Registration

Federal regulations require that each boat have a registration number. A "certificate of number," in most cases, is issued by your state and is used to identify your boat. Applications for a certificate of number are available from boat dealers and state boating officials. If your boat has been numbered previously, the prior owner must give you a title or bill of sale to transfer the title and the number of the boat to your name. The certificate must be aboard whenever the boat is used.

Remember: Your PWC must be registered in the state of principal use. Normally, that's where you live, but that's not always the case. Each state has their own requirements regarding the period an out-of-state registered vessel may operate on that state's waters. The time can range from 30 to 90 consecutive days of use. If you are or plan to operate a vessel in a state other than the one where it is registered contact the state's boating office for registration requirements.

Your boat’s numbers must be:

• Usually displayed on the forward half of each side of the bow.



• Readable from left to right.



• In bold, block letters not less than three inches high.



• In a color that contrasts with the colors of the hull.



• As high above the waterline as practical.



• Applied so that letters and numbers are separated either by spaces or hyphens.

Validation decals usually are displayed forward, and within six inches of the ID number on the port side of your boat. However, some states have different requirements including decals on both port and starboard side. Contact you state boating office for more information.

Due to the size and shape of some models of personal watercraft, it may be tricky to apply registration numbers so they may be read easily. If in doubt, check with your state authorities.

All boats also have Hull Identification Numbers attached to the transom and in a second, unexposed, location. This number is like a serial number and you will also see it on your vessel transfer papers. This number should be written down and kept in a safe place in the event your PWC is stolen and you need to provide it to the police. States require the Hull Identification Number when you register your boat.