Assigned number format
Georgia assigns numbers in the pattern GA 3717 ZW, using the GA prefix. Decal-before-number configuration.
State Requirement Summary
Georgia Boat Registration Number Requirements
Georgia assigns GA 3717 ZW numbers, displayed on both sides of the bow in block letters at least three inches tall and contrasting with the hull. Georgia's layout is the reverse of most states: the validation decal goes before the GA prefix rather than after the suffix, so plan the leading gap before you position the first character.
Boat number requirements
Last regulatory review: August 22, 2026
Assigned number example
GA 3717 ZW
- Minimum character height
- 3 inches
- Lettering style
- Block letters
- Contrast
- Must contrast with background
- Spacing / separator
- Space or hyphen
- Reading direction
- Left to right
- Number location
- Both sides of the bow
- Validation decal
- Each side of the bow, BEFORE the GA prefix
- State agency
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division
What we sell vs. what the state issues: RegistrationDecals.com supplies the registration-number lettering, designed to meet the displayed Georgia size and formatting requirements. Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division issues the official validation/expiration decal — and any separate stickers such as aquatic-invasive-species, mussel-awareness, carbon-monoxide or lake-protection stickers, which are not interchangeable with each other.
Design your GA numbers
Starts with the Georgia format (GA 3717 ZW). Tap the decal and type your own assigned number exactly as it appears on your certificate of number.
Tap the decal to edit
Decal color
We supply the registration-number lettering, sized to the displayed Georgia requirements. Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division issues the validation decal.
Georgia placement diagram
Both sides of the hull carry the number. The grey square marks where the state-issued validation decal goes — each side of the bow, before the ga prefix.
- Height: 3 inches, block letters
- Spacing: Space or hyphen
- Location: Both sides of the bow
- Validation decal: Each side of the bow, BEFORE the GA prefix
Diagram is illustrative. Confirm exact positioning against the instructions issued with your Georgia registration.
Official source
Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division — Primary state agency source. Last verified August 22, 2026 (source check 2026-08-22).
Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division — BoatingRegistration requirements can change. RegistrationDecals.com summarizes publicly available boating-registration requirements to help boat owners select and display registration numbers. Always compare your registration and decals with the current instructions issued by your state boating or registration agency before applying them to your vessel.
Georgia rules in detail
Minimum character height
Georgia specifies characters 3 inches high. Measure the character body itself — if the state excludes borders, outlines or shading, decorative trim does not count toward the minimum.
Required lettering style
Block letters, reading left to right. Script, italic and decorative treatments are not what this style describes.
Contrast requirement
Must contrast with background. In practice that means dark characters on a light hull and light characters on a dark hull, checked in daylight from the side of the vessel.
Spacing and separator
Space or hyphen. Example: GA 3717 ZW. Running the groups together with no separation does not match the stated format.
Placement on the hull
Both sides of the bow. No other numbers displayed on the bow.
Validation decal placement
Each side of the bow, BEFORE the GA prefix. The validation or expiration decal is issued by Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division — RegistrationDecals.com supplies the registration-number lettering only.
Common mistakes
- Ordering the number without the GA prefix or the suffix letters.
- Characters shorter than the stated minimum (3 inches) so they fit inside a narrow accent stripe.
- Using a script, italic or shadowed style instead of block letters.
- Losing the required separation between the groups — space or hyphen.
- Placing the state validation decal somewhere other than the position Georgia describes: each side of the bow, BEFORE the GA prefix.
- Starting the number hard against the bow trim, leaving no room ahead of the GA prefix where Georgia places the validation decal.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Georgia boat registration number look like?
Georgia numbers follow the pattern GA 3717 ZW, using the GA prefix, a numeral group, and suffix letters.
How tall do Georgia boat registration numbers have to be?
3 inches, measured on the character itself, in block letters.
What lettering style does Georgia require?
Block letters, reading left to right, and must contrast with background.
How much space goes between the letters and numbers in Georgia?
Space or hyphen. Example: GA 3717 ZW.
Where do the numbers go on the boat in Georgia?
Both sides of the bow. No other numbers displayed on the bow.
Where does the Georgia validation decal go?
Each side of the bow, BEFORE the GA prefix. The decal itself is issued by Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division; we supply the registration-number lettering.
Who regulates boat registration numbers in Georgia?
Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division. Confirm the current instructions issued with your registration before applying anything to your hull. Last regulatory review: August 22, 2026.
Can I order Georgia boat registration numbers online?
Yes. Enter your assigned GA number in the designer on this page, pick a color that contrasts with your hull, and we cut a matched port-and-starboard pair and ship it to the 48 contiguous states.
Do I need two sets of Georgia registration numbers?
You need the number displayed on both sides of the vessel — both sides of the bow — so every order ships as a matched port-and-starboard pair.
Does the Georgia decal go before or after the numbers?
Before. Georgia places the validation decal on each side of the bow ahead of the GA prefix.
Related guides
Ready to design your GA numbers?
Our designer starts with plain block characters and proper group spacing, so you can see exactly how GA 3717 ZW will read on your hull before you order.
Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources / Law Enforcement Division · Primary state agency source · Primary · Source last checked 2026-08-22.
Registration requirements can change. RegistrationDecals.com summarizes publicly available boating-registration requirements to help boat owners select and display registration numbers. Always compare your registration and decals with the current instructions issued by your state boating or registration agency before applying them to your vessel.