Answer Hub
Yes. Both the federal rule and every state require the number on each side of the forward half of the vessel — port and starboard, at the same height, reading left to right on both sides.
Reviewed August 22, 2026
33 CFR 173.27 requires the number on each side of the forward half of the vessel. That means two matching sets, not a single number on the side facing the dock. Order in pairs and apply at the same height above the waterline on both sides.
Both sides read left to right. The port-side set is not mirrored — the characters run the same direction they do on starboard, so the number reads normally when viewed from either beam.
The set belongs on the forward half of the hull, high enough to stay above the waterline under load and clear of rub rails, strakes, and hardware that would break the line of the characters.
On a PWC or a small hull with little flat area, the number still goes on both sides of the forward half. Where the hull curves, keep the characters on a single plane so they are not distorted when read from the side.
Number location as published by each state's boating agency.
| State | Published wording | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Each side of the forward half / bow, above the waterline | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Florida | Forward half of both sides of the vessel | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
| California | Permanently attached or painted on each side of the bow | California Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Michigan | Each side of the forward half for vessels required to display MC numbers | Michigan Secretary of State / Michigan DNR |
| Wisconsin | Each side of the forward half | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Minnesota | Both sides of the forward half | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| North Carolina | Both sides of the bow / forward half | North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission |
| South Carolina | Both sides of the bow / forward half | South Carolina Department of Natural Resources |
| Georgia | Both sides of the bow | Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division |
| New York | Both sides of the bow / forward half | New York Department of Motor Vehicles |
Rules change. Confirm with your state agency before ordering, and see the full 48-state requirement guide.
Yes. Same characters, same size, same style, same height above the waterline.
No. Both sides read left to right.
No. The forward half of each side is what the rule requires. Transom lettering is a boat name, not a registration number.
The designer lays out a true 3-inch plain block set with correct spacing, cut from six-year marine vinyl and shipped ready to apply.
Editorial review date: August 22, 2026. We publish state-specific rules only where an official agency source confirms them.
