Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel’s Certificate of Registration and Decal

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Kentucky, you must have a Kentucky Certificate of Registration and registration decals to legally operate your vessel on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• Non-motorized vessels
• Vessels registered in other states using Kentucky waters for 60 days or less
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Certificate of Registration and registration decals are obtained by submitting the proper application and fee to the office of the county clerk in the county in which you reside or the county where you use your vessel.

This Certificate of Registration must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is being operated.

The registration number and registration decal must be displayed as follows:

• Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel where no other number may be displayed.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
• Number must be in at least three-inch-high, vertical BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by hyphens or spaces; for example: KY-3717-ZW or KY 3717 ZW.
• Decal must be placed behind the number (towards the stern) and be within six inches of and in-line with the number.

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

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

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• All vessels which require registration must also be titled in Kentucky. You must apply for a title within 15 days of the purchase or transfer.
• A Certificate of Registration is valid for one year. Owners of vessels that have already been registered will be sent a renewal notice at least 30 days prior to the expiration date.
• The owner of a numbered vessel must notify the county clerk within 15 days if:
  • He or she changes address.
  • The vessel is lost, stolen, destroyed, abandoned, or sold.
• Vessels registered in another state may operate on Kentucky waters for 60 consecutive days before Kentucky registration is required.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Registration or decal, you must apply to the county clerk for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may, at the option of the owner, be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call the USCG’s Documentation Center at 1-800-799-8362 for more information.

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 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
• Home-built vessels may apply for an identification number (HIN) with the Kentucky Department of Transportation.