OR Registration Numbers • Oregon State Marine Board Rules

Oregon Boat Registration Numbers

Oregon numbers look a little different from most states: OR, up to three digits, then up to three letters, like OR 371 ZW or OR 018 ABC. The decals go 3 inches behind the number on both sides. Here’s how the Oregon State Marine Board wants them displayed.

Design Your OR Numbers

Oregon Registration Number Requirements

Oregon boats are titled and registered with the Oregon State Marine Board. Your number must be:

  • Painted on or permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat
  • Plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall
  • A color that contrasts with the hull so the number is clearly legible
  • A space or hyphen the width of a letter between groups
  • Reads left to right on both sides
  • The format is OR, up to three digits, then up to three letters, for example OR 371 ZW or OR 018 ABC
  • If your number has three letters, keep the letters grouped together
  • The letters O, I and Q aren't used, so anything that looks like one is a 0 or 1
  • Block characters of good proportion, not slanted
OR 371 ZW

Sources: OAR 250-010-0040, OSMB: OR Number Placement and Spacing, 33 CFR 173.27. Rules can change, so confirm with the Oregon State Marine Board before you install.

Champagne Lady Vinyl Boat Lettering

Where the Oregon Registration Sticker Goes

Both sides, toward the stern. Oregon issues a set of 3 inch by 3 inch validation decals. Put one on each side of the boat, 3 inches aft (toward the stern) of the registration number and directly in line with it.

Coast Guard Documented Vessels

Documented vessels registered with the Marine Board don’t display OR numbers. They display the decals on both sides of the aftermost part of the hull, in the upper square foot below the deckline.

Common Oregon Registration Number Mistakes

  • Script, italic or outlined fonts. Oregon requires plain block characters.
  • Numbers smaller than 3 inches. Measure the finished height, not the font size.
  • Missing spaces or hyphens between OR, the numbers and the suffix.
  • Low contrast, like silver on a white hull or navy on a dark blue hull.
  • Sticker in the wrong spot. Check the placement rule above before you apply your numbers so there's room for it.

Custom Oregon Registration Numbers

Enter your OR number in our design area, choose a legal block font and a color that stands out on your hull, and preview it before you buy. All of our vinyl is laminated for extra protection from sun and salt.

Design Your OR Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Oregon boat number shorter than other states?

Oregon uses the OR prefix followed by up to three digits and up to three letters, for example OR 371 ZW or OR 018 ABC. Display it exactly as it appears on your certificate of number.

Where do Oregon registration decals go?

On each side of the boat, 3 inches aft (toward the stern) of the registration number and directly in line with it.

How big do Oregon boat registration numbers need to be?

At least 3 inches tall in plain block characters, on both sides of the forward half of the boat, in a color that contrasts with the hull.

Can I order Oregon registration numbers online?

Yes. Use our online design area to enter your OR number, pick a legal block font, size and color, and preview both sides before you order. We offer 24 hour turnaround on orders placed Monday through Friday.

Registration Number Rules in Other States

California CFFlorida FLGeorgia GAMichigan MCMinnesota MNNew York NYNorth Carolina NCTexas TXWashington WNWisconsin WS

See the full boat registration numbers guide for federal requirements, formatting and installation tips.