Custom Hull ID Decals & HIN Decals
Federally required Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) printed on marine-grade vinyl — UV resistant, waterproof, and built to last on fiberglass, aluminum, or wood hulls.
Example HIN
ABC12345D101
White on Black
Example HIN
XYZ98765G223
Black on White
Example HIN
DEF45678H312
White on Navy
Why It Matters
More Than a Sticker — A Legal Requirement
Hull ID decals serve a critical role in boat registration, law enforcement identification, and vessel ownership records. Here's why quality counts.
Federally Required by Law
The U.S. Coast Guard mandates a 12-character Hull Identification Number on every motorized boat and most non-motorized vessels. Our decals meet all USCG 33 CFR Part 181 standards — no compliance worries.
High-Contrast Visibility
HIN decals must be clearly legible from a distance. We use high-contrast color combinations and bold fonts to ensure your Hull ID is always readable by marine law enforcement and during ownership transfers.
Professional Appearance
Factory-quality print on premium marine vinyl looks OEM. Flat, crinkle-free application hugs your hull's curves — no bubbles, no lifting edges, no amateur peel-and-stick appearance.
Ownership & Resale Protection
A legible, permanent HIN is required for boat registration, insurance, financing, and resale. Our durable decals stay readable for 10+ years, protecting your investment every step of the way.
Did you know? Selling a boat with an illegible or missing HIN can void the sale and create legal liability. Our marine-grade decals remain readable for 10+ years even in harsh saltwater environments.
Regulatory Standards
HIN Format Specifications & USCG Compliance
The 12-character Hull Identification Number follows a strict format defined by 33 CFR Part 181. Understanding it ensures your decal is 100% compliant.
HIN Character Breakdown
MIC Code (ABC)
Manufacturer's Identification Code assigned by the USCG
Serial Number (12345)
Hull serial number chosen by the manufacturer
Month Built (D)
Letter A–L representing month of production (A=Jan, B=Feb, etc.)
Model Year (1)
Last digit of the model year (e.g., '1' = 2021)
Year Built (01)
Last two digits of the actual year the hull was completed
Source: 33 CFR Part 181 — USCG Boat and Associated Equipment
USCG Placement Requirements
- Must be at least 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) tall
- Must appear on the starboard (right) outer transom, within 2 inches of the top
- Must be above the waterline
- A duplicate HIN must also be placed in a hidden interior location
- Must contrast clearly with the hull surface
- Cannot be attached in a way that makes it easily removable
Important: Dual HIN Requirement
Federal law requires a duplicate HIN in a hidden location (often inside a compartment or under a fitting). Our kits include both a primary transom decal and a duplicate interior decal at no extra charge.
Sizing Requirements
≥ 0.6"
Minimum character height
12
Characters (alphanumeric)
2"
From transom top edge
High
Contrast required
Need help with sizing? See our sizing guide →
Customization
Your HIN, Your Style — Fully Customizable
Compliance doesn't mean bland. Choose fonts, colors, and sizes that complement your hull while meeting every federal regulation.
Color Combinations
Choose from 20+ background and character color pairings. Popular choices include white on black, black on white, and yellow on black for maximum contrast and readability.
- White / Black
- Black / White
- Yellow / Black
- Silver / Navy
- Red / White
- Custom on request
Font Styles
Select from block, condensed, or stencil-style fonts. All are bold and legible at the minimum required character height.
- Block Bold
- Condensed Block
- Stencil Classic
- Arial Bold
- Military Stencil
- Standard Sans
Decal Sizes
Available in multiple widths to fit any transom. Standard HIN decals measure 3" tall × 9" wide. We also offer compact and wide formats.
- 1.5" × 5" (minimum)
- 2" × 7" (compact)
- 3" × 9" (standard)
- 4" × 12" (large)
Material & Finish
Marine-grade cast vinyl with UV-resistant laminate. Choose matte (reduced glare) or gloss (high visibility) finish for your hull surface.
- Marine-grade cast vinyl
- UV-resistant overlaminate
- Matte or gloss finish
- 5–7 year outdoor rating
- Salt & freshwater safe
Also explore full color & font options for all our decal products.
Built to Last
Marine-Grade Materials & UV Durability
HIN decals live on the exterior of your vessel, exposed to sun, salt, and water year-round. We use only the toughest vinyl and inks to ensure long-lasting legibility.
UV Resistance
Our cast vinyl uses UV-inhibitor additives and a UV-protective overlaminate that prevents fading and chalking for 5–7 years of continuous sun exposure.
Waterproof & Salt-Safe
100% waterproof adhesive and face film withstand saltwater spray, pressure washing, and constant moisture — no peeling, no bubbling.
Marine-Grade Adhesive
Permanent-adhesive formulation bonds strongly to fiberglass, gelcoat, aluminum, and painted hulls without lifting at the edges over time.
10-Year Adhesion Warranty
We back our materials with a 10-year adhesion and legibility warranty when applied per our installation instructions to clean, prepared surfaces.
Material Specifications
Everything that goes into every HIN decal we make.
All HIN decals include a UV-protective gloss or matte overlaminate for maximum outdoor durability.
Installs in Minutes on Any Hull
Each HIN decal ships with wet-application transfer tape, squeegee, and step-by-step instructions optimized for fiberglass gelcoat surfaces. Application time is under 10 minutes per decal. View the full installation guide →
Customer Reviews
What Boat Owners Are Saying
From private owners to commercial fleets, our HIN decals earn 5-star reviews for quality, compliance, and durability.
"My original HIN was almost unreadable after 12 years of sun exposure. This replacement decal looks better than the factory original. Marine patrol officers have already commented on how crisp it is."
Mike T.
Pontoon Boat Owner · Lake Norman, NC
"We order replacement HIN decals for used boats regularly. The quality is outstanding and shipping is fast. The font and sizing options let us match different manufacturers' OEM styles closely."
Susan K.
Boat Dealer · Sarasota, FL
"Running a charter operation means passing inspection every season. These HIN decals are crisp, durable, and always pass visual inspection. Worth every penny compared to dealing with fines."
James R.
Charter Boat Captain · Galveston, TX
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About HIN Decals
Everything you need to know about HIN format requirements, regulatory compliance, and how our decals work.
Still have questions? Browse the full FAQ → or contact us.
Order Your Compliant HIN Decals Today
Custom-printed on marine-grade vinyl, shipped in 1–3 business days. Every order includes primary transom and duplicate interior decals to meet federal dual-HIN requirements.
Related Resources
Hull ID Numbers Overview
Learn everything about HINs, regulations, and replacement.
Boat Registration Requirements
State-by-state boat registration number rules and specs.
Installation Guide
Step-by-step decal installation for fiberglass and aluminum hulls.
Decal Size Guide
Find the correct sizing for your registration and HIN decals.