​Kitsap County News Release

April 24, 2017

Contacts: Kitsap Auditor County Licensing Division

Boaters required to get new Hull Identification Numbers to meet federal rules

PORT ORCHARD – More than 19,000 Washington boat owners are required to get new hull identification numbers, thanks to new safety and enforcement rules adopted by the US Coast Guard.

The Washington Department of Licensing sent notices in late March to boat owners affected by the new standards for identifying vessels. The Coast Guard made the change to enhance its enforcement capabilities and improve safety and security on the water.

Boat owners can apply for the new Certificate of Ownership that generates the compliant Hull Identification Number (HIN) in person at their local licensing office. Licensing offices, including the County Administration Building at 619 Division Street in Port Orchard. The new numbers are not available online.  

"I want to emphasize that there is no title transaction fee involved for solely issuing a compliant HIN," said Dolores Gilmore, Kitsap County Auditor.

The new 12-digit identifier must be no less than ¼ inch high and be affixed permanently on the boat near the existing number so the old number also remains visible.

Boat owners with questions can contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
www.dol.wa.gov
Phone: 360-902-3770
Email: CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov.

Kitsap Auditor County Licensing Division
Email: AuditorRecLic@co.kitsap.wa.us
Phone: 360-337-4440

###