The three groups
A registration number is issued as a prefix, a numeric block, and a letter suffix. The separator exists so the groups can be read apart at distance. Running them together is one of the most common reasons a set is rejected.
Answer Hub
How much space goes between boat registration numbers?
Separate the three groups — state prefix, numerals, and letter suffix — with a hyphen or a space equal to the width of a normal character. TX 1234 AB and TX-1234-AB are both correct; TX1234AB is not.
Reviewed August 22, 2026
Hyphen or space — both are accepted
State wording typically allows either a hyphen or an equivalent space. California specifies spaces or hyphens equal to the width of a normal letter or number, which is a good rule of thumb everywhere.
Don't mix separators
Use the same separator in both gaps. TX-1234 AB looks like a correction. Pick hyphens or spaces and keep the set consistent on both sides of the hull.
Spacing from the validation sticker
Separator spacing is not the same as the gap to the validation decal. Several states set that gap explicitly — Arkansas, for example, puts the decal three inches toward the stern from the number and in line with it.
Verified separator wording by state
Separator requirement as published by each state's boating agency.
| State | Published wording | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| California | Spaces or hyphens equivalent to the width of a normal letter or number | California Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Texas | Space or hyphen between TX, numerals and suffix | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Florida | Space or hyphen between prefix, numerals and suffix | Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
| Arizona | Hyphen or equivalent space between AZ, numerals and suffix | Arizona Game and Fish Department |
| Arkansas | Space or hyphen between letter and numeral groups | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission |
| Michigan | Space or hyphen between groups | Michigan Secretary of State / Michigan DNR |
| Wisconsin | A space at least 2 inches wide between letters and numbers | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Minnesota | Space or hyphen | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| North Carolina | Hyphens or equivalent spaces | North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission |
| Georgia | Space or hyphen | Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division |
Rules change. Confirm with your state agency before ordering, and see the full 48-state requirement guide.
Related questions
Is TX1234AB with no spaces legal?
No. States require a hyphen or an equivalent space between the letter and numeral groups.
How wide should the space be?
About the width of one character. Wide enough to read as a break, narrow enough that the number reads as a single unit.
Do you space the decals for me?
Yes. The designer lays out the prefix, numerals, and suffix with correct separation, and each side ships as a single aligned piece on transfer tape.
Keep reading
Ready to order your registration numbers?
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.
Official sources
Editorial review date: August 22, 2026. We publish state-specific rules only where an official agency source confirms them.