Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have a kayak or plastic hulled fishing boat, or a rigid inflatable. The vinyl numbers won’t stick.
A. We offer a stencil product for that. You can order your exact numbers and letters on a paint mask stencil. When you get them, there are holes where your sequence of numbers and letters are. Apply the stencil, paint with appropriate paint for your boat and let dry. We send you two of them per set, so you can lay them both up and do them at the same time.
Q. Can I use another font, such as a script or italic font?
A. The State of Michigan has specific rules about the style of the letters. According to the state, “All letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high.”
Q. How do I know if my boat or watercraft requires registration and MC numbers?
A. We’ve included the requirements below.
Q. How do I register my boat with the State of Michigan?
A. Contact the Michigan Secretary of State to register your Michigan boat or watercraft.
Q. How do I know what my MC numbers are?
A. Once you have registered your boat or watercraft with the State of Michigan, you will receive your registration documents. Your MC numbers will be indicated on your paper registration in the upper right corner.
Q. Where do I put the numbers?
A. The State of Michigan requires that you place the MC numbers and your registration decal in accordance with several rules, which we have included here for your convenience. You can also download the document from the State of Michigan – Secretary of State’s website.
Q. How do I install the stickers from Michigan MC numbers.com?
A. Click over to our Installing Michigan MC Numbers page for some instructions.
Q. How fast will I receive my MC number stickers?
A. We usually ship within 48 hours or receiving your completed order. The US Postal Service is generally 4-7 days for first class mail. If you need them sooner, we offer local pick up to East Lansing, MI or we can arrange for overnight shipping (starts at $35) or 3-day (starts at $7). Contact Ann for more details at 517 402 8500 (text or voice).
Q. Can I use another font, such as a script or italic font?
A. The State of Michigan has specific rules about the style of the letters. According to the state, “All letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high.”
Q. I’d like to have some fancy numbers, with shading and multiple colors, like in the boat store catalog. Can you do those?
A. We can do them, but they would not meet the State of Michigan’s requirements, “All letters and numbers must be plain block characters at least 3 inches high.” Here are some examples:
Michigan Watercraft and Boat Registration Requirements
Below are the requirements as they appear on the State of Michigan Web Site.
Watercraft – Registration Requirements
All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Department of State and display a registration decal. Once a registration number has been assigned, it cannot be transferred to another watercraft. For most watercraft, the registration fee is based on length. All registrations expire on March 31 in the third year of issuance.
Q. I have a kayak and an electric trolling motor. Do I need to register my kayak?
A. Any vessel that is powered by a motor needs to be registered. You will need our stencil product to put the numbers on your boat as vinyl will not stick to a rotomolded textured plastic.
Watercraft exempt from registration are:
Those 16 feet or shorter, propelled by oars or paddles, and not used for rental or commercial purposes; Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes, rafts, surfboards, sailboards, and swim floats, regardless of length; and Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan.
If you have not registered your boat with the State and been assigned MC numbers, please visit them now online. You can then return here to order your Michigan MC number stickers.