Boat Registration Stickers: Placement For Minnesota Boaters

If you're registering your boat in Minnesota, you'll need to follow the state's boat number registration decal display laws. The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the hull, with the letters and numbers measuring at least 3 inches high. The colour of the numbers must contrast sharply with the background, and the MN should be separated from the numbers with a space. The current license decal must be placed within 4 inches of the license number, towards the stern of the boat.

Registration number requirements

In the state of Minnesota, boat owners must abide by specific requirements when displaying their registration numbers. These requirements are outlined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and ensure that your boat is legal to operate within the state. Here are the key instructions to follow:

• The registration number must be displayed on both the port and starboard sides of the bow, which is the forward half of the hull.
• The number must be placed in a specific format: a space or dash should separate letters and numbers, and "MN" should be separated from the numbers by a space equal to the width of a letter or number (except 1 or I).
• The minimum letter height for the registration number is 3 inches, and the font must be in block characters, such as Impact or Arial Black.
• To ensure legibility, the colour of the numbers must sharply contrast with the background colour of the boat.
• The registration number can be either painted on or attached to the boat. If attaching the number, it is recommended to use vinyl lettering or decals, which are easy to install and have excellent longevity in water.
• The number must be displayed from left to right and must always be legible.
• If you are renewing your registration, remember to remove the expired decals before applying the new ones.
• The current license decal must be placed within 4 inches of the license number, towards the stern of the boat.
• The registration number should be displayed on both sides of the boat, with each side having a matching pair of numbers.
• When registering your boat for the first time, you will need to provide specific information, including the length, manufacturer, hull material, propulsion type, model, year, and serial or hull identification number (HIN). Additionally, you will need a sales receipt showing that you have paid the sales tax.

Placement of registration numbers

If you are registering your boat in Minnesota, you will need to follow the state's boat number registration decal display laws. These laws dictate the placement of registration numbers on your boat. Here are the key requirements for placement:

• The registration numbers must be placed on each side of the forward half of the hull, specifically on the bow (the foremost part of the boat).
• The numbers must be displayed on both the port and starboard sides of the bow.
• The numbers must be placed towards the stern within 4 inches of the license number.
• The numbers must be at least 3 inches high.
• The numbers must be in a block character style, such as Impact or Arial Black.
• The "MN" prefix should be separated from the numbers by a space equal to the size of a letter or number (except for 1 or I).
• Letters and numbers must be separated by a space to ensure legibility.
• The colour of the numbers must contrast sharply with the background colour of the boat.
• The registration numbers can be either painted on or attached to the boat as decals.

It is important to note that the specific requirements for boat registration may vary from state to state. Always review the regulations provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before applying the registration numbers to your boat.

Decal display laws

When registering your boat in Minnesota, you must follow the Minnesota boat number registration decal display laws. These laws outline the specific requirements for displaying the boat registration number and expiration decal on your vessel.

Firstly, the registration number must be displayed on both the port and starboard sides of the bow, reading from left to right on both sides. The number must be in block capital letters, at least three inches high, and in a colour that contrasts sharply with the background. A space of three inches should separate the letters "MN" from the subsequent numbers. For example, "MN 1122 AB".

The expiration decal should be placed within four inches behind and in line with the number, towards the stern of the boat.

When installing your decals, remember to remove any expired decals before applying the new ones. The license number on your boat should match the number on your license card exactly. The decals can be either painted on or attached to the craft but must always be legible.

For more detailed information, refer to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, which provides comprehensive guidance on boat registration and decal display laws.

Registration procedures

To register your new watercraft in Minnesota, you can visit the DNR License Center at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. If your boat is longer than 16 feet, your dealer will handle the registration on your behalf and provide you with the license materials.

When registering for the first time, you will need to know the following details about your boat:

• Length
• Manufacturer
• Type of hull material (wood, metal, or plastic)
• Type of propulsion
• Model
• Year
• Serial or hull identification number (HIN)
• Sales receipt showing proof of sales tax payment

The length of the boat is the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the boat (bow) to the rearmost part (stern). Attachments like bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, and rudders are not included in this measurement.

If you are registering a boat that was previously owned by a private seller, you will need to review the transfer procedures. For boats titled in Minnesota, the seller must sign the front of the title, and the buyer must sign the back. A transfer fee of $17.00 is applicable.

For boats registered and titled in another state, you will need the original signed Certificate of Title or a registration card and bill of sale if the state does not title boats. If the boat has never been registered before, you must submit the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or, for a home-built boat, copies of materials and supplies receipts, four photos of the finished product, and a completed and signed Statement of Facts.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation, you can submit them in person at your local deputy registrar office or by mail to the Minnesota DNR office in St. Paul. Note that you must wait for your registration card and decals to arrive before legally operating your watercraft, unless a DNR-authorized boat dealer provides you with a permit.

Registration renewal

Boat registrations in Minnesota are valid for three calendar years. To renew your registration, you can either do it in person or online.

In-Person Registration Renewal

You can visit any deputy registrar of motor vehicles or the DNR License Bureau in St. Paul (500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN).

Online Registration Renewal

You can also renew your watercraft registration online by using the online licensing system. If you renew online, you will receive a temporary permit/confirmation page to print out for immediate use. Alternatively, you can write down your temporary authorization number from your confirmation page. Your registration card and expiration decals will then be mailed to you.

You can also mail in your renewal, but if you need it expedited, you can visit a deputy registrar office or renew online and receive a temporary receipt to use immediately. Your mail-in renewal check will then be returned to you.

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

Frequently asked questions