Florida HSMV Form 87183 – Vessel HIN Certification Guide – If you own a boat or vessel in Florida and need to title, transfer, or register it, you may be required to submit Florida HSMV Form 87183, the official Certification of Vessel Hull Identification Number. This form helps verify the unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently marked on your vessel and is a key document used by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and county tax collector offices.
This comprehensive guide explains what Form 87183 is, when you need it, how to complete it correctly, and where to submit it — all based on official FLHSMV procedures and Florida Statutes.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 87183?
HSMV Form 87183 is the official one-page form issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Motorist Services. Its full title is Certification of Vessel Hull Identification Number.
The form allows vessel owners to certify the exact characters of the HIN that is imprinted, stamped, or affixed on the hull or transom of their vessel. In many cases, owners must also create a pencil rubbing (tracing) of the actual HIN by placing the form over the number and rubbing lightly with a lead pencil.
The current revision of the form is HSMV 87183 (Rev. 10/11). You can download the official free PDF directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Official Florida HSMV Form 87183 (PDF)
When Do You Need Form 87183?
According to FLHSMV Procedure VSTL-39 (State-Assigned Vessel Hull Identification Number), Form 87183 is commonly required in these situations:
- When transferring a certificate of title and the existing HIN has fewer than 12 characters (for vessels model year 1972 or newer).
- When the HIN appears to be duplicated in the FLHSMV database.
- When verifying the actual physical HIN on the vessel during a title transfer or original Florida titling.
- In cases where the model year is 1972 or newer (or unknown) and the recorded HIN needs confirmation.
Vessels built before November 1, 1972, are generally not required to have a standard 12-character HIN under federal rules. However, if a number exists and creates a conflict in the state database, certification or a new state-assigned HIN may still be needed.
Federal regulations under Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 181 require most recreational vessels constructed after October 31, 1972, to display a unique 12-character HIN. Florida law (Section 328.07, Florida Statutes) reinforces this requirement for vessels that must be titled or registered in the state.
How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 87183
The form is straightforward but must be filled out accurately. Follow these steps:
- Obtain the form – Download the official PDF from the FLHSMV website (link provided above).
- Locate the HIN on your vessel – The HIN is normally permanently affixed to the outboard side of the transom (or the outermost starboard side at the end of the hull if there is no transom), above the waterline.
- Create the pencil tracing – Lay the form over the actual HIN on the hull and rub lightly with a soft lead pencil so the characters transfer onto the paper. This provides physical verification of the number.
- Fill in the certification section – Enter the Florida registration number (FL/DO number) if the vessel was previously or is currently registered, and write the hull identification characters exactly as they appear.
- Read the legal warning – The form includes the text of Section 328.07(4)(b), Florida Statutes, which makes it a third-degree felony to knowingly buy, sell, possess, or conceal a vessel with an altered, removed, destroyed, or defaced HIN.
- Sign and date – The owner (and co-owner, if applicable) must sign under penalties of perjury, certifying that the information is true.
Note: A pencil tracing is generally not required for vessels with a model year prior to 1972.
Where to Submit Form 87183?
Completed Form 87183 must be submitted to your local Florida county tax collector’s office or authorized license plate agency — not mailed to Tallahassee in most cases. These offices process vessel titles and registrations on behalf of FLHSMV.
You can find the nearest office using the official locator:
Find Your Local FLHSMV Tax Collector or License Plate Agency
Bring Form 87183 along with other required documents such as the Application for Certificate of Title (HSMV 82040), proof of ownership, and any applicable fees.
Understanding Hull Identification Numbers (HIN) in Florida
A standard HIN consists of 12 uninterrupted characters:
- Characters 1–3: Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC)
- Characters 4–8: Serial number assigned by the manufacturer
- Characters 9–10: Month and year of manufacture or certification
- Characters 11–12: Model year
When a manufacturer-assigned HIN is missing, incomplete, non-compliant, or duplicated, Florida may assign a state HIN that begins with “FLZ.” The owner is responsible for permanently affixing the assigned number to the vessel in a manner that makes alteration obvious.
For homemade vessels or certain commercial vessels, additional inspection by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or other authorized personnel may be required before a state HIN is issued.
Important Legal Notes
Altering, removing, destroying, covering, or defacing a vessel’s assigned identification number is a serious crime under Florida law. Violators can face third-degree felony charges. Always ensure the HIN on your vessel matches the number certified on Form 87183 and recorded on the title and registration.
For the most current official guidance, always refer to the FLHSMV website and your local tax collector’s office, as procedures can be updated.