Boat Registration Numbers
British Columbia — Ships to BC — From $59.99
Boat registration numbers are the Transport Canada pleasure craft licence (PCL) numbers that licensed pleasure craft display in block letters at least 75 mm high on both sides of the bow, above the waterline. We print pre-cut marine-grade vinyl in that size for boats across British Columbia.
Display guidance last verified: · Reviewed by Compliance Lettering Canada · 248 Port Colborne Drive, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Who Needs Boat Registration Numbers in BC?
Transport Canada requires a pleasure craft licence for most motorised pleasure craft used in Canadian waters, and the licence number must be displayed on both sides of the bow. This applies to boats operated on the Pacific coast, the Gulf Islands, Fraser River, and BC's interior lakes.
Whether you dock in Vancouver harbour, fish the Strait of Georgia, or launch on Okanagan Lake, your boat needs clear PCL numbers to stay compliant with Transport Canada display guidance.
Need the rules explained? See our guide: Boat Registration Numbers in Canada →
What You Get
Marine-Grade Vinyl
Your PCL number on saltwater-rated vinyl with UV-stabilised adhesive, built to hold up to Pacific conditions.
Transport Canada Size
Pre-cut block characters at 75 mm (3 inches) high, matching Transport Canada pleasure craft display guidance.
Ships Across BC
Pre-cut and ready to apply. Delivered by Canada Post to the Lower Mainland, Interior, and Vancouver Island.
What's included:
- ✓ Pre-cut PCL registration numbers on marine vinyl
- ✓ 75 mm (3 in) block characters on both sides of the bow
- ✓ Easy peel-and-stick application
- ✓ 2-pack standard (port side + starboard side)
Where to Place Your Boat Numbers
Transport Canada requires the licence number to be visible on both sides of the bow above the waterline. The steps are the same across BC:
- Clean the bow area with isopropyl alcohol on both sides of the hull.
- Mark a level line above the waterline using masking tape.
- Apply the numbers so they read correctly on each side.
- Squeegee from the centre outward and let the adhesive set.
✅ Good placement
- • Both sides of the bow
- • Above the waterline at all load conditions
- • Clear of strakes and curved edges where possible
❌ Avoid
- • Below the waterline
- • Obscured by fenders, dock lines, or equipment
- • On loose plates or hatches that get removed
For the full walkthrough see our boat registration number guide →
Size & Shipping Guide for BC
| Region | Examples | Delivery | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal / Saltwater | Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo | 3–7 business days | Marine vinyl rated for Pacific saltwater |
| Interior Lakes | Kelowna, Okanagan Lake, Shuswap | 4–6 business days | Standard marine vinyl |
Don't see your harbour? We ship to every community in BC. Tell us your boat size at checkout and we'll confirm the right character height.
Order Your Boat Registration Numbers
Boat Registration Numbers
From $59.99
Pre-cut PCL numbers for both sides of the bow in marine-grade vinyl. Transport Canada display support. 75 mm minimum.
Order Now →PWC / Jet Ski Numbers
From $49.99
PWC-specific registration number decals for curved personal watercraft hulls. The same Transport Canada PCL guidance applies.
Order Now →Boat Registration Numbers FAQ
Does a boat with a British Columbia registration need PCL numbers?
Only licensed pleasure craft display a Transport Canada PCL number on both sides of the bow above the waterline. When a PCL number is required it must be in block letters at least 75 mm (3 inches) high and readable from a reasonable distance.
Where do boat registration numbers go on a BC boat?
PCL numbers go on both sides of the bow, above the waterline and visible when the boat is on the water. They read left to right on the port side and bow to stern on the starboard side.
How big must my boat numbers be in British Columbia?
Block characters must be at least 75 mm (3 inches) high per Transport Canada pleasure craft display guidance. Our pre-cut numbers are sized to that minimum.
Is your vinyl rated for Pacific saltwater?
Yes. Our marine-grade vinyl uses UV-stabilised adhesive rated for outdoor saltwater conditions, suited to the Pacific coast, the Gulf Islands, and interior lakes.
How long does shipping to British Columbia take?
We ship via Canada Post from Port Colborne, Ontario: 3–5 business days to the Lower Mainland, 4–6 to the Interior, and 5–7 to Vancouver Island. Expedited and Xpresspost options are available at checkout.
What is the difference between a PCL number and vessel registration?
A pleasure craft licence (PCL) is displayed as block numbers on both sides of the bow for a licensed pleasure craft. Vessel registration is a separate federal status with an official number and required display in a different position. Our decals cover the PCL display requirement.
Reviewed by Compliance Lettering Canada
Compliance Lettering Canada · 248 Port Colborne Drive, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada · (289) 228-7021 · info@compliancelettering.ca
Regulations last verified: October 2026
Sources: Transport Canada — Pleasure Craft Licensing · Transport Canada — Small Vessel Regulations
Checked quarterly against the source list shown for this product.
Important Notice
Display requirements are set by Transport Canada and can change. It is the boat owner's responsibility to confirm the current rules for their vessel and operating waters before ordering. Compliance Lettering Canada is an independent manufacturer of identification decals and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Transport Canada. We aim to follow the most current public guidance for pleasure craft licence number display.
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