Information current as of 19/02/2026. Registration display rules can change — always check your state's maritime authority for the latest requirements before ordering. This information is provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
New South Wales
All vessels in NSW must display a registration number. It must be displayed:
On both sides of the vessel, or on the transom if it's a sailing boat
In solid and clear text, in a contrasting colour to the hull
In numerals and uppercase letters
For powerboats, a minimum of 150mm high
For sailing boats and PWC, a minimum of 100mm high
Well above the normal waterline so it can be seen at all times
NSW Government — What to display
Queensland
You must display registration numbers so they can be read from 30m away and in a contrasting colour to the hull. The size depends on the type of boat:
Boats capable of planing — at least 150mm high on both sides
Boats not capable of planing — at least 75mm high on both sides or the stern
PWC — at least 100mm high on both sides
Queensland Government — Recreational boat registration
Victoria
The registration number must be displayed on each side of the hull, forward of the beam, so that the highest part of each digit starts no more than 75mm (25mm for PWC) below the gunwale:
No less than 150mm high (100mm for PWC)
In proportionate breadth
Coloured in contrast to the surface on which they are displayed
The registration label must be fixed in a clearly visible position on the outside or upper portion of the vessel.
VicRoads — Register a boat or jet ski
South Australia
The registration number must be painted or displayed on both sides of the vessel towards the bow, on a vertical surface, in a contrasting colour:
For vessels 3 metres or longer — at least 150mm high and clearly legible from 50 metres
For vessels less than 3 metres — at least 100mm high and clearly legible from 50 metres
SA Government — Boat registration
Western Australia
WA has specific requirements — all registration number digits must be black, in a plain block font, and vertically positioned (not slanting). If the hull is not white, each digit must have a minimum white surround of 7mm.
Motor boats — at least 150mm tall and 25mm wide, on both sides of the vessel where clearly visible
PWC — at least 150mm tall and 25mm wide, on both sides of the hull or midship
Sailing vessels fitted for motors — at least 50mm tall and 12mm wide, on both sides forward of the transom
Tenders — at least 50mm tall and 12mm wide, on each side forward of the transom
The registration sticker must be fixed to the port (left) side of the vessel, next to the registration number.
WA Department of Transport — Register a vessel
Tasmania
Registration numbers must be 150mm high and displayed on each side of the vessel. The registration label must be attached in a position that is visible from outside the vessel.
Marine and Safety Tasmania — How to register a boat
Northern Territory
Recreational boats in the Northern Territory do not require registration or, by extension, official registration stickers.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT does not have its own boat registration scheme. Powered boats operated on ACT waterways must be registered in another state (typically NSW) and follow that state's display rules.