Boat Registration WA — DoT Rules, Sizes and Display

How to Register a Boat in Western Australia

Boat registration WA is managed by the Department of Transport (DoT WA). Most mechanically propelled recreational vessels used on WA waterways must be registered before use. Registration assigns your WA boat registration number and issues the label you must keep with the vessel.

To register a boat in WA, you typically need to:

• Confirm your vessel needs registration — most powered recreational boats and PWCs used on WA waters must be registered.
• Apply through DoT WA — submit vessel details, proof of ownership and pay the applicable registration fee.
• Receive your registration number and label — DoT WA assigns your number and issues the registration label.
• Display compliant hull numbers — apply registration numbers to both sides of the hull, including WA's white-margin rule on dark hulls (see below).

For fees and the official application, visit DoT WA — Register a recreational vessel.

What Western Australia Requires

Boating in Western Australia requires more than simply registering your vessel. Your boat must display its registration number on each side of the hull in a clear, visible and compliant manner. The following rules come from the official guidance of the Western Australia Department of Transport (WA DoT) and apply to all registered recreational vessels.

How Big Do the Characters Need to Be?

• Motorboats: Minimum character size is 150mm high × 25mm wide.
• Personal watercraft (PWC): Some DoT material lists 100mm high × 25mm wide. The DoT register-vessel page also states 150mm for PWC. Official sources conflict — confirm the height that applies to your craft with DoT before ordering.
• Sailing vessels & tenders: Minimum is 50mm high × 12mm wide.

Where to Place the Numbers

• Both sides of the hull: Each registration number must appear on both sides of the hull, forward of the transom for motor vessels, or clearly visible from either side of the vessel.
• Mid-ships or forward: Mount at mid-ships for motorboats or forward of the transom for sailing vessels and tenders.
• Avoid obstructions: Keep numbers away from bow flare, below the gunwale, or anywhere spray or hull fittings could obscure the characters.

Colour, Font and the White-Margin Rule

• Black, plain block, upright: Characters must be black, plain block style, vertically positioned (not slanted) and easy to read.
• High contrast: Use a colour that strongly contrasts with the hull.
• 7mm white surround on non-white hulls: If the hull is not white, each digit must be surrounded by at least 7mm of white margin.
• One straight line: Use a single straight line rather than curved or stacked layouts.

What to Check Before You Buy

When ordering WA boat registration decals:

• Characters meet the published size — motorboats 150mm, sailing vessels and tenders 50mm high. For PWC, confirm 100mm vs 150mm with DoT.
• One straight-line layout that can be positioned so it remains clearly visible from both sides of the hull.
• Strong contrast colours — and if you have a dark hull, a white surround of at least 7mm around each character.
• Port-side registration sticker vs vinyl numbers: The DoT-issued registration sticker goes on the port side. Vinyl hull numbers are a separate marking on both sides. Do not treat the vinyl pair as the registration sticker.
• High quality marine-grade vinyl that won't fade, peel or detach under sun, saltwater and use.

Official Authority & Reference Documents

See the WA Department of Transport safety guidelines for full details.

Final Word

Compliance with registration number display rules in Western Australia protects your vessel, your passengers and your on-water experience. By choosing the right size, layout, placement and materials you ensure your craft is not only safer but fully compliant. When in doubt contact WA DoT or your local marine authority for clarification.