Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel’s Certificate of Number and Decals

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Arizona, you must have an Arizona Certificate of Number (registration number) and registration decals to operate, moor, or anchor your vessel legally on the waterways of Arizona. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels used solely as lifeboats
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Vessels with valid registration in another state or country that are on the waters of Arizona for 90 or fewer consecutive days

The Certificate of Number and registration decals are obtained by the owner submitting the proper application and fee to any Arizona Game and Fish Department office.

The registration number and registration decals must be displayed as follows.

• Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
• Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: AZ 3717 ZW or AZ-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Decal must be affixed on both sides of the vessel within three inches in front of the AZ of the registration number.

If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate it or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered and numbered as described above.

PWCs also are required to display the certificate’s number and registration decals.

Other Facts About Registering Your Vessel

• Vessel registration is staggered, similar to motor vehicle registration. The color and date on the registration decals indicate when the registration expires.
• The application for transfer of ownership must be made within 15 days of purchase.
• If you change your address, you must notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) within 15 days either in writing or online at: www.azgfd.gov/watercraft.
• If you purchase a numbered vessel or if your watercraft is sold, stolen, lost, destroyed, or abandoned, you must report it to the AZGFD within 15 days.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or decal, you must apply to the AZGFD for a duplicate.
• Vessels registered in another state or country may operate on Arizona waters for 90 consecutive days before Arizona registration and numbering are required.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

Watercraft Registration Application Form Registration application forms can be obtained from: • Any office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department • Many marine dealers Registration Questions? Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000. Also, you can call or visit one of the AZGFD offices listed at the back of this manual, or visit AZGFD’s website on the Internet.

Hull Identification Number

• The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972.
• Hull Identification Numbers:
  • Distinguish one vessel from another—the same as serial numbers distinguish one car from another.
  • Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate permanently attached to the transom.
• You should write down your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.
• Owners of vessels that do not have a HIN (those manufactured after October 1, 1972, or homemade vessels) must apply to have one issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Vessels without a HIN may not be registered.
• It is illegal to remove or alter the HIN.