When registering a vessel in South Australia, you will be issued a registration certificate which includes the registration number.
From August 2026, printed boat registration certificates will be sent with registration renewal notices. Certificates will be issued after your initial registration.
This replaces the current system of receiving your new boat registration certificate after you have renewed your registration. The registration certificate will become active once the registration fee is paid.
The registration number must be marked on the vessel before the vessel is operated.
The registration number must be:
- painted or displayed on both sides of the vessel, towards the bow
- displayed on a vertical surface
- in a contrasting colour to the surface on which it is placed
- for vessels 3 metres or longer, at least 150 mm high and clearly legible from 50 metres away while the vessel is underway in clear weather
- for vessels less than 3 metres long, at least 100 mm high and clearly legible from 50 metres away while the vessel is underway in clear weather.
If the bow of your vessel is highly flared and it's difficult to display your registration numbers, email dit.marinesafety@sa.gov.au for approval to place the number in a more suitable position.
If you lose or destroy your Boat Code certificate, you should apply for a replacement as soon as possible.
Replace a registration certificate
You can download a registration certificate for any boat registered in your name online. It is free with a mySAGOV account, alternatively, a $21 fee applies.
- Log in to your mySAGOV account using your web browser (not the mySAGOV app). Select Start now below to begin.
- Select Boat list in the Boat section
- Select Boat details
- Scroll down and under Boat transactions select Download registration certificate
- A message will display, providing access to a PDF copy of the certificate.
