Design your boat registration numbers online in the exact size, block font and color your state requires. Laminated marine vinyl built to handle sun and salt, with 24 hour turnaround on orders placed Monday through Friday.
Every state numbering system follows the U.S. Coast Guard rules in 33 CFR 173.27. Wherever your boat is registered, your numbers need to:
Source: 33 CFR 173.27. Your state may add its own rules on top of these.
Your number is printed on your state certificate of number. It starts with your state’s two-letter prefix, followed by numbers and a letter suffix. Copy it exactly as it appears on your card.
Good to know: not every prefix matches the postal abbreviation. California boats use CF, Michigan MC, Washington WN and Wisconsin WS. Oregon numbers are shorter, like OR 371 ZW. Keep the rest of the bow clear, too: most states don't allow other numbers near your registration number.
The number format is nearly the same everywhere. Where states differ is the validation sticker: which side it goes on, whether it goes before or after the number, and how far away. Pick your state for the exact rules.
Registration numbers don’t have to look like an afterthought. In our online design area you choose a legal block font, the size and a color that works with your hull, then preview the finished numbers before you order.
Ordering your boat name at the same time? We can match colors so the name on your transom and the numbers on your bow look like one set.
See our full vinyl lettering installation guide for step-by-step instructions.
Federal rules require plain vertical block characters at least 3 inches tall. Most boaters use 3 inch numbers; larger boats often go to 4 or 5 inches so the number stays readable from a distance.
On both sides of the forward half of the vessel (the bow area), reading left to right, placed where they are clearly visible. If the hull shape hides the numbers, they can go on a backing plate attached to the forward half of the boat.
No. Registration numbers must be plain vertical block characters. Script, slanted, outlined-only or decorative fonts can get you stopped. Save the fancy lettering for your boat name.
Either one works. The letter groups must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen equal to the width of a letter, for example FL 1234 AB or FL-1234-AB.
It depends on your state. Some states want the validation decal on one side only, others on both sides, before or after the number, 3 to 6 inches away. Check your state page above before you install.
Any color that contrasts clearly with the hull behind it. Black or dark blue on a white hull and white on a dark hull are the most readable. Your whole number should be one easy-to-read color.
Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard generally do not display state registration numbers, but many states still require a state validation decal. The placement rules for documented vessels vary by state.
Family-owned with more than 40 years of boat lettering experience. Design your registration numbers online, or call us at 616-283-9898 and we’ll help.
