Hull Identification Number (HIN) Plates for Boat Builders
Aluma Photo-Plate Co. manufactures hull identification number (HIN) plates, U.S. Coast Guard capacity plates and serial/model plates in production quantities for verified boat builders and boat trailer manufacturers. Every plate is built to the same approved spec, whether your order covers 20 hulls or a full production run.
We don't produce single HIN or capacity plates for individual boat owners or restoration projects.
Need a HIN for one boat? We are not able to help with individual boats. If your boat's hull identification number is missing or unreadable, contact the boat registration authority in your state, which handles HIN inspections and assignments.
Who We Make HIN Plates For
We supply organizations we can verify, so every hull number we produce belongs to a legitimate vessel and a legitimate buyer.
- Boat builders. Manufacturers that need HIN plates, capacity plates and compliance labels for every hull.
- Boat trailer manufacturers. Serial/model plates and data plates for each trailer.
Before we quote a new account, we confirm the organization is who it says it is.
HIN Tag Examples
What Is a Hull Identification Number (HIN)?
A hull identification number is the 12-character serial number that identifies an individual boat. Federal rules in 33 CFR Part 181 require boat manufacturers to mark every boat they produce with a primary and a secondary HIN.
- Characters 1 to 3: the manufacturer identification code (MIC) assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Characters 4 to 8: the hull serial number
- Characters 9 to 12: the month and year of production and the model year
The primary HIN goes on the starboard side of the transom, within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. The secondary HIN goes in an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting.
Manufacturer Identification Codes
Every HIN starts with a manufacturer identification code (MIC) that the U.S. Coast Guard assigns to each boat manufacturer. Send us your MIC with the HIN list for your order and we produce plates that carry it.
Boat Capacity Plates and Compliance Labels
Monohull boats under 20 feet, other than sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats, must carry a capacity label under 33 CFR Part 183. The capacity plate lists the maximum number of persons, the maximum combined weight of persons, motor and gear, and the maximum horsepower, along with the manufacturer name and model.
We produce capacity plates alongside HIN plates, so a builder can source the full identification set for every hull from one supplier:
- HIN plates
- U.S. Coast Guard capacity plates
- Serial/model plates for inboard and outboard motors
- Boat trailer serial/model plates
- Fuel warning, electrical, life jacket and operating instruction labels
Why Boat Builders Choose Aluma Photo-Plate Co.
Our photo-anodized aluminum is military grade, UV resistant and rated to last up to 20 years in harsh conditions, in freshwater and saltwater. We can print every character permanently, or stamp and emboss variable data such as each HIN onto pre-printed aluminum or stainless steel plates.
Every plate in a run is produced to the same approved proof, so the last boat in a production run carries the same plate as the first. Every plate is made in our Houston facility, and we ship internationally.
How Volume HIN Plate Orders Work
Step 1:
Verify your organization. Tell us who you are, what you build, and your expected volume. We confirm your business before we quote.
Step 2:
Send your specification. Provide a sample plate, drawing or photo with dimensions, your MIC, and the HIN list for the order.
Step 3:
Review your quote. We send pricing and a production lead time based on quantity and process.
Step 4:
Approve the proof. Nothing goes into production until you sign off on a proof. Plates then ship ready to mount or apply.
What to Include in Your Request
- Company name, website and contact details
- Your MIC and the HIN list for the order
- The boat models and types covered
- Estimated quantity per production run and per year
- A photo or drawing with dimensions. Please do not photograph it next to a measuring tape.
- A sticker with permanent adhesive backing, or a plate with holes for screws or rivets
- Logos or other graphics as JPG, TIFF or PDF files
Compliance responsibility: Your organization is responsible for confirming that HIN content, capacity ratings and placement meet 33 CFR Parts 181 and 183 and the requirements of every state where the boats will be registered. We produce plates to the specification you approve.
Start a HIN Plate Program
Tell us about the boats you build, your volume and your timeline. Our team will review your organization and come back with a quote and lead time.
HIN Plate FAQs
Answers to the questions boat builders ask most before ordering HIN and capacity plates.
Do you make HIN plates for individual boats?
No. We produce HIN and capacity plates only for verified organizations ordering in volume, such as boat builders and boat trailer manufacturers. For a single boat, contact the boat registration authority in your state.
Do you assign hull identification numbers or MICs?
No. The U.S. Coast Guard assigns MICs to boat manufacturers, and the manufacturer assigns each HIN. We produce plates that carry the numbers you provide.
Where does the HIN go on a boat?
The primary HIN goes on the starboard side of the transom, within two inches of the top of the transom, gunwale or hull/deck joint, whichever is lowest. A secondary HIN goes in an unexposed location inside the boat or beneath a fitting.
Which boats need a capacity plate?
Under 33 CFR Part 183, monohull boats under 20 feet need a capacity label, except sailboats, canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats.
Can you stamp HINs onto pre-printed plates?
Yes. We can print every character permanently, or stamp or emboss each HIN onto pre-printed aluminum or stainless steel plates.
