Vessel Identification Protection Act of 2026

This bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly remove, alter, cover, forge, or otherwise tamper with a boat's hull identification number, identification number, or official decal in order to hide the boat's identity. It would also make it a crime to attach an identification number or decal that was not issued by the proper manufacturer, importer, state, or federal authority. People authorized or required by the Coast Guard to remove a number would be exempt. These offenses would carry fines, up to 5 years in prison, or both. The bill would also make it a crime, with up to 10 years in prison, to buy, receive, or possess a boat to sell it while knowing its identification number was tampered with, except when the damage came from a collision or fire.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Mike Ezell Republican sponsor
• 1 cosponsors