Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel’s Certificate of Title, Registration, and Validation Decals

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In Oregon, you must have a Certificate of Title, Oregon Certificate of Number (see right), and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. Exceptions include:

Non-motorized vessels
Sailboats less than 12 feet in length
Vessels registered in other states using Oregon waters for 60 days or less
Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard whose principal use is in another state

The Certificate of Title, Certificate of Number, and validation decals are obtained by submitting the proper documents, application, and fee to an authorized boat registration agent or to:

State Marine Board
P. O. Box 14145
Salem, OR 97309-5065

Certificate of Number
Sample of Oregon Certificate of Number

The Certificate of Number (pocket-sized registration card) must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated.

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

Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow, placed above the water line where it can be read easily.
Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters (not slanted).
Number’s color must contrast with its background.
Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space: OR 371 ZW, as shown on the right.
No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
Validation decals must be affixed on each side of the vessel. They should be placed in line with, and three inches toward the stern of, the registration number.

Correct spacing of decal and registration number
on the starboard & port sides of the vessel

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 or unless you have on board a valid temporary permit to operate a boat.

Registration number on bow of boat with expiration decal placed toward the stern of number

PWC Certificate Of Number and validation decal

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

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

A Certificate of Number is issued for two calendar years and is valid until December 31st of the year indicated. Owners of vessels that have already been registered will be sent a renewal notice in November.
If you change your address, you must notify the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) in writing, by e-mail, or by phone within 30 days of the change.
If a numbered vessel is destroyed, stolen, or abandoned, the owner should report it to OSMB within 30 days of such event. If stolen, first report it to the local sheriff’s department so that a case number can be issued before reporting the theft to OSMB.
If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Title, Certificate of Number, or decal, you must apply to OSMB for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) apply for a U.S. Coast Guard “Certificate of Documentation” in lieu of an Oregon title. Call the USCG’s Documentation Center at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented recreational vessels still require state registration.

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.
Altered, improper, or missing Hull Identification Numbers may be cause for marine enforcement officers to seize your vessel.
A Hull Identification Number is required before a vessel may be sold in Oregon. The Oregon State Marine Board will assign a HIN for a home-built vessel or for an older vessel that does not have a HIN. Check with the Marine Board for requirements and procedure information.

Hull identification number