Victoria Boat Registration Requirements

Victoria Boat Registration Requirements

You generally do not need Victorian vessel registration (and therefore VicRoads hull numbers) if the vessel:

• has no engine that can propel it (for example a yacht or sailboat that relies only on wind and has no motor or auxiliary engine), or
• is a kayak or canoe with an electric motor of no more than 1 horsepower (750 watts / about 40 pounds’ thrust), operated at no more than 5 knots, with a tapered design at both ends and no transom.

For official examples and the full kayak/canoe exemption conditions, see Safe Transport Victoria — Licensing and registration.

Visiting interstate vessels can usually keep operating temporarily on Victorian waters under their home-state registration, as long as the vessel stays registered interstate and displays that state’s identification the way that state requires. Check VicRoads — Register a vessel for the current interstate rules.

Interstate marine licences are different: if you hold an interstate marine licence and live in Victoria for more than three months, Safe Transport Victoria expects you to convert to a Victorian marine licence.

Rescue boats may be exempt from the registration fee but must still keep registration current each year.

VIC boat Registration Rules

VicRoads requires the vessel identification number (registration number) to be painted or displayed so that it is:

• at least 150 mm high
• of proportionate breadth (readable letter shapes — not stretched thin or squashed)
• identical on both sides of the hull
• on the front half of the hull (forward of the beam / ahead of midships)
• in a contrasting colour to the hull (for example black or navy on a white hull)
• positioned so the highest part of each digit starts no more than 75 mm below the gunwale

You must also keep the VicRoads registration label fixed in a clearly visible position on the outside or upper part of the vessel.

Fitting tip (clinker / ribbed hulls): If you place stickers over clinkers or pressed ribs, allow a little extra sticker height so that after fitting, a straight measurement from the top edge to the bottom edge of the characters still reads at least 150 mm.

Jet ski (PWC) registration number requirements

For personal watercraft, VicRoads requires the identification number to be:

• at least 100 mm high
• of proportionate breadth
• on both sides of the hull, forward of the beam
• in a contrasting colour to the hull (for example white on a black hull)
• positioned so the highest part of each digit starts no more than 25 mm below the gunwale
• clearly visible (not hidden below a practical waterline sightline by fittings or graphics)

If the ski is wrapped in graphics, the registration marks take priority — stripes and decals must not cover them. You must not act as master of a registered vessel on Victorian waters unless the identification mark is displayed as required.

Yachts

If a yacht has an auxiliary or other engine capable of propulsion, it follows the same VicRoads boat rules as other recreational vessels:

• Characters at least 150 mm high, of proportionate breadth
• Displayed on both sides of the hull, forward of the beam / midships
• Highest part of each digit no more than 75 mm below the gunwale
• Contrasting colour to the hull (for example dark stickers on a white hull)
• Clearly visible and not blocked by rails, fittings or decorative decals
• VicRoads registration label also fitted where it is clearly visible on the outside or upper part of the yacht

A wind-only yacht with no motor does not need these VicRoads hull numbers.

Please Note: The information provided is for informational purposes. Rules do change. Before placing any order for boat registration stickers please confirm with Vic Roads in regards to your vessel and registration requirements.