
Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the United States have been permanently marked with a Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN is used to identify each boat, like a Vehicle Identification Number is used for cars. The HIN is located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Hull Identification Number (HIN) |
| What is it used for? | To identify each boat, like a Vehicle Identification Number given to automobiles |
| Where is it located? | On the rear of the transom, usually on the upper right corner (starboard side) |
| When did it come into effect? | 1972 |
| Who does it apply to? | All boats manufactured in or imported to the United States |
| What does it look like? | 12 letters and numerals at least one-quarter inch tall |
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What You'll Learn
- The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is located at the stern of the boat
- On catamarans and pontoon boats, the HIN is affixed to the aft crossbeam
- The HIN is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application
- The HIN is made up of 12 letters and numerals
- The HIN is used to register and track the history of a boat

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is located at the stern of the boat
Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the United States have been permanently marked with a HIN. The twelve-character HIN is made up of three letters, which indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month. The HIN must be at least one-quarter inch tall.
The HIN is like a Vehicle Identification Number given to automobiles. Two identical hull identification numbers are required to be displayed on each boat hull. The primary hull identification number must be affixed to the starboard outboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
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On catamarans and pontoon boats, the HIN is affixed to the aft crossbeam
On catamarans and pontoon boats with replaceable hulls, the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is usually affixed to the aft crossbeam, within one foot of the starboard (right) hull attachment. The HIN is used to identify each boat, like a Vehicle Identification Number for automobiles. It is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application.
The HIN is located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. The transom is the flat surface at the rear of the boat, and the starboard side refers to the right-hand side of the boat when facing the front.
The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals at least one-quarter inch tall that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and/or model year and/or month. The twelve-character HIN is made up of three letters, which indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month.
On boats with transoms, the primary hull identification number must be affixed to the starboard outboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
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The HIN is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application
Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the United States have been permanently marked with a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Like a Vehicle Identification Number, the HIN is used to identify each boat. The HIN is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application. It is usually located at the stern of the boat, on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. It is used to register your boat and to track its history.
The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals, at least one-quarter inch tall, that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers and/or letters, and model year and/or month. Two identical hull identification numbers are required to be displayed on each boat hull. The primary hull identification number must be affixed to the starboard outboard side of the transom within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest.
On catamarans and pontoon boats with replaceable hulls, the HIN is usually affixed to the aft crossbeam, within one foot of the starboard (right) hull attachment. On homemade vessels, there are circumstances where each state and the U.S. Coast Guard will assign hull numbers directly to an applicant. State-issued hull numbers will begin with their standard registration prefix followed by the letter “Z”. Coast Guard-issued hull identification numbers are prefixed by “USZ”.
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The HIN is made up of 12 letters and numerals
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character code made up of letters and numerals. It is used to identify boats in the same way that a Vehicle Identification Number is used for cars. The HIN is located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. On catamarans and pontoon boats with replaceable hulls, the HIN is usually affixed to the aft crossbeam, within one foot of the starboard (right) hull attachment.
The HIN is required by federal law and must appear on the registration application. It indicates the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month. The code is at least one-quarter inch tall and is permanently affixed to the boat. Two identical hull identification numbers are required to be displayed on each boat hull.
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The HIN is used to register and track the history of a boat
Since 1972, all boats manufactured in or imported to the United States have been permanently marked with a Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN is used to register and track the history of a boat. The twelve-character HIN is made up of three letters, which indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month.
The HIN is located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible. On catamarans and pontoon boats with replaceable hulls, the HIN is usually affixed to the aft crossbeam, within one foot of the starboard (right) hull attachment. On homemade vessels, the hull number is assigned directly to the applicant by the state and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Frequently asked questions
The HIN is located at the stern of the boat, usually on the starboard side of the transom, or as close to that area as possible.
The HIN consists of 12 letters and numerals at least a quarter of an inch tall that indicate the manufacturer, hull serial numbers, and model year and/or month.
The HIN is used to register your boat and to track your boat's history.











































