Boat Registration Numbers: Placement Guide For Wisconsin Boaters

If you're planning to take your boat out on Wisconsin's scenic lakes, you'll need to make sure it's properly registered and that you're displaying your registration number correctly. In Wisconsin, most boats are required to be registered, including all motorized boats and sailboats over 12 feet in length. Non-motorized boats, non-recreational public or military boats, and boats owned by the state of Wisconsin are exempt from registration requirements. Once you've registered your boat, you'll need to display the registration number on both sides of the forward half of the boat's bow, with the number reading from left to right. The numbers should be at least 3 inches high in a block-type font and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of your boat.

Numbers must be on each side of the forward half of the boat

To legally operate a boat in Wisconsin, you must obtain a Certificate of Number and validation decals. The Certificate of Number must be carried on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer during boat operation. The registration number, found on the certificate of number card, must be displayed on the boat.

Numbers must be placed on each side of the forward half of the boat. This means that the registration number must be displayed on both sides of the bow. The numbers must be read from left to right on both sides.

The numbers must be in bold, BLOCK letters that are at least 3 inches high and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the boat. This ensures that the registration number is clearly visible and legible. The letters must be separated from the numbers by a space of at least 2 inches. Two-toned and camouflage numbers are not permitted.

The registration number can be applied as a decal, painted on, or permanently affixed to the boat. Some boat owners opt for vinyl stickers for the registration number, which can be purchased from places like BoatUS or WestMarine.

Numbers must be at least 3 high

In Wisconsin, the registration number of a boat must be displayed in a specific way. The numbers must be at least 3 inches high and in BLOCK letters. This is to ensure that they are clearly visible and legible. The colour of the numbers must contrast with the colour of the boat so that they stand out and can be read easily.

When displaying the registration number, boat owners must place the numbers on each side of the forward half of the boat. This means that the numbers will be visible from both the port and starboard sides of the vessel. The numbers must be read from left to right and should be separated from any letters by a space of at least 2 inches. For example, a valid registration number in Wisconsin could look like "WS 1234 AB", with "WS" in smaller letters, and "1234" in numbers at least 3 inches high.

The registration number must be applied as a decal, painted on, or permanently affixed to the boat. Many boat owners choose to use vinyl stickers for their registration numbers, which can be purchased from marine supply stores or online. This is a convenient and cost-effective option that ensures compliance with the law.

It is important to note that two-toned and camouflage numbers are not permitted in Wisconsin. The numbers must be in a single colour that contrasts with the colour of the boat. This is to ensure that enforcement officers can easily read the registration number when inspecting the vessel.

Numbers must be clearly visible and legible

In Wisconsin, boat registration numbers must be clearly visible and legible. This means that they must be displayed on each side of the forward half of the boat, or the boat's bow, and read from left to right. The numbers should be in bold, BLOCK letters that are at least 3 inches high, and in a colour that contrasts with the colour of the boat. This ensures that the registration number can be easily seen and read by authorities when required.

The letters and numbers should be separated by a space of at least 2 inches. For example, the registration number "WS 1234 AB" would have two inches of space between the "S" and the "1". Two-toned and camouflage numbers are not permitted as they may compromise the legibility of the registration number.

The registration number must be displayed as a decal, painted on, or permanently affixed to the boat. Boat owners are not permitted to display any other numbers in this area. Vinyl stickers are a popular option for displaying the registration number, and can be purchased from places like BoatUS or WestMarine.

In addition to the registration number, validation decals must also be displayed on the boat. These decals indicate that the boat registration is current and valid. The decals must be placed in line with the registration number, approximately 3 inches towards the stern of the boat.

Letters and numbers must be separated by a 2 space

When displaying your boat registration number in Wisconsin, it's important to ensure that letters and numbers are properly separated. Here are the key instructions you need to follow:

The Wisconsin DNR has specific requirements for the display of boat registration numbers. The letters and numbers that comprise the registration number must be separated by a space that is at least two inches wide. This separation is crucial for ensuring that the registration number is clearly visible and legible.

When preparing your boat's registration number, make sure that the letters and numbers are not crowded together. The two-inch space between them will make it easier for authorities to identify and read the registration number. This also helps avoid any confusion or misinterpretation of the characters.

The use of block letters is also important. Each character, whether a letter or a number, should be at least 3 inches high and in bold or block-type font. This further enhances the visibility and readability of the registration number. The colour of the characters should also contrast with the colour of the boat to make them stand out.

When applying the registration number to your boat, it should be placed on each side of the forward half of the boat, also known as the bow. The numbers must be read from left to right on both sides. This consistent placement ensures compliance with Wisconsin's boating regulations.

In addition to the registration number, don't forget about the expiration decals. These decals should be affixed in line with the registration number, positioned three inches toward the stern. By following these instructions, you will ensure that your boat's registration information is displayed correctly and complies with Wisconsin's boating laws.

Decals must be placed 3 behind the numbers

In Wisconsin, boat owners are required to display their registration number and expiration decals on the side of the boat. The registration number must be at least 3" high in BLOCK letters and must be displayed on each side of the forward half of the boat. The number must be readable from left to right and must contrast with the colour of the boat to be clearly visible and legible.

Validation or expiration decals must be placed 3" behind the registration number, towards the stern of the boat. This is true for all boats, including personal watercraft. The decals must be in line with the number and are colour-coded to match the expiration year of the registration.

Boat owners must also carry a certificate of number or registration certificate onboard, which is usually a waterproof card. This must be available for inspection at all times.

Frequently asked questions