California Boat Registration Lettering

California is unique in that it can be considerably different weather in different parts of the state. Regardless, there are some great boating destinations. The only catch, if you purchase a boat in California make sure it meets the state registration number guidelines. We have that information below along with an easy to use designer that walks you through purchasing.

General information about numbers

We'll guide you through the process of creating California boat numbers when you click design now. Each state has specific verbiage as to their requirements. See the California specific section below. The general requirements for boat registrations numbers are as follows:

  • A minimum of 3" letter height
  • A block style font such as (impact or arial black)
  • Generally located on the forward hull portion of the boat next to the DNR tag
  • A contrasting color to base color of your boat.
  • Letters separated by a space or a dash (-)

California Specific Registration Laws

Please review your state specific requirements before purchasing identification decals as they do vary from state to state. Our designer is setup to comply with the general requirements above. If you require a specific requirement not in our designer, just leave a comment at checkout and we'll adust your design (no big deal!). Located on the official California state DMV site is the exact state requirements. We've linked to them Here.

Placement Information

California specifies that boat numbers be placed on the forward portion of the boat (the bow) on both sides.

Number Kits are Standard

Our california number kits are solid as a pair with 2.

You get two registration numbers automatically

How does my lettering arrive?

Your vinyl lettering is cut, weeded, and coated in a transfer tape ready to install. Installation instructions are located here. We have many optional installation accessories located in our accessories section.

California Boat Registration Numbers

What our customers say

Easy install……seems very durable!!

2022 Old Town Big Water 132 PDL Kayak Lettering from TIMOTHY D, PA

2022 Old Town Big Water 132 PDL Kayak Lettering from TIMOTHY D, PA

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Friday, November 8, 2024

Looks incredible and matches the Azul color perfect

2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 lsv Boat Lettering from Bryant H, FL

2023 Malibu Wakesetter 26 lsv from Bryant H, FL

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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Super easy install. Never put registration numbers on individually again.

2023 Ranger VX Lettering from William S, MN

2023 Ranger VX Lettering from William S, MN

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Sunday, November 10, 2024

Excellent quality and easy installation.

2025 Mako ProSkiff 19  Boat Lettering from Noah T, FL

2025 Mako ProSkiff 19 from Noah T, FL

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Great quality, high tac and easy to apply with great instructions. Super fast delivery. Always refer to local state laws for placement of decals..

3 waters Big Fish 108 PDL with Bixpy Motor Kayak Lettering from Kevin F, OK

3 waters Big Fish 108 PDL with Bixpy Motor Kayak Lettering from Kevin F, OK

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Very Pleased with all I've ordered. do you have any "USA" domed items that have the chrome mirror edging? would love to have the mirror edging on the usa to match the rest of it. thank you

2023 Lowe SS210WT  150hp Tritoon  Boat Lettering from ERIC B, KS

2023 Lowe SS210WT 150hp Tritoon from ERIC B, KS

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Great product. Fast delivery and design was exactly as expected. Highly recommend.

Boat Lettering from David M, CA

from David M, CA

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Thursday, September 26, 2024

My very good friend and retired San Diego PD officer passed away of ALS. To honor his legacy, I named my boat after him. I couldn’t have asked for a better quality decal. Thank you.

Tracker V16 Boat Lettering from Daniel M, WA

Tracker V16 from Daniel M, WA

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Saturday, November 2, 2024

Fantastic product! Came off the paper exactly as it looked on the designer.

2025 Xpress X23 Bay Boat Lettering from Caleb M, SC

2025 Xpress X23 Bay from Caleb M, SC

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Excellent quality! Was able to match stock decals pretty good with the design software. Very happy with the result. SWAMP BOX!

1998 Carolina Skiff V series Boat Lettering from Duane P, SC

1998 Carolina Skiff V series from Duane P, SC

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Monday, September 16, 2024

Came out great. Exactly as ordered. Was easy to apply.

2000 Macgregor 26x  Boat  Lettering from Jeremy S, FL

2000 Macgregor 26x Boat Lettering from Jeremy S, FL

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

In this video we provide a short walk through of the features of our online design tool. You can jump right in and play with it or watch this video if you want to see how everything works.

Lakes in California

You'll need California boat numbers if you are boating in these major lakes (and any other state owned body of water)

Big Bear Lake - Clear Lake - Don Pedro Reservoir - Donner Lake - Eagle Lake - Goose Lake - Lake Almanor - Lake Berryessa - Lake Merritt - Lake Oroville - Lake Pillsbury - Lake Shasta - Lake Tahoe - Lower Klamath Lake - Mono Lake - New Melones Lake - Salton Sea - Tenaya Lake - Trinity Lake - Tule Lake - Whiskeytown Lake