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

Nice job!!

Lettering from michael h, CA

Lettering from michael h, CA

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Monday, March 3, 2025

These look great on the boat - just what we wanted, so thanks!

Lettering from Rubye C, AL

Lettering from Rubye C, AL

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Sunday, March 2, 2025

Excellent product.

2003 VIP BayStealth 2230 Boat Lettering from BRIAN G, TX

2003 VIP BayStealth 2230 from BRIAN G, TX

StarStarStarStarStar


Sunday, March 2, 2025

Excellent job.

2024 gtx 300 Sea Doo Lettering from thaddeus f, CA

2024 gtx 300 Sea Doo Lettering from thaddeus f, CA

StarStarStarStarStar


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Easy to work with. Looks great!

2024 Beneteau Flyer 8 Boat Lettering from MARC Z, CA

2024 Beneteau Flyer 8 from MARC Z, CA

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Online design was very easy. Chose font, colors, and submitted for printing. We went with reflective white, with black outline and it looks great, on our dark gray hull. Thank you boatdecals.com for great service and a great product.

2025 Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass Fishing boat Lettering from eric k, MI

2025 Lund 1875 Pro-V Bass Fishing boat Lettering from eric k, MI

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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Excellent quality, fast shipping, and they look great. Very satisfied.

2024 SeaDoo GTR-X 300 Jet Ski  Lettering from Jeffrey H, SC

2024 SeaDoo GTR-X 300 Jet Ski Lettering from Jeffrey H, SC

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Friday, February 7, 2025

We love your products. Very easy to install and look amazing. Thank you!

Island Packet 27 Boat  Lettering from Linda W, FL

Island Packet 27 Boat Lettering from Linda W, FL

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Came out great

1997 27 Contender open Boat Lettering from Matthew H, NJ

1997 27 Contender open from Matthew H, NJ

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Thursday, February 6, 2025

My project as it sits on Dec 16th after ordering and paying for an expedited job on Dec 4th.

Lettering from David N, TX

Lettering from David N, TX

StarStarStarStarStar


Monday, December 16, 2024

Love love love the Quality, Price, and they are so fast getting your order to you. I will repeat.

Pioneer islander  Boat Lettering from harold d, FL

Pioneer islander from harold d, FL

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Monday, December 16, 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