port on the stern. The hailing port must include a place and a state, territory, or possession.
The state does not provide free or paid templates or examples for registration numbers. We have included customizable templates below for creating registration numbers that meet Alaska requirements.
More information on registering a watercraft can be found on the Alaska DMV website.
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Florida Boat Registration Numbers
Florida boat registration numbers that are issued to a vessel are permanent and remains with the vessel as long as it is operated or stored in Florida, even if ownership changes.
The boat registration number must be displayed on each side of the forward half of the vessel. The number must be in a plain block font and no less than three inches in height. It is necessary that it is able to be read from left to right and be in contrast with the color of the background.
There must be spaces or hyphens between the prefix, the number, and the suffix, for example: FL-1234-AA.
Florida law states The numbers shall be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel in such position as to provide clear legibility for identification, except, if the vessel is an airboat, the numbers may be placed on each side of the rudder.
Texas Boat Registration Numbers
Texas boat registration numbers must read from left to right, be in block style lettering, as well as three inches in height. Registration numbers should be of a contrasting color with the color of the vessel.
The numbers and letters in the registration number must be separated by hyphens or a space, for example: TX 1234 AA. Boat registration should be placed on the forward half of the boat on each side and be the only number in this location.
Texas boating law states that each vessel on the water of this state shall be numbered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted. The numbering system shall be in accord with the Federal Boating Act of 1958 and subsequent federal legislation.
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Texas Specific Registration Laws
Please review your state specific requirements before purchasing identification decals as they do vary from state to state. Our designer is setup to comply with the general requirements above. If you require a specific requirement not in our designer, just leave a comment at checkout and we’ll adust your design . The Texas parks and wildlife puts out a summarized version of the Water Safety Act which contains the specific information you need to readHere.
The Vessel Must Display The Boat Number And Expiration Decal As Stated Below
- Both port and starboard sides of the bow must display the registration number.
- Registration number must read from left to right on both port and starboard sides of the bow.
- Number must be in at least three inch high BLOCK letters.
- Color of numbers must contrast with the background.
- A space must separate the letters and numbers. example: ME 1124 ZW.
- Both sides of the bow must not display any other numbers.
- Both port and starboard sides of the bow must show the expiration decals, three inches to the right of and in line with the number.
To register your boat/watercraft for the state of Maine or to read more about Maine Boat Numbers Registration Decal Display Laws, you can visit the Boat registration Renewal page of the Maine.gov website using this Link.
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Oh 1234 Ab Or Oh1234ab
Registration decals are issued by the state when you register your vessel. These decals must be placed on either side of the vessel six inches away from the registration number and towards the stern.
The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers for you to display on your vessel. We have included customizable templates below to create registration numbers . Weve also included a customizable boat name and haling port template that meet the U.S. Coast Guard requirements.
More information on registering your vessel in Ohio can be found on the Ohio State Parks & Watercraft website.
Mt 1234 Ab Or Mt1234ab
Boat validation decals are to displayed on each side of the bow towards the aft. Along with validation decals, a permanent registration decal must be displayed on the port side bow behind the boats number.
The state does not provide free of paid registration numbers for display on your vessel. We have included customizable templates below to create numbers that you can adhere to your vessel.
More information on boat registration in Montana can be found on the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks website.
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Nd 1234 Ab Or Nd1234ab
Registration decals are provided for by the state and must be displayed along with the registration number, The state does not outline the specific placement requirements for these decals, but it is assumed that they should be in line with and no more than six inches away from the registration number towards the aft of the vessel.
Free or paid displayable registration numbers are not provided for by the state. We have included customizable templates below to create registration numbers you can adhere to your watercraft.
More information on boat registration can be found on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.
Pa 1234 Ab Or Pa1234ab
A registration decal must be displayed within six inches of the painted or attached registration number. The state will provide these decals to adhere to your vessel.
The state does not offer free displayable registration numbers for your vessel. We have included customizable templates below that meet the requirements for Pennsylvania and a template for creating a boat name with a hailing port .
- Motorboats that are owned by the United States
- Vessels from another country that are temporarily using the waters of the state
It is not clear whether or not vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard must be registered with the state.
Motorized watercraft that are required to display numbers must do so on the forward half of the bow. Specific requirements are not mentioned in the law, but it can be assumed that numbers must be in block characters that are no less than three inches in height. They must be a single, solid color that contrasts with the background of the boat. It is also assumed that number and letter groups must be separated by a space or a hyphen, as follows:
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Vt 1234 Ab Or Vt1234ab
A validation sticker must be attached to the forward half of the vessel near the displayed registration numbers. The state provides the validation sticker but not free or paid registration numbers that can be adhered to the vessel. We have included customizable templates below to create registration numbers to adhere to your vessel in accordance with Vermont boating requirements.
- A motorboat from another country temporarily using the waters of the state
- Motorboats owned and operated by the U.S. Government
Generally, if the vessel is powered by any type of motor it must be registered. Vessels that are registered must paint or attach registration numbers on the forward half of the bow in block characters that are no less than three inches in height. The color of the characters must contrast the color of the boat. It is assumed that registration numbers must include hyphens or spaces between the letter and number groupings, like such:
