Tennessee Boat Registration Numbers
Tennessee boat registration numbers should be in a plain, block style lettering and a contrasting color to the background so they are easy to read. There should be two letters as the prefix, four numbers, then two letters as the suffix with spaces or hyphens dividing them, for example: TN-1234-AA.
The registration numbers should be placed on each side of the forward half of the boat and three inches in height it should be the only number placed on the forward half of the bow.
Tennessee boating law states that every vessel propelled by sail or machinery, or both, upon the waters of Tennessee shall be numbered for identification in accordance with this chapter and the regulations of the commission.
Ms 1234 Ab Or Ms1234ab
Registration decals must be placed in line with and three inches towards the stern from the displayed registration numbers on the port side of the vessel.
The state does not outline regulations regarding vessels registered through the U.S. Coast Guard, but due to Coast Guard regulations, commercial fishing and trading vessels weighing over five net tons must register with the USCG. Weve included a hailing port and boat name template in accordance with the USCG regulations.
The state does not provide free or paid templates to use for creating adherable registration numbers. We have included customizable templates below to create registration numbers that meet the criteria set forth by Massachusetts boating registration laws.
Selling Or Buying A Boat Here Is A List Of What You Need For Each State
All States in Australia require most recreational boats to be registered. Each State has slightly different definitions and exemptions but by and large, if its got an engine or is over 5m in length, registration will probably be required. This involves paperwork and of course a fee.
Every registered boat should have a registration certificate and a registration label attached to the boat. Transfer of registration and the documents required varies from State to State.
Heres a rundown with links to the websites, most of which have the appropriate forms as downloadable documents.
- Registration Certificate signed by the registered controller
- Proof of acquisition, ie receipt or bill of sale, etc
- Boatcode or HIN certificate
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Placement Of Michigan Mc Registration Numbers
The following information from the guide to Michigan MC number sticker placement can be found on the State of Michigan web site.
Watercraft Registration Number:
Watercraft owners must paint or permanently attach the assigned registration number on each side of the forward half of the vessel as high above the water line as possible. The number must contrast with the color of the background so it is visible and legible.
All letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high, reading from left to right. Place a hyphen or leave space equivalent to the width of your letter M between the letters and numbers.
Florida Boat Registration Numbers & Stickers

All motorized vessels in Florida must be registered through the local County Tax Collector’s Office. After you register the vessel you will receive a valid Certificate of Registration, a Certificate of Ownership and registration decals. Vessels can be registered for a period of either one or two years, at the choice of the owner.
The following vessels are exempt from registration in the state of Florida:
- Non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length,
- Non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells or rowing sculls, regardless of length.
- Vessels used exclusively on private lakes and ponds
- Vessels used exclusively as lifeboats
- Vessels owned by the U.S. government
- Vessels from out of state that have their state registration in full force and effect that are only in Florida for up to 90 days.
All other vessels must be registered and numbered within 30 days of purchase.
New vessels may use the Bill of Sale for up to 30 days if it contains the following: make of vessel, length of vessel, type of propulsion, Hull ID number, statement that FL is principal state used, name of purchaser, address of purchaser, purchaser signature, name of seller, seller signature, date of vessel sale, notice that purchasers authority to use vessel on Florida waters expires after 30 days of sale of vessel.
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Nc 1234 Ab Or Nc1234ab
The state will provide registration decals for displaying on both the port and starboard side of the vessel. These decals must be within six inches of the displayed registration number.
The state does not provide free or paid registration numbers to affix to the bow of your vessel. We have included customizable templates below to create registration numbers that can be adhered to your watercraft. We have also included a customizable template for boat name and hailing port display in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
More information on boat registration can be found on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Vermont Boat Registration Numbers
Vermont 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: VT 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Vermont boating law states that Except for motorboats exempt from numbering under subdivisions 3307- of this title, every motorboat on the waters of this State shall be numbered. A person shall not operate or give permission for the operation of any motorboat on such waters unless the motorboat is numbered in accordance with this subchapter, or in accordance with applicable federal law, or in accordance with a federally approved numbering system of another state.
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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.
Titling Of Boats And Outboard Motors
A boat or engine that is required to have a title will not be registered until a title is issued in the new owners name. Boat and engine titles can be obtained from any county title office.
The following boats and engines must be titled in order to be sold, purchased or otherwise acquired:
- An outboard motor of 10 horsepower or greater.
- A boat that is 14 feet in length or greater,
- A boat that is under 14 feet in length that has a permanently attached, mechanical engine of 10 horsepower or greater.
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Mississippi Boat Registration Numbers
Mississippi 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 number must be in three inch, block style lettering. The numbers should be easily read left to right.
The boat registration number color must contrast with its background color.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen, for example: MI 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Mississippi boating law states that All sailboats and every undocumented vessel equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion, using the territorial and navigable waters of the State of Mississippi, and every such vessel owned in the State of Mississippi and using the high seas shall be numbered.
Q: I Haven’t Registered Or Titled My Boat Before What Should I Do
A: In Massachusetts, initial registration and titling is done by filling out the department’s registration application at any of five Registration offices. The boat owner must submit proof of ownership, a bill of sale, proof of payment of Massachusetts sales tax, and the appropriate registration and/or title fees. For new boats, an original manufacturer’s statement of origin must be provided as proof of ownership. An MSO, title, or previous registration can serve as proof of ownership for used boats.
In order to complete the application, you must provide the vessel’s Hull Identification Number and the boat’s year of manufacture, make, and length. State law requires that the title application must be made and the sales tax paid within 20 days of purchasing a boat. The Division also stores information such as the engine manufacturer, serial number, and horsepower for record keeping purposes.
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Oklahoma 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 . Oklahoma has a nice boater guide book that everyone should review. The registration information portion is locatedHere.
Nevada Boat Registration Numbers

Nevada 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 number 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: NV 1234 AA. No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Nevada boating law states that the owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the identification number in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations of the Commission in order that the number may be clearly visible. The number must be maintained in legible condition.
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North Dakota Boat Registration Numbers
North Dakota boat registration numbers should appear on either side of the bow and should consist of the abbreviation ND, three numbers, and two letters with a space or hyphen between, for example: ND-123-AA. They should be the only numbers on the forward half of the hull.
The boat registration numbers must be in a contrasted color to the hull in plain, block lettering that is three inches in height and they must be clearly visible and easily read.
North Dakota boating law states that The owner of each motorboat shall file an application for number and license with the department on forms approved by it. The application must be signed by the owner of the motorboat and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the department shall enter the same upon the records of its office and issue the applicant a certificate of number and license stating the number awarded to the motorboat and the name and address of the owner.
State Guide On Boat Registration Number Requirements
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. Weve 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, lets wade through some of the most frequently asked questions concerning boat lettering laws and regulations.
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Q: What If I Am In A Boating Accident Or My Boat Is Stolen
A: The operator of a vessel is required to submit a written report to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Boating and Recreational Vehicle Safety Bureau whenever an accident results in: The death of a person. The disappearance of a person under circumstances which suggest any possibility of death or injury. Any injury requiring medical attention. Property damage exceeding $500.
Accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported within 48 hours. Other accident reports must be submitted within five days
If a boat is lost, stolen, abandoned, or destroyed, the owner must notify the Massachusetts Environmental Police in writing within 15 days.
Oregon Boat Registration Numbers
Oregon boat registration numbers should be attached on each side of the forward half of the bow and three inches in height the number should be the only number placed on the forward half of the bow.
Boat registration numbers numbers should be in plain, block style lettering of contrasting color to the background so they are simple to read.
They should have two letters as the prefix, a series of four numbers, then two letters as the suffix with spaces or hyphens dividing each series, for example: OH-1234-AA.
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Il 1234 Ab Or Il1234ab
The state of Illinois does not provide free or paid boat lettering templates or decals. We have included customizable templates below for boat lettering and boat decals according to the requirements set forth by Illinois law.
More information on how to register your boat can be found on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.
Ohios Alternative Registration Option
Alternative registration is only an option for human-powered watercraft, such as canoes, rowboats or inflatable rafts.
The boat owner may choose one of the following two options:
- In the upper right corner of the transom.
- On a deck on the rear half of the boat.
- On the outside of the boat below the port side gunwale.
- On the inside of the boat on the upper portion of the starboard side gunwale so that it is visible from the port side of the boat.
Evidence of registration is shown by displaying the rectangular tag. Boaters with an alternative registration have 72 hours to produce the valid registration certificate.
Never choose the alternative registration option if there is a possibility of ever using a motor or a sail with the boat. Alternative registration is issued and renewed through any Ohio Division of Watercraft office.
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Numbers And Decals Traditional Registration
Numbers: You can use any method you want to display the boat’s OH numbers — for example, applying vinyl letters or painting them on. There are location, size, and style requirements:
- The OH numbers are to be displayed on the left and right front of the boat .
- The number reads from left to right.
- Use block characters of good proportion that are a minimum of 3 inches in height.
- Characters should be one color that contrasts with the background or boat color.
- The number must be maintained to be clearly visible and legible.
- No other numerals or letters may be displayed on the bow.
Six inches from the numbers, toward the back of the boat , the Ohio Registration Decal should be displayed one on each side. The decals are identical they show their expiration date. Colors of the decal change every year so from afar, law enforcement officers can tell if your boat decal is expired.
Using A Pleasure Craft Licence

After you receive your Pleasure Craft Licence, you must use it as follows:
- Carry the Pleasure Craft Licence on board the vessel at all times.
- Display the number on both sides of your boat’s bow. The number must appear in block characters which are:
- at least 7.5 centimetres high
- in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the bow
There is a $250 fine if you are found operating a vessel without a licence.
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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:
Al 1234 Ab Or Al1234ab
The validation decal must be placed within 6 inches and in line with the registration number on either side of the boat.
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.
Free or paid registration number templates and decorative decals are not provided for by the state. It is important to note that the validation decals are only available from the state after you register your vessel.
We have provided templates below to create registration numbers, boat lettering, and decorative decals 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.
More information on boat registration can be found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
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