You should consult the State in which you are registering your boat for specific information. Registering your boat means applying for and getting a certificate of number and the number itself. The registration number is actually a combination of letters and numbers normally beginning with the abbreviation of the State in which the boat is registered. The certificate of number is small and must be on the vessel whenever it is being used. A validation decal is required to be placed along side the numbers on the port side of the vessel.
Some states require decals on both port and starboard side.
This decal is renewed annually. The figures are read from left to right. They must be displayed on the forward half of each side of the bow of the boat. Numbers must be in bold, block letters of good proportion. Numbers must be not less than three inches high.