Boat Registration Numbers: Where To Place Them In Minnesota

Boat owners in Minnesota need to abide by specific regulations when it comes to displaying their registration numbers. These requirements are outlined on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website and include details such as the positioning, formatting, and installation of the registration numbers and decals. This paragraph aims to provide an overview of the key considerations for boat owners in Minnesota regarding the display of their registration information, ensuring compliance with the state's regulations.

Registration number decal display laws

To legally operate your boat in Minnesota, you must abide by the Minnesota boat number registration decal display laws. These laws outline the requirements for displaying your boat's registration number and expiration decal. Here are the key laws to follow:

Placement: The registration number must be displayed on both the port and starboard sides of the bow. The number should be placed in the forward half of the hull, with the current license decal placed within four inches behind it (toward the stern).

Format: The registration number must read from left to right on both sides. The number should be in BLOCK letters, with each letter and number measuring at least three inches in height. A space measuring the width of one letter or number (except 1 or I) should separate "MN" from the rest of the characters. Additionally, a three-inch-wide space should separate the letters and numbers. For example, "MN 1122 AB".

Colour Contrast: The colour of the letters and numbers must sharply contrast with the background to ensure legibility.

Attachment Method: The registration number can be either painted on or attached to the boat as decals.

Removal of Old Decals: Before applying new registration decals, be sure to remove any expired ones.

Matching Display: The license number displayed on the boat must match the number shown on the license card.

Registration Renewal: Boat registrations in Minnesota are valid for three calendar years. You can renew your registration online or in person at a deputy registrar's office or the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

Where to register your boat

If you're registering your boat in Minnesota, you must follow the Minnesota boat number registration decal display laws. You can find these on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

Registration Procedures

You can register your new watercraft in Minnesota in person or by mail. To register in person, visit the DNR License Center at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. To register by mail, submit your application to:

> Minnesota DNR

> Box 26 - Watercraft

> 500 Lafayette Rd.

> St. Paul, MN 55155-4026

If your new boat is longer than 16 feet, your dealer will apply for the title and registration on your behalf and provide you with the license materials.

When registering your boat for the first time, you will need to know its length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, year, serial or hull identification number (HIN), and have a sales receipt showing you have paid the sales tax.

A watercraft license is not required for non-motorized watercraft 10 feet or less or watercraft owned by a person from another state that does not require licensing of that type of watercraft and is in Minnesota for fewer than 90 consecutive days.

Boat registrations in Minnesota are valid for three calendar years.

Registration Number Display

Once your boat is registered, you will need to display the boat number and expiration decal as follows:

• Both port and starboard sides of the bow must display the registration number.
• The registration number must read from left to right on both port and starboard sides of the bow.
• The number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
• The colour of the numbers must contrast sharply with the background.
• A space measuring three inches wide must separate the letters and numbers. For example: MN 1122 AB.
• The boat expiration decal must be within four inches behind and in line with the number (i.e., toward the stern).

Registration number formatting

The registration number must be displayed on the boat as it appears on the license card. The number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters, with a space measuring three inches wide separating the letters and numbers. For example, "MN 1122 AB". The letters "MN" should be separated from the numbers with either a space equal to a letter or a number other than 1 or I. The letters and numbers must contrast sharply with the background.

The registration number must be placed on each side of the forward half of the hull, on both the port and starboard sides of the bow. It should read from left to right and always be legible. The current license decal must be placed within four inches of the license number, towards the stern.

The registration number can be either painted on or attached to the craft as decals. If attaching decals, be sure to remove any expired decals before applying the new ones.

Registration renewal

Boat registration in Minnesota is handled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Boat registrations are valid for three calendar years. To renew your registration, you can either visit a deputy registrar office or renew online. If you choose to renew online, you will receive a temporary permit/confirmation page to print out for immediate use, or you can write down your temporary authorization number from your confirmation page. Your registration card and expiration decals will then be mailed to you.

If you are not the registered owner, another person may renew for you only if they have the DNR-generated renewal notice, they provide a Consent to Renew Registration form, or they show proof of being the Power of Attorney.

For in-person registration renewals, you can visit any deputy registrar of motor vehicles (where you license your car) or the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul (500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4026).

The cost of boat registration renewal in Minnesota is $6.00.

Once you have renewed your registration, you must display the boat number and expiration decal on your vessel as follows:

• Both port and starboard sides of the bow must display the registration number.
• The registration number must read from left to right on both port and starboard sides of the bow.
• The number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
• The colour of the numbers must contrast sharply with the background.
• A space measuring three inches wide must separate the letters and numbers (e.g. MN 1122 AB).
• The boat expiration decal must be placed within four inches behind and in line with the number (toward the stern).

Non-motorized watercraft registration

To register a non-motorized watercraft in Minnesota, you will need to provide the following information:

• Length, manufacturer, type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic), type of propulsion, model, and year of the vessel
• Serial or hull identification number (HIN)
• Sales receipt showing that you have paid the sales tax

You can register your non-motorized watercraft in person at any MN Dept. of Public, DVS (Driver & Vehicle Services) office locations, or by mail. If registering in person, visit a deputy registrar of motor vehicles office that can complete DNR registrations. A list of offices can be found on the Minnesota DNR website. If registering by mail, send your paperwork to the following address:

Minnesota DNR

Box 26 - Watercraft

500 Lafayette Rd.

St. Paul, MN 55155-4026

No matter which submission process you choose, you will need to complete the following paperwork:

• Fill out a Watercraft Title and Registration Application or Form LB014
• Gather proof of ownership documents, such as the boat's current certificate of registration and title with signatures from previous owners, or the manufacturer's statement of origin for new vessels
• Obtain a sales receipt showing that you have paid sales tax on your purchase
• Provide payment for registration fees

Once you have successfully registered your non-motorized watercraft, you will need to display the registration number on each side of the bow of your boat. The number must be at least 3 inches high, in block characters, and in a color that contrasts with the boat. You can paint these numbers on yourself or purchase them from a marine supply store. The expiration decal must be placed within 4 inches of the number, towards the stern of the boat.

Frequently asked questions