SEATTLE, Wash. - A local based news station recently highlighted a regulation change that affects thousands of boat owners across Washington.

The change comes from the federal government and requires a 12-digit format for Hull Identification Numbers (HIN). Unless your boat is a USCG Documented Vessel, you must have a recognized HIN format in order to comply with the new federal identification standard.

This could come as a bit of a shock to 19,000 boat owners who go to renew their registration online over the next few weeks.

To view the recent story and learn more regarding this change, click here.