More than 13,000 boat owners across the state will be hearing from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The boat owners will need to verify their hull identification number with the Iowa DNR in order to register their boat.

The problem is the identification numbers don’t comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The DNR says the fault lies with the manufacturer and not with the boater. You can either trace the number with a pencil, or take a photo of it and email or use postal mail to send it in. It may also be faxed.

Anyone with questions can contact the DNR at 515-725-8200.