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 Rhode Island, you must have a Certificate of Number (registration) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on Rhode Island’s public waters. The only exceptions are:

• A vessel properly registered in another state using Rhode Island waters for 90 days or fewer or vessels from another country temporarily using Rhode Island waters
• Ship’s lifeboats or vessels used only for racing
• A rowboat less than 12 feet long, or a canoe or kayak

The Certificate of Number and validation decals are obtained by submitting the proper application form and fee to:

Department of Environmental Management
Office of Registration and Licensing
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
Telephone: 401-222-6647

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 Certificate of Number (pocket-sized registration card) must be carried on board the vessel whenever the vessel is operated.

Display of Number and Decals

The registration number (sequence of letters and numbers) and decals must be displayed on the vessel as follows.

• Number must be painted, decaled, or otherwise affixed to the forward half of each side of the vessel as high above the waterline as possible.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow.
• Number must be in at least 3˝-high, bold, BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters of the registration number must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: RI 3717 ZW or RI-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers may be displayed on the forward half of the vessel.
• Decals must be affixed to the right of, and inline with, the registration number on each side 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.

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

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• All vessels must be titled except ship’s lifeboats, non-motorized inflatable vessels, surfboards, rowboats, documented vessels, and vessels less than 14 feet long.
• A vessel’s registration is valid for two years and expires on the last day of February.
• Outboard engines also must be registered. However, for outboard engines, it is a one-time registration—the registration does not expire.
• If ownership of a vessel changes, a new registration application must be filed. The registration number assigned to the vessel will remain the same.
• If you change address or transfer your interest in the vessel, or if the vessel is abandoned, destroyed, or stolen, you must notify the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management within 15 days.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or title, you must complete a “duplicate” form and submit a processing fee within 30 days.
• 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 at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels used primarily in Rhode Island also must be registered with the state. The documentation number will be used as the registration number. The vessel must display the validation decals issued by the state on each side of the vessel where best visible. (Read more about obtaining the U. S. Coast Guard's Certificate of Documentation.)

Registration Questions?

Call the Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Registration and Licensing at
401-222-6647. You also may visit the DEM website and download the registration forms.

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.

If your vessel is homemade, the Department of Environmental Management will issue an HIN for your vessel and instruct you how to attach it permanently.

It is illegal to destroy, remove, cover, or mutilate a hull identification number.