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

Took two days from order to delivery. Amazing service. High quality

2015 24’ Pure Bay Blue Wave  Boat Lettering from Kevin B, TX

2015 24’ Pure Bay Blue Wave from Kevin B, TX

StarStarStarStarStar


Monday, July 6, 2026

Great product. Went on easy with kit I ordered with decals. Extremely satisfied.

2000 Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum Boat Lettering from Craig C, WI

2000 Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum from Craig C, WI

StarStarStarStarStar


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Absolutely exceptional!

2026 Lund Explorer 1800 Boat Lettering from Stephen J, VA

2026 Lund Explorer 1800 from Stephen J, VA

StarStarStarStarStar


Sunday, July 5, 2026

Came out exactly as I wanted! Could not be happier!

1994 Searay 370 Sedan Bridge  Boat Lettering from Deb S, MA

1994 Searay 370 Sedan Bridge from Deb S, MA

StarStarStarStarStar


Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Very satisfied. Love the decals. Easy to put on.

2001 Beneteau 361 Sailboat  Lettering from Karin S, NC

2001 Beneteau 361 Sailboat Lettering from Karin S, NC

StarStarStarStarStar


Sunday, July 5, 2026

We just got our new Bentley pontoon boat and couldn’t wait to name it. We had a vote between five names and”Ward’s World” was the winner. All we needed was the perfect decals. Thanks to boat decals.com the Boat decals came out better than I could have expected.

Lettering from Michael  W, PA

Lettering from Michael W, PA

StarStarStarStarStar


Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Easy process to design and order

2026 Robalo Cayman 226 Boat  Lettering from charlie r, NC

2026 Robalo Cayman 226 Boat Lettering from charlie r, NC

StarStarStarStarStar


Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Looks great love the graphics of the American flag.

2025, Seadoo GTX 230 Pwc Lettering from Robert L, FL

2025, Seadoo GTX 230 Pwc Lettering from Robert L, FL

StarStarStarStarStar


Sunday, June 28, 2026

The graphics from Boatdecals.com arrived exactly as expected. Application was straight forward and I’m pleased with the result.

2023 Hurricane SD187 Lettering from Chris K, MI

2023 Hurricane SD187 Lettering from Chris K, MI

StarStarStarStarStar


Sunday, July 5, 2026

Somehow I ended up ordering 2. I don’t know how, that was not my intention. Would love a refund of the duplicate.

2000 sea ray 401 Boat Lettering from Lynne R, WA

2000 sea ray 401 from Lynne R, WA

StarStarStarStarStar


Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Great product thanks again

Crestliner Patio Boat Lettering from neil g, CA

Crestliner Patio from neil g, CA

StarStarStarStarStar


Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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