Boat registration number decals
Plain block letters 3 inches tall or more, made from the number your state gave you. Type it, see it on a hull at true size, and order one decal for each side.
Live previewType your number and watch the decal update.
- Made to order on 3M vinyl listed for watercraft and marine graphics.
- No proof step: the preview is what prints, so check the number.
- We make the number lettering. The validation sticker comes from your state.
- Free U.S. shipping on orders of $99 or more.
Registration numbers for boats
A boat that is numbered by its state carries the registration number on both sides of the forward half of the hull. The federal rule for these boats asks for plain block letters and numbers at least 3 inches tall, in a color that contrasts with the hull, read from left to right, with a space or hyphen between the groups. This page makes the number lettering to that size. Read our summary of the rules and check your own state's boating agency for the rest.
How the size works
At 3 inch letters, a typical ten character number is a little under 30 inches wide. A taller letter makes the decal wider, which is why the price steps up with the width. The preview shows the real width and height and the price for your exact number before you add it to the cart.
Before you order
- Use the number from your state, not the hull identification number. The long number the builder stamps on the hull is a different thing.
- Documented boats follow other rules. The name and hailing port are lettered at least 4 inches tall. See the summary.
- Check where your state wants the sticker. It differs from state to state.
Questions about boat numbers
How tall are the letters?
You pick 3, 3.5, 4 or 5 inches. Three inches is the smallest size the federal rule for state-numbered boats asks for (33 CFR 173.27), so it is the starting point. The preview shows the real size of the decal on a section of hull.
How is the price worked out?
The price is per decal and depends on how wide the decal has to be for your number at the letter height you chose. It runs from $41.99 for a decal up to 24 inches wide to $93.99 for one up to 48 inches wide. The page shows the width and the price as you type.
How many do I order?
The number goes on both sides of the forward half of the boat, so most boats need two decals. The quantity starts at 2. Change it to 1 if you only need one side.
Do you make the validation sticker?
No. The validation decal and the number itself come from your state. We make the number lettering from the number your state gave you. Check your state boating agency for where the sticker goes in relation to the number.
What is the vinyl?
We use 3M vinyl that 3M lists for watercraft and marine graphics. Prepare a clean, dry, smooth hull surface and follow the film's own application instructions. Ask us before ordering if your hull has an unusual finish.
Will it pass inspection?
We cannot promise that. The decal is made to the number and letter height you choose, in plain block letters. Your state and the Coast Guard set the rules for placement, spacing and the sticker, so read your state's page first. Our guide on boat registration numbers summarizes what we found.
Do you send a proof?
No. The live preview is what prints, so check the number twice before you add it to the cart.