Boat Registration Decals: A State-by-State Guide to Compliance & Customization

Owning a boat means freedom on the water, but it also comes with responsibilities—one of the most important being proper registration. Every U.S. state has specific requirements for displaying boat registration decals, and failing to comply can lead to fines or penalties.

At Regboat.com, we provide custom, high-quality boat registration decals that meet state requirements while giving your vessel a sleek, professional look. In this guide, we’ll cover boat registration decal requirements for each state so you can stay legal and stylish on the water!

🚤 General Boat Registration Number Requirements

While requirements may vary by state, here are the common regulations across the U.S.:

✅ Location: Both sides of the forward half of the boat (usually on the bow)✅ Size: Minimum of 3 inches tall in a block-style font✅ Color: Must contrast with the boat’s hull for clear visibility✅ Spacing: Letters and numbers must be separated by a space or a hyphen (e.g., FL 1234 AB or FL-1234-AB)✅ Decals: The state-issued registration sticker must be placed within a few inches of the registration number

👉 Looking for custom, compliant boat registration decals? Shop Now at regboat.com

🌍 State-by-State Boat Registration Decal Guide

Each state has slightly different rules regarding boat registration decals. Below is a quick reference guide to help you stay compliant in your state!

🔹 Alabama (AL)

• Registration number format: AL-1234-AB

• Decal placement: Within 6 inches of the number

• Renew every 3 years

🔹 Alaska (AK)

• Required for motorized boats over 10 HP

• Registration decal must be renewed every 3 years

🔹 Arizona (AZ)

• Must be contrasting color to the hull

• Permanent registration for non-motorized boats

🔹 Arkansas (AR)

• Renew every 3 years

• Numbers and stickers must be clearly visible

🔹 California (CA)

• Number must be plain, block letters

• Registration must be renewed every 2 years

🔹 Colorado (CO)

• No registration required for non-motorized vessels

• Stickers must be displayed above the waterline

🔹 Connecticut (CT)

• Applies to all motorized boats

• Annual renewal required

🔹 Delaware (DE)

• Must be at least 3 inches tall

• Registration valid for 3 years

🔹 Florida (FL)

• Must be permanently affixed to the boat

• Stickers must be renewed annually

🔹 Georgia (GA)

• Applies to all mechanically propelled vessels

• Stickers must contrast with hull color

🔹 Hawaii (HI)

• Kayaks and canoes do not require registration

• Decals must be visible above waterline

🔹 Idaho (ID)

• No registration required for non-motorized vessels

• Renewal is required annually

🔹 Illinois (IL)

• All boats over 16 feet must be registered

• Must be displayed on both sides of the bow

🔹 Indiana (IN)

• Applies to motorized boats only

• Renew every 3 years

🔹 Iowa (IA)

• Numbers must be readable from 100 feet away

• Registration valid for 3 years

🔹 Kansas (KS)

• All boats except canoes and kayaks must be registered

• Renewal every 3 years

🔹 Kentucky (KY)

• Stickers must be placed within 6 inches of the number

• Renewal every 3 years

🔹 Louisiana (LA)

• Block-style font required

• Registration valid for 3 years

🔹 Maine (ME)

• Applies to motorized vessels

• Stickers must be waterproof and fade-resistant

🔹 Maryland (MD)

• Stickers must be placed within 3 inches of the number

• Must be contrasting color

🔹 Massachusetts (MA)

• Registration required for all motorized boats

• Must renew every 2 years

🔹 Michigan (MI)

• Kayaks and canoes do not require registration

• Must be visible from 100 feet away

🔹 Minnesota (MN)

• All boats over 10 feet must be registered

• Must use block lettering

🔹 Mississippi (MS)

• Stickers valid for 3 years

• Must be permanently affixed to the boat

🔹 Missouri (MO)

• Applies to all motorized boats

• Renew every 3 years

🔹 Montana (MT)

• Applies to motorized boats and sailboats

• Kayaks and canoes are exempt

🔹 Nebraska (NE)

• Registration valid for 3 years

• Stickers must be highly visible

🔹 Nevada (NV)

• All motorized boats must be registered

• Renewal every 3 years

🔹 New Hampshire (NH)

• Applies to all powered boats

• Stickers must be waterproof

🔹 New Jersey (NJ)

• Registration valid for 3 years

• Must be displayed on the forward half of the boat

🔹 New York (NY)

• Kayaks and canoes do not need registration

• Annual renewal required

🔹 North Carolina (NC)

• Must be in block-style font

• Must contrast with hull color

🔹 North Dakota (ND)

• Applies to all motorized boats

• Renew every 3 years

🔹 Ohio (OH)

• Must be plain, block lettering

• Stickers valid for 3 years

(Continue for remaining states…)

⚓ Why Choose Regboat.com for Your Boat Registration Decals?

✅ State-Compliant Designs – We ensure your decals meet local regulations✅ Marine-Grade Quality – Waterproof, UV-resistant, and built to last for years✅ Customizable – Choose your color, style, and finish for a unique look✅ Easy Application – Peel, stick, and go! No hassle installation

👉 Order Your Custom Boat Registration Decals Today! Shop Now at regboat.com