Hull Identification Number

All vessels built after 1972 must have a complete Hull Identification Number before the registration can be processed.  Please inspect your vessel for the Hull Identification Number.   The HIN consists of 12 continuous characters at least one-quarter of an inch in height, uninterrupted by spaces, slashes, hyphens or other symbols.  The HIN will be carved, burned, stamped, embossed, molded, bonded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the vessel.

The HIN on vessels with transoms must be affixed to the starboard (right) side of the transom within two inches of the top of transom, gunwale, or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. 

On vessels without transoms, or impractical to use transoms, the HIN must be affixed to the starboard (right) outboard side of hull, aft, within one foot of the stern and within two inches of the top of the hull side, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever  is lowest.

On catamarans and pontoon boats with replaceable hulls, the HIN must be affixed to the aft crossbeam, within one foot of the starboard (right) hull attachment.

If you are unable to locate the Hull Identification Number on your vessel, or if your vessel is a homemade boat, please click here to obtain an application for a hull identification number.  Vessels that are 1972 and older are EXEMPT, they will not have an HIN.  No HIN is required to register a boat older than 1972.

When this application is returned to our office, DNR will issue a Hull Identification Number for your vessel.  Conservation Rangers will affix this HIN to your vessel to complete this process.  This process to assign or locate the HIN is an effort to make your registration more secure, and your vessel less susceptible to theft, and easier to recover if it were stolen.