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Course Outline

Iowa Boat Decal 2025

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

  • Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to the forward half of each side of the vessel, placed for maximum visibility.
  • No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
  • Number must read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
  • Number must be in at least three-inch-high, bold, BLOCK letters.
  • Number's color must contrast with its background.
  • Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: IA 3717 ZW or IA-3717-ZW.
  • Decals must be affixed on each side of the vessel, toward the stern of the registration number, 4 inches from and in line with the number.

For vessels with sails, the requirements may be different from those above.

  • If a vessel is propelled by sail alone, the registration number may be placed in a position to provide maximum visibility, including placement on the mast.
  • A sailboard is not required to display the registration number, but the decal must be placed on the bottom surface of the bow of the sailboard.

Iowa PWC Decal

Personal watercraft also are required to display the certificate's number and registration decals.

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