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Boat Numbers

Boat Registration Numbers

Meets USCG State Guidelines 

Design your boat numbers in minutes. Sold in a pair, 3 inch tall block lettering, high contrast colors and marine grade durability.

Order Boat Numbers

See Requirements

Why Boat Numbers Matter

Registration numbers are legally required on most powered vessels. Clear, compliant numbers make your boat easy to identify for law enforcement and registration purposes.

White boat with black trim and black lettering in a white garage.

Why Choose BoatUS for Boat Numbers?

Through our partnership with Boat Lettering To You, BoatUS Members get high quality materials, strong guarantees, and exclusive savings.

3M Marine Grade Materials

Premium cast vinyl built for the sun and water, with long lasting color retention.

Guided Compliance

Follow state guidelines 3" height, block style and proper letter-number spacing. The designer tool helps you size and preview.

Exclusive Member Savings

BoatUS Members save 10% and get free shipping on all orders.

3M MSC Warranty

Covered by the industry leading 3M MCS warranty for up to 5 years.

*Some exclusions apply for specialty vinyls.

Goof Proof Guarantee

If anything goes wrong during installation, a free replacement will be sent.

Fast Turnaround

Design online in minutes. All orders ship within 5 business days. Rush service available for next day shipping.

Examples That Work

Proper contrast, spacing and placement done right. Pick colors that clearly stand out on your hull for visibility.

White boat with black trim and black lettering on a trailer in a backyard.

3" Tall, High Contrast

Black, red and silver boat with grey and red lettering.

Numbers That Stand Out

Black and green jet ski on a trailer in a driveway.

Personal Watercraft Boat Numbers

Design and Preview Instantly

Enter your state letters and numbers, choose a color and preview sizing before you order.

  • Real time preview with accurate sizing guides
  • Pre-spaced lettering with transfer tape, for a quick and easy install
  • Goof Proof Guarantee: if you mess up the install, we’ll replace it 
  • 3M MCS Warranty: up to 5 years of coverage
Launch the Boat Decal Designer

 


Screenshot of a BoatUS Boat Registration webpage.

Quick Compliance Checklist

Size and Style

  • Minimum 3" tall letters.
  • Numbers and letters read left to right
  • Space or hyphen between groups (e.g., IN-2564-BA)

Contrast and Placement

  • High contrast with hull color
  • Both sides of the forward half of the bow
  • Above the waterline, horizontal and unobstructed

Tips for Success

  • Measure and tape a level line
  • Clean and degrease install area
  • Install in mild temperatures
  • Always check your state’s specific rules, some have unique decal requirements.
  • Pick darker colors on light hulls and lighter colors on dark hulls.

Simple DIY Installation

Essential Tools & Prep

  • Squeegee or application card, measuring tape, painter’s tape
  • Marine‑safe cleaner; remove wax, oils, and residue completely
  • Ideal conditions: 60–80°F, low humidity, no direct hot sun
  • Optional: heat gun for gentle conforming on curves

Step‑by‑Step

  1. Clean & Prep: Wash and degrease; dry thoroughly.
  2. Position: Measure and level. Hinge the top edge with tape.
  3. Apply: Peel backing and squeegee from center outward in smooth passes.
  4. Conform: Light heat (if needed) to settle vinyl around curves and edges.
  5. Reveal: Remove transfer tape slowly, checking edges as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Premium marine‑grade decals last 7–10 years with proper care. Our standard film lasts up to 5 years.
The 3M Matched Component System (MCS) Warranty covers the full graphic system (vinyl + inks + laminate) for up to 5 years on qualifying materials. Some specialty vinyl’s are excluded.
If you make a mistake during installation, we’ll send a free replacement so you can try again.
Your boat registration number is issued by your state’s boating or wildlife agency when you register your vessel. Once you have the number, you can use our online designer to create compliant vinyl decals to display it on your boat.
Yes, but make sure your numbers contrast with your boat’s hull color. For example, use black on white hulls or white on dark hulls. This is required for visibility.

Ready to Order

Built for the water, protected by our guarantees, 3M MCS Warranty coverage and a Goof Proof replacement if you need it.

Warranty up to 5 years on qualifying materials; some specialty vinyl's excluded.

Order Boat Numbers