Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Your Vessel's Certificate of Number and Decal

Requirements for vessel registration vary from state to state. In North Carolina, you must have a North Carolina Certificate of Number (registration) and a validation decal to operate your vessel legally on public waters. The only exceptions are:

• A non-motorized vessel
• Sailboats 14 feet or less in length
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard

The Certificate of Number and validation decal are obtained by submitting the proper application (see below), proof of ownership, and fee to the Watercraft Titling & Registration Section of the Wildlife Resources Commission.

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 decal 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 sharply with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: NC 3717 ZW or NC-3717-ZW.
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Decal must be affixed on the starboard (right) side of the vessel within six inches following the registration number. No decal is on the port (left) side.

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

Other Facts about Titling and Registering Your Vessel

• Titling of vessels is not mandatory in North Carolina. However, an owner of a vessel that is not titled elsewhere may apply to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) for a Certificate of Title.
• A Certificate of Number is valid for either one or three years, at the option of the owner. The Certificate of Number must be renewed on or before the first day of the month following the month of expiration shown on the validation decal. Renewal notices are mailed to all owners of registered vessels 60 days before their date of expiration. You can renew over the telephone by calling 1‑800‑628‑3773.
• If you change your address or if you abandon or destroy your vessel, you must call or write the NCWRC within 15 days.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number or decal, you must apply to the NCWRC for a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
• If your vessel is lost or stolen, notify the NCWRC and local law enforcement authorities immediately.
• Vessels registered in another state may operate on North Carolina waters for 90 days before North Carolina registration and numbering are required.
• 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.

Vessel Registration/Title/Renewal Application Registration and title application forms can be obtained: From the Watercraft Titling & Registration Section of the Wildlife Resources Commission From many marine dealers or other local vessel registration agents By calling 1-800-628-3773

Questions? Call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-800-628-3773. Also, you can call or visit a Wildlife Resources Commission office.

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.