Certification or registration card to be on board; display of decals and identification number
Wis. Stat. § 30.523
in effect(1) Card to be on board; exception.
(a) Certificate of number card. If a boat is required to be covered by a certificate of number issued under this chapter and if the owner of the boat has received the certificate of number card for the boat, any person operating the boat shall have the card available at all times for inspection on the boat, unless the department determines the boat is of the use, size, or type as to make the retention of the card on the boat impractical.
(b) Registration card. If a boat is required to be covered by a registration issued under this chapter and the owner of the boat has received the registration card for the boat, any person operating the boat shall have the card available at all times for inspection on the boat unless the department determines the boat is of the use, size, or type as to make the retention of the card on the boat impractical.
(c) Temporary operating receipt. If a boat is required to be covered by a certificate of number or registration and the owner has received a temporary operating receipt but not yet received the certificate of number card or registration card, the person operating the boat shall at all times have proof of the temporary operating receipt available for inspection on the boat.
(2) Display of decals.
(a) Certification decals. Upon being issued certification decals, the owner of the boat shall attach or affix the decals to each side of the forward half of the boat in the manner prescribed by rules promulgated by the department. The owner shall maintain the decals in a legible condition at all times.
(b) Registration decals. Upon being issued registration decals, the owner of the boat shall attach or affix the decals in the manner prescribed by rules promulgated by the department. The owner shall attach or affix the registration decals to the transom of the boat on each side of the federally documented name of the vessel in a manner so both decals are visible. The owner shall maintain the decals in a legible condition at all times.
(c) Decals for boats owned by manufacturers and dealers. Notwithstanding par. (a), a manufacturer or dealer in boats, motors, or trailers who has paid the fee under s. 30.52 (3) (im) may attach or affix the certification decals to removable signs to be temporarily but firmly mounted upon or attached to the boat while the boat is being operated.
(d) Restriction on other stickers and decals. No stickers or decals other than the certificate of number decals, other stickers or decals that may be provided by the department, and stickers or decals authorized by reciprocity may be attached, affixed, or displayed on either side of the forward half of a boat.
(3) Display of identification number. Upon being issued a certificate of number card and awarded an identification number, the owner of the boat shall paint on or attach the identification number to each side of the forward half of the boat in the manner prescribed by rules promulgated by the department. The owner shall paint or attach the identification number so it is clearly visible and shall maintain the identification number in a legible condition at all times. A manufacturer or dealer in boats, motors or trailers who has paid the fee under s. 30.52 (3) (im) may paint the identification number on or attach the identification number to removable signs to be temporarily but firmly mounted upon or attached to the boat while being operated. No number other than the identification number awarded by the department or granted reciprocity under this chapter may be painted, attached or otherwise displayed on either side of the forward half of a boat.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/30.523Fetched: 10/7/2026