Illinois Statutes Chapter 625. Vehicles § 45/3-3. Identification number display

A. The owner shall paint on or attach to both sides of the bow (front) of a watercraft the identification number, which shall be of block characters at least 3 inches in height. The figures shall read from left to right, be of contrasting color to their background, and be maintained in a legible condition. No other number shall be displayed on the bow of the boat. In affixing the number to the boat, a space or a hyphen shall be provided between the IL and the number and another space or hyphen between the number and the letters which follow. On vessels of unconventional design or constructed so that it is impractical or impossible to display identification numbers in a prominent position on the forward half of their hulls or permanent substructures, numbers may be displayed in brackets or fixtures firmly attached to the vessel. Exact positioning of the numbers in brackets or protruding fixtures shall be discretionary with vessel owners, providing the numbers are placed on the forward half of the vessel and meet the standard requirements for legibility, size, style and contrast with the background.

B. A watercraft already covered by a number in full force and effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to Federal law is exempt from number display as prescribed by this Section.

C. All non-powered watercraft are exempt from number display as prescribed by this Section.