Where is the serial number on my outboard, and what year is it?

Finding your outboard's model and serial number (and its age) · Symptom: You need to order a part, look up a manual, or ask a dealer a question, and you don't know your motor's exact model, serial number, or year.

Quick answer: Look for the ID tag or sticker on the clamp or swivel bracket that holds the motor to the transom. On Mercury motors of 8 hp and up it's on the starboard (right) side, halfway down the transom assembly just below the powerhead; on 6 hp and smaller it's on top of the swivel bracket. On Yamaha motors it's a rectangular label on the port-side mounting bracket. Yamaha no longer uses model years: the production month and year is on the starboard mounting bracket and on the original paperwork. Take a photo of the tag so you always have it.

Likely causes (most to least common)

The tag is there but hidden: you need to tilt the motor up or turn the steering to see it
The tag is dirty, faded, or painted over
You're looking for a model year on a brand that doesn't print one (Yamaha uses a production date)
The tag is damaged or missing, so you need the second number stamped on the engine or the original paperwork

Safe owner checks & fixes

With the engine off, tilt the motor up and turn the steering wheel to get a clear view of both sides of the bracket. Mercury suggests this for hard-to-see tags.
Mercury: check the starboard side, halfway down the transom assembly (8 hp and up), or the top of the swivel bracket (6 hp and under). Mercury serial numbers look like a number, a letter and six numbers (for example 0G112233).
Yamaha: read the rectangular label on the port-side mounting bracket. The top row is the model name; the three fields in the middle row together are the Primary Identification Number (PID), which Yamaha says is the serial number. For age, look for the month/year appliqué on the starboard side of the bracket (for example 04/18).
Other brands: the model and serial number are usually on the clamp or swivel bracket, and some motors also have a number stamped on the powerhead. Your owner's manual shows the spot.
Gently clean a grimy tag with soapy water and a soft cloth rather than a wire brush, so you don't wipe off the print.
Photograph the tag and keep it on your phone, as Mercury recommends, and write the numbers in your owner's manual.
Give the full model and serial number to the dealer or parts counter; a dealer can confirm the year from the serial number.

Parts / tools

Flashlight, phone camera, rag and mild soap, owner's manual or original purchase paperwork.

Call a marine mechanic when

The tag is missing or unreadable and you can't find a stamped number on the engine; the numbers don't match your paperwork; or you're buying a used motor and want the dealer to confirm its model, year, and history before you pay.

Sources

Values not stated here are model-specific; check your owner's manual.