Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Illinois Boating Law—Illinois boating law is found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 625—Boat Registration and Safety Act. References are given in this chapter to articles within this Act. For example, (625 ILCS 3) means that the law is found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 625, Article 3.

Your Vessel’s Registration (625 ILCS 45/3)

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Illinois, you must have an Illinois Certificate of Number (registration) and expiration decals to legally operate a vessel on Illinois waters. Exceptions to the requirement to register recreational vessels include:

• Sailboards
• A canoe or kayak owned by a non-profit organization
• A non-powered vessel operated on a private lake
• A vessel owned by the federal or state government
• Vessels properly registered in another state and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days

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

Watercraft registration application forms are available from Illinois Department of Natural Resources regional offices, conservation officers, and boat dealers. Boaters may renew their vessel registrations by phone (1-866-867-3542 or 1-800-867-3542), or online at the DNR website. After registering a vessel, an owner will receive a Certificate of Number (registration card). Federal law requires that the registration card be available for law enforcement inspection whenever the vessel is operated. Registration is valid for three years. All certificates expire on June 30 at the end of the three-year period. If a Certificate of Number or expiration decal is lost or destroyed, the vessel owner must apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a duplicate.

Certificate of Number (Registration) The Certificate of Number must be carried on board whenever the vessel is operated.

The owner of a registered vessel must notify the Department of Natural Resources within 15 days of the following events:

• The owner changes his or her address.
• The owner transfers all or any part of his or her interest in the vessel.
• The vessel is destroyed or abandoned.

Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may also (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. (Read more about obtaining the U.S. Coast Guard's "Certificate of Documentation".) Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

Displaying the Assigned Number and Expiration Decals (625 ILCS 45/3-3)

The registration number and expiration decals must be displayed as follows:

• Number must be placed on each side of the forward half of the vessel.
• Number must read from left to right on one line, starting with two capital letters—IL— followed by a space and four digits followed by a space and two capital letters. For example: IL 1234 AB. The decal is placed after a space at the end of the number.
• Letters and numerals must be BLOCK figures at least three inches high, of a color that contrasts with its background.

Non-powered canoes or kayaks and federally documented vessels are not required to display the registration number, but must display the expiration decal. Check with Illinois DNR for proper placement of decals on these vessels.

No numerals and letters other than the registration numerals, letters, and expiration decals may be displayed on either side of the forward half of any vessel.

PWCs are also required to display the vessel registration number and expiration decals.

Your Vessel's Title (625 ILCS 45/3A)

Every vessel that is required to have a Certificate of Number must also have a Certificate of Title. Federally documented vessels are exempt from this requirement.

Any boater who owns a vessel without a title must apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Certificate of Title before or at the same time application is made for a Certificate of Number.

The Department of Natural Resources will not issue, transfer, or renew a Certificate of Number unless a Certificate of Title has been issued for that vessel.

If your vessel requires titling, it is illegal to operate or allow others to operate your vessel unless you have a Certificate of Title for your vessel.

Registration Questions? Call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at
1-800-382-1696 or visit our website at www.dnr.state.il.us.

Hull Identification Number (625 ILCS 45/3-13)

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number, assigned by the manufacturer.

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
• Should be recorded by the owner and put in a place other than the vessel in case warranty problems arise or the vessel is lost or stolen

All vessels built after November 1, 1972, including home-made boats, must have a Hull Identification Number (HIN). The HIN is required by federal law and it must appear on the registration application.

If a vessel has no HIN, or if the manufacturer’s HIN has been removed, obliterated, or altered, the owner must apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a HIN.