Question 1

What size do boat registration numbers need to be in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Under the Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) and Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Licensing guidance, the licence number is displayed on both sides of the bow in block characters at least 7.5 cm (3 inches) high, in a colour that contrasts with the hull, above the waterline.

Question 2

What colour should my boat numbers be?

Accepted Answer

The rule is contrast, not a fixed colour: numbers must contrast with the hull. On dark hulls (navy, black, red) white numbers give the strongest contrast; on light hulls (white, cream, silver) black or dark navy numbers do.

Question 3

Do Sea-Doos and jet skis follow the same number size rule?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Personal watercraft are pleasure craft under the same federal system, so the PCL number is displayed on both sides of the bow in block characters at least 7.5 cm (3 inches) high in a contrasting colour — curved hulls only change the placement, not the spec.

Question 4

Is the boat number size rule different in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

No. The Pleasure Craft Licence display rule is federal and applies on every Canadian waterway. Verify any additional provincial or local requirement separately before adding extra markings.

Question 5

Do registered commercial vessels use the same number display?

Accepted Answer

No. Vessels on the Canadian Register of Vessels mark the vessel name on each bow and the name with port of registry on the stern under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, with the official number marked inside the hull. They do not display a PCL number.

What size do your boat
registration numbers need to be?

1. What are you marking?

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What size do your boatregistration numbers need to be?

1. What are you marking?

About this checker

Go deeper

Running more than one vehicle? Send us the list — we proof every unit before anything prints.

What size do your boat
registration numbers need to be?