Lost Boat Registration and Decals

If your boat registration card, certificate, validation decal, or number sticker is lost, damaged, or stolen, request a duplicate from the state agency that issued it. You will usually need the registration number, HIN, owner name, identification, and a replacement fee.

Boat registration paperwork has several parts, and they may be replaced through different agency steps.

• Registration certificate or card: proof that the vessel is registered.
• Validation decal: the sticker showing the current registration period.
• Registration number: the state number displayed on both sides of the bow.
• Title document: ownership proof, if your state titles boats.
• Online account or receipt: proof that a renewal or duplicate request was submitted.

1. Find the issuing agency from your state registration record or state guide.
2. Collect identifiers including registration number, HIN, title number if available, and owner information.
3. Complete the duplicate request online, by mail, by phone, or in person if your state offers that path.
4. Pay the replacement fee and save the receipt.
5. Update the boat when the new decal, card, or number material arrives.

If the registration was stolen or the boat number is being misused, ask the agency whether a police report or fraud note is needed.

Some states allow a printed receipt, online confirmation, or temporary certificate while duplicate materials are mailed. Others require the physical certificate or visible decal. The answer depends on state law and the type of waterway.

Keep any duplicate request receipt on board and avoid removing old numbers or decals until the agency tells you to do so. If the decal was damaged but still readable, photograph it before replacing it.

Keep digital and paper copies of the registration certificate, renewal receipt, title, lien release, and bill of sale. Photograph the HIN, bow numbers, and decal location each renewal period. If you sell the boat, give the buyer only the documents your state requires and keep a copy of the bill of sale for your own records.

For renewal timing and display rules, use the renewal guide, registration number rules guide, and registration lookup guide. If the lost paperwork affects a sale, pair it with the used boat registration guide, bill of sale guide, and HIN inspection guide.