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

• A sailboat under 14 feet in length
• Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, and rubber rafts

Validation Decals

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.
• 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; for example: TX 3717 ZW or TX-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers can be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Decals must be affixed on both sides of the bow, three inches behind (towards the stern) and inline with the number.

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

Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• You must obtain a title for all outboard motors, just as you would a vessel. Battery-operated trolling motors are an exception.
• A Certificate of Number is valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice about three months prior to the expiration date. The expiration date is on the certificate and the decals.
• If you have changed addresses within those two years, you must call or write Texas Parks & Wildlife within 15 days of your change of address in order to get your renewal notice.
• If you abandon or destroy your vessel, you must report it to Texas Parks & Wildlife within 15 days and surrender your Certificate of Number and title if applicable.
  If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number, you must complete a “duplicate form” and submit a processing fee.
• To apply for a Certificate of Number and decal for a homemade vessel, you must submit the following, in addition to completed application forms and title fees:
  • An affidavit regarding the origin of the vessel and receipts for materials used in its construction
  • An inspection and certification by a Texas game warden
• 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. (Read more about obtaining the U. S. Coast Guard's Certificate of Documentation.) Documented vessels also must be registered with Texas Parks & Wildlife. Call Texas Parks & Wildlife at 1-800-262-8755 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 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.