Signs on Private Property: Laws, Posting Tips & Where to Buy

People cutting across your lot, late-night dumping, door-to-door soliciting, or hunters straying past your fence are more than headaches—they’re liability and safety risks. The fix seems simple: post “Private Property” or “No Trespassing” signs. But not all signs—or placements—are equal. Some states specify minimum letter heights, sign spacing, and mounting height; others recognize purple paint marks as legal notice. Use the wrong wording, material, or location and your signs may fail to deter intruders or back you up with law enforcement.

This guide gives you everything you need to post confidently and compliantly. You’ll see the best places to buy (including fast, customizable options from Safety Decals, marketplace picks like SmartSign on Amazon, big‑box hardware stores for quick pickup, specialty sign shops, and outdoor/land suppliers), plus how to choose the right sign types (Private Property, No Trespassing, No Soliciting, No Dumping). We’ll summarize key state posting rules, explain purple paint laws, show proper placement (spacing, height, entry points), share legally sound wording, and compare durable materials like aluminum and reflective sheeting. You’ll also learn respectful enforcement basics, and what to check with HOAs, permits, and free‑speech protections. This is practical guidance—not legal advice—so you can protect your property and avoid common mistakes.

1. Buy private property and no trespassing signs from Safety Decals

What to know

Safety Decals (a division of Tye’s Incorporated) specializes in high‑quality, custom decals and labels built for safety and compliance. For signs on private property, they can produce durable “Private Property,” “No Trespassing,” “No Soliciting,” and “No Dumping” graphics in your size, colors, and materials—including outdoor‑rated vinyl, lamination, and ORALITE reflective conspicuity sheeting from ORAFOL for night visibility. You get consultative help, plus a sticker builder tool for quick custom layouts.

Who it's best for

Ideal for businesses, facilities, schools, municipalities, and HOAs that want compliant, brand‑consistent messaging across gates, doors, dumpsters, vehicles, and equipment. It’s a strong fit when you need multiple messages, reflective visibility, or regulatory guidance from a single vendor rather than mixing off‑the‑shelf styles.

How to do it

Audit all entry points and list the exact wording you need, then note any state requirements you must meet (letter height, spacing, or paint alternatives). Share your text, icons, sizes, and color specs with Safety Decals and request outdoor vinyl, lamination, and ORALITE reflective if night visibility is required. Apply decals to existing substrates (aluminum blanks, gates, doors, dumpsters) for a fast, professional private property posting.

Typical cost or time

Pricing and lead times depend on size, material, reflectivity, and quantity, with efficiencies for batch runs of multiple locations or messages. Expect a straightforward proofing step followed by standard production; request a quote with your specs for accurate timelines.

2. Marketplace picks: SmartSign on Amazon for fast delivery

What to know

SmartSign’s Amazon storefront offers ready-to-ship “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs, including aluminum plates and kits with ground stakes. You’ll find compact formats (e.g., 10" x 10") and mid-size aluminum options around 10" x 12", plus stake posts that make temporary or roadside placement quick. Marketplace fulfillment means fast delivery and easy reorders when you need more signs on private property in a hurry.

Who it's best for

Homeowners, landlords, and small facilities that need quick, reliable signage without custom lead times. It’s also useful for replacing damaged signs or adding extra postings at access points before a busy weekend.

How to do it

Search Amazon for “SmartSign Private Property” or “SmartSign No Trespassing,” choose an aluminum plate or stake kit, and confirm size and visibility. Cross-check your state’s basics (e.g., some states call for 2-inch letters or specific placement spacing) before you buy.

Typical cost or time

Prices vary by size, material, and kit type; delivery windows are shown at checkout and are often within a few days through Amazon’s standard shipping options.

3. Big-box hardware stores: Home Depot and Lowe’s for in-store pickup

What to know

Big-box stores make it easy to grab stock “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs on short notice. Home Depot lists Private Property/No Trespassing signs in its Stock Signs category with options for free shipping on qualified items or Buy Online, Pick Up In Store. Availability and styles vary by location, so confirm inventory before you drive.

Who it's best for

Best for homeowners, landlords, and contractors who need standard signs on private property quickly, without custom branding or long lead times. It’s a practical backup when you need extra postings to cover gates, driveways, or jobsite access points.

How to do it

Search the store’s “Private Property/No Trespassing” stock signs category, choose sizes that are legible from expected viewing distances, and verify store availability for pickup. If your state specifies minimum letter heights or placement rules, match your selection accordingly. Consider reflective options if available for nighttime visibility.

Typical cost or time

Costs depend on size and finish; store inventory dictates what’s immediately available. Home Depot offers buy-online, in‑store pickup and free shipping on qualified items; similar big‑box locations may provide comparable fulfillment. Check local stock and pickup windows at checkout.

4. Specialty sign shops online: MySecuritySign, ComplianceSigns, StopSignsAndMore

What to know

Specialty shops offer deeper catalogs and compliance-friendly formats for signs on private property. MySecuritySign lists over 100 No Trespassing options, made in the USA, with free shipping on orders above $19.95. ComplianceSigns’ “Private Property – No Public Access” sign is available in multiple sizes (one model in 6 sizes). StopSignsAndMore sells at manufacturer-direct prices, made in the USA, with items in stock or made to order—useful when you need reflective, bilingual, or specific wording.

Who it's best for

Property owners who need niche messages, bilingual notices, reflective aluminum for night visibility, or coordinated sets across gates, doors, and dumpsters. Ideal for facilities and landowners who want consistent design and durability beyond what big-box stock signs offer.

How to do it

Start by listing every entry and the exact messages required, then match size, material, and reflectivity to your visibility needs and any state rules.

Validate legal basics first (e.g., minimum letter height or owner info if your state requires it).
Choose aluminum for durability; add reflective sheeting for low-light approaches.
Use the shop’s size options (e.g., models offering multiple sizes) to meet viewing distance.
Proof your text and place a single order for all access points to keep styles consistent.

Typical cost or time

Pricing varies by size, material, and reflectivity; specialty shops are competitive for standard aluminum with premiums for reflective and custom text. MySecuritySign offers free shipping above $19.95. Stock items generally ship quickly; made-to-order products add production time.

5. Outdoor and land management suppliers: Forestry Suppliers and farm stores

If you manage acreage, timber lots, or fields, you need rugged postings that hold up to weather and frequent replacements. Outdoor and land suppliers—like Forestry Suppliers’ Private Property Signs category and regional farm/ranch stores—stock practical, field‑ready signs on private property you can buy in batches and deploy fast.

What to know

Forestry Suppliers organizes dedicated Private Property signage alongside other land‑use signs, making it easy to outfit gates, trails, and boundaries in one order. Farm and ranch stores typically carry standard “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” stock signs for quick, local pickup.

Who it's best for

Rural landowners, timber managers, and farm operators who need multiple postings across long perimeters and regular restocking. Also great for hunting seasons or when trails and field roads require clear, durable notice.

How to do it

Start with a simple field plan, then buy once for all access points.

Map every road, trail, gate, and obvious entry; count needed signs.
Check your state’s spacing/letter‑height rules and pick sizes accordingly.
Add mounting hardware (posts, screws, ties) to install everything in one trip.

Typical cost or time

Pricing varies by size and material; farm stores offer same‑day availability when in stock. Forestry Suppliers provides straightforward online ordering with standard shipping timelines for rapid field deployment.

6. Choose the right sign type: private property, no trespassing, no soliciting, no dumping

Choosing the right message is about intent and enforceability. “Private Property” establishes ownership; “No Trespassing” clearly prohibits entry; “No Soliciting” limits door-to-door activity; “No Dumping” targets illegal trashing. Several states specify format details—some require 2-inch letters (e.g., Florida; similar guidance appears in Hawaii and New Hampshire), others mandate owner information (Florida requires the owner’s name; New Mexico and New Hampshire call for name/address), and Oklahoma prescribes block-letter phrases. Reflective faces improve night visibility.

What to know

Combined messages like “Private Property – No Trespassing” reduce ambiguity and satisfy notice requirements in many jurisdictions. Where rules exist, match minimum letter height, include required owner info, and place signs where they’re “reasonably conspicuous.” Consider bilingual text if the audience warrants it and upgrade to reflective aluminum for roads, gates, and unlit approaches.

Who it's best for

Use message types to match the problem you’re solving.

Private Property: Mark boundaries on lots, fields, facilities.
No Trespassing: High-risk areas, liability concerns, vacant buildings.
No Soliciting: Offices, schools, residences minimizing interruptions.
No Dumping: Alleys, dumpsters, rural pull-offs, construction sites.

How to do it

Start with a quick risk map of entries and behaviors to deter.

Match the sign type (or combo) to each entry point.
Check state rules: letter height, spacing, and required owner details.
Choose durable aluminum; add reflective sheeting for low light.
Keep wording short, directive, and compliant with any prescribed phrases.

Typical cost or time

Stock signs are inexpensive and often available for same-day pickup or fast shipping; reflective aluminum and bilingual/custom text add cost. Custom projects typically require a proof plus standard production time, while off‑the‑shelf options deploy immediately.

7. Know the basics of state laws for posting no trespassing signs

Across all 50 states, trespass laws exist—but what counts as “notice” varies. Most states accept conspicuous postings, fences, or prescribed paint marks; several specify minimum letter sizes, sign dimensions, placement height, spacing, and even required owner information. If you manage signs on private property, matching these basics to your state is critical for enforcement.

What to know

Many states require “reasonably conspicuous” notice; others spell out exact specs. Use these common examples to benchmark your plan before you buy.

Florida (Fla. Stat. 810.011, 810.09): “No Trespassing” with owner’s name; letters ≥ 2"; signs 3–5 ft from ground; on agricultural land, ≤ 500 ft apart.
New Mexico (Sec. 30-14-1): Signs ≥ 144 sq in, legible in English, include name/address of owner or agent, posted at each roadway or apparent access.
New Hampshire (RSA 635:2): Durable signs with block letters ≥ 2"; include landowner or lessee name and address; spacing ≤ 100 yards.
Michigan (MCL 750.552): At least one clearly visible sign at each entry; minimum 1" letter height; sign area ≥ 50 sq in.
Minnesota (609.605): Posted signs at least 8.5" x 11" with a general warning against trespass.
Oregon (ORS 105.700): Signs ≥ 8" x 11" stating “Closed to Entry” (or equivalent) in letters ≥ 1", plus owner/agent name, business address, and phone (if any).
Oklahoma (21-1835): Block-letter phrases like “NO TRESPASSING,” “POSTED – KEEP OUT,” placed where entry is expected.
Texas (Penal Code 30.05): Notice must indicate entry is forbidden, be at all entrances, and be reasonably likely to come to attention.
Virginia (18.2-119) & Washington (9A.52.070): Post where signs are reasonably/conspicuously seen.
Ohio (2911.21): Notice by postings “reasonably calculated” to be seen, or by fencing/enclosure.
Utah (76-6-206): Post where notices are reasonably expected to be seen.

This isn’t legal advice—verify your statute before finalizing specs.

Who it's best for

If you manage multi-state portfolios, rural acreage, or any site where police response hinges on proper notice, aligning sign specs to your statute protects your position and reduces ambiguity at the scene.

How to do it

Confirm your state’s posting rule, then choose wording, size, and placement that meet or exceed it.

Identify your statute requirements (letter height, sign size, spacing, mounting height, owner info).
Select compliant wording (or prescribed phrases) and add bilingual text if needed.
Choose durable aluminum; add reflective sheeting for night approaches.
Place signs at entrances and along boundaries at required intervals and heights.
Document installs with photos, measurements, and a placement map for law enforcement.

Typical cost or time

Compliance mostly costs diligence: a quick statute check, a precise spec sheet, and one coordinated order. Stock signs ship fast; custom, reflective, or owner‑info versions add a proof and standard production time.

8. Understand purple paint and posting laws by state

In many states, paint markings on trees, posts, or structures count as legal notice against entry—sometimes using purple paint, other times fluorescent orange. Each statute specifies color, size, height, and placement. If you use paint in lieu of (or in addition to) signs on private property, match your state’s exact pattern so the notice stands up.

What to know

Several states explicitly allow paint postings as effective notice:

Illinois: Purple paint serves as a legal no‑trespassing indicator in addition to posted signs.
Indiana: Owners may use purple paint markings as a posting method alongside traditional signs.
Kansas: Signs, postings, and purple paint all qualify as private‑property notice.
Maine: Paint marks must be a vertical line at least 1" wide and 8" long, placed 3–5 ft above ground.
Idaho: Use bright orange/fluorescent paint at corners and where land meets streams, roads, gates, and rights‑of‑way to put a reasonable person on notice.
Montana: At least 50 sq in of fluorescent orange paint on posts/objects at outer gates and normal access points.
Nevada: Orange, fluorescent‑painted posts at intervals not exceeding 200 ft (land‑type dependent).
Maryland: Paint marks are permitted if they conform to Department of Natural Resources regulations and appear at road entrances and near public areas.

Always verify your statute before you mark.

Who it's best for

Large tracts, timber and agricultural land, utility corridors, and sites where metal signs are stolen, vandalized, or impractical to maintain.

How to do it

Choose the state‑approved color/pattern (e.g., purple vs. fluorescent orange).
Match dimensions/height from your law (e.g., Maine’s 1" x 8" at 3–5 ft; Montana’s 50 sq in; Nevada’s ≤200 ft intervals).
Mark corners, access points, and boundaries (e.g., Idaho’s gates/rights‑of‑way).
Combine with entrance signs where statutes still require posted notice.

Typical cost or time

Paint posting is fast and low‑cost compared to fabricating multiple aluminum signs. Time is mostly in planning your pattern and walking the line; compliance hinges on following your state’s exact specifications.

9. Place signs correctly: spacing, height, and entry points that meet rules

Placement is as important as wording. Many states don’t just say “post conspicuously”—they name heights, spacing, and entry locations. Get these wrong and your signs on private property may not provide enforceable notice. Aim to meet your state’s specifics and, when uncertain, follow the strictest common examples to stay defensible.

What to know

States often key on three things: entrances, spacing along boundaries, and mounting height. Examples: Florida calls for signs 3–5 ft from the ground and ≤500 ft apart on agricultural land; New Hampshire uses ≤100 yards with owner details; Maine uses ≤100 feet and at all vehicular access points; Michigan wants at least one clearly visible sign at each entry; Texas and West Virginia emphasize posting at all entrances where notices are reasonably conspicuous. Documenting how and where you post helps law enforcement and reduces disputes.

Who it's best for

Owners of multi‑entry sites—commercial lots, campuses, construction jobsites, farms, timber and recreational land—where police response and liability protection depend on clear, compliant notice at every way in.

How to do it

Start with a quick site plan, then install to the letter of your statute.

Identify every entrance: roads, drives, gates, alleys, trails, shoreline or utility access, and dumpster areas.
Set mounting height per your law (e.g., Florida’s bottom edge 3–5 ft). Otherwise, mount at eye level and unobstructed so it’s “reasonably conspicuous.”
Space boundary signs to match your rule (e.g., Florida ≤500 ft on ag land; New Hampshire ≤100 yards; Maine ≤100 feet and all vehicular access points).
Post at all entrances where statutes require (e.g., Texas, West Virginia) and at “each roadway or apparent way of access” where specified (e.g., New Mexico).
Photograph each install with measurements and a simple map; keep records for enforcement.

Typical cost or time

Costs center on posts, fasteners, and labor. One coordinated walk to measure spacing, mount signs, and capture photos is typically sufficient; larger acreages require additional trips. Compliance time is mainly in planning and documenting placements rather than materials.

10. Write effective, compliant wording that stands up legally

The words on your sign determine whether it’s clear “notice” under state law. Many states accept concise, directive phrases, but some prescribe details: Florida requires “No Trespassing” plus the landowner’s name with 2-inch letters; New Mexico requires English text at least 144 sq in with the owner/agent name and address; New Hampshire calls for block letters at least 2 inches with the owner or lessee name and address; Oklahoma requires block-letter phrases like “NO TRESPASSING” or “POSTED – KEEP OUT”; Oregon allows “Closed to Entry” (or similar) with 1-inch letters and owner/agent contact. Where specifics don’t exist, make wording “reasonably conspicuous” and unambiguous.

What to know

Keep it short and compliant. Pair “Private Property” with a clear prohibition (“No Trespassing” or your state’s required phrase). Where required, add the owner/agent name (FL, NH, NM; Oregon also calls for name and business address/phone if any). Meet minimum letter sizes (e.g., 2 inches in FL/NH; 1 inch in MI/OR). Some states accept or encourage a statute citation line; adding your statute number can strengthen notice.

Who it's best for

Owners who want enforceable signs on private property—especially sites where officers will look for clear, legally sufficient wording before acting.

How to do it

Match your statute: Use required phrases (e.g., OK block-letter wording; OR “Closed to Entry”).
Include owner info where required: Name (FL, NH, NM) and address/phone where specified (NM, OR).
Size your text: Meet or exceed letter-height minimums (e.g., 2" FL/NH; 1" MI/OR).
Consider statute citation: Add “Per [Statute §]” if your state permits or benefits from it.
Stay clear and legible: English is required in several states; use block caps for primary message.

Example templates: PRIVATE PROPERTY — NO TRESPASSING Owner: [Full Name] • Per [State Statute §]

CLOSED TO ENTRY — NO TRESPASSING Owner/Agent: [Name], [Business Address], [Phone]

Typical cost or time

Stock phrases are immediate; adding owner details or a statute line typically requires a quick custom proof and standard production time.

11. Pick the right materials: aluminum, reflective sheeting, and mounting options

What to know

Material choice determines lifespan, readability, and legal defensibility. Rustproof aluminum is the standard for permanent signs on private property; it resists weather and installs cleanly on posts, fences, and gates. For night visibility, upgrade to reflective faces—shops offer engineer‑grade reflective and Safety Decals can apply ORALITE reflective conspicuity sheeting from ORAFOL. Decals with pressure‑sensitive adhesive work on doors, dumpsters, and equipment; lamination boosts abrasion and UV resistance.

Who it's best for

Use rigid aluminum for perimeter “Private Property/No Trespassing” postings, drive entries, and roadside approaches. Choose reflective aluminum anywhere vehicles approach in low light, or where enforcement depends on visibility after dark. Pick adhesive decals for smooth surfaces—doors, windows, dumpsters, vehicles—when you already have a substrate and need consistent messaging across assets.

How to do it

Match substrate to location and mounting. Select aluminum blanks with pre‑drilled holes for posts, fences, and gates; fasten with screws, bolts, or ties. For soft ground or temporary needs, choose staked kits that ship with a ground stake. Use pressure‑sensitive adhesive decals on clean, dry, smooth surfaces; add lamination for outdoors or high‑touch areas. Where required, combine reflective faces with compliant letter heights to satisfy state notice rules.

Typical cost or time

Stock aluminum signs deploy fastest and are budget‑friendly; reflective faces add a modest premium for after‑dark performance. Adhesive decals are cost‑effective and quick to apply when a surface already exists. Expect same‑day pickup or rapid shipping for stock items, with brief proofing and standard production for custom or reflective builds.

12. Enforce respectfully: documenting violations and working with law enforcement

Clear, compliant signs on private property set the legal foundation; respectful, well-documented follow‑through turns that notice into action. Your goal is simple: deter problems first, then create a clean record that helps officers verify notice, issue warnings, and, if necessary, escalate.

What to know

Most states require “reasonably conspicuous” notice or prescribe specifics (letter height, spacing, owner info). Including your statute number on the sign can add clarity. Some laws also recognize personal communication as notice. Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and use non‑emergency channels unless there’s an immediate threat. Document everything so officers can act with confidence.

Who it's best for

Owners and managers of multi‑entry sites—commercial lots, campuses, HOAs, farms, timber acreage, and rental properties—where consistent posting and clean documentation drive faster, safer resolutions.

How to do it

Start by proving your notice is valid, then build an incident trail officers can rely on.

Build a posting record: Photos of each sign at install, showing height, letter size, reflectivity, and location; add a simple site map.
Log incidents: Date/time, location, description, photos/video, vehicle plates if visible, and any witness names.
Give safe notice when appropriate: If your state allows, a clear verbal or written “Private property—no trespassing. Please leave.” Document it; don’t escalate.
Call the right line: Use non‑emergency for routine trespass; 911 for threats, vandalism, or burglary in progress.
Reference your statute: Provide officers your state code and your posting record; request an incident number for your files.
Tighten deterrence: Add postings at missed entries, improve lighting/reflectivity, and maintain damaged or missing signs quickly.

Typical cost or time

The main investment is time: one organized install with photos, then quick logs after incidents. Occasional costs include replacing missing signs or upgrading to reflective aluminum to improve night‑time notice and enforcement readiness.

13. Check HOA rules, permits, and free speech protections for yard signs

Before you post signs on private property, make sure you won’t run into HOA covenants, city sign codes, or avoidable First Amendment issues. The quickest way to lose a dispute is to skip approvals or run afoul of content rules—especially with political signs. A short compliance check saves removals, fines, and headaches.

What to know

Homeowners’ associations often regulate size, placement, and duration for yard signs through CC&Rs and architectural guidelines. Cities commonly allow content‑neutral limits on physical characteristics (size, height, placement) for safety and visibility. Courts have held that governments may not restrict signs based on the message: the U.S. Supreme Court struck down broad residential sign bans (City of Ladue, 1994) and content‑based sign rules (Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 2015). Political speech at home is strongly protected, but you still must follow neutral time, place, and manner rules.

Who it's best for

Homeowners in HOA neighborhoods, property managers, and businesses operating where municipal sign codes apply—especially anyone planning political, advocacy, or seasonal yard signs that may draw scrutiny.

How to do it

Review your HOA’s CC&Rs and any architectural guidelines; submit a simple sketch if approvals are required.
Check your city/county sign code or call the permit desk to confirm size, height, and placement rules for temporary yard signs.
Keep compliance content‑neutral: don’t change your message to “fit” a rule that targets specific topics or viewpoints.
Place signs on your property (not in public rights‑of‑way), keep sightlines clear, and meet any size/height limits.
Save emails/approvals and take photos of installed signs to document compliance.

Typical cost or time

Approval and permit timelines vary by HOA and municipality; build in a small buffer before events or elections. Fees, if any, typically apply to larger, permanent, or illuminated installations; most temporary yard signs only require meeting size and placement rules.

14. Quick answers to common questions about signs on private property

Here are fast, practical clarifications to keep your postings effective and enforceable. Always verify your state statute and any local rules before you buy or install.

What to know

Most issues boil down to wording, placement, and proof of notice.

How many signs and where? Post at all entrances and along boundaries. Examples: Florida allows ≤500 ft spacing on agricultural land with 3–5 ft mounting height; New Hampshire ≤100 yards with owner info; Michigan requires a visible sign at each entry; many states require “reasonably conspicuous” notice.
What wording is compliant? Use clear prohibitions. Some states require specifics: Florida “No Trespassing” plus owner name and 2" letters; New Mexico ≥144 sq in with owner/agent name and address; New Hampshire block letters ≥2" with owner/lessee details; Oklahoma block‑letter phrases; Oregon allows “Closed to Entry” with 1" letters and owner/agent info.
Do paint marks count? Where authorized. Purple paint is recognized in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas; fluorescent/orange patterns in Maine, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Maryland (per each statute’s dimensions/height).
Are “No Soliciting” signs enforceable? Often governed by local ordinances; treat as notice and check your city code before escalating.
Reflective needed? Not typically required, but strongly recommended for night visibility.

Who it's best for

Homeowners, managers, and landowners who need quick, defensible answers before purchasing and posting.

How to do it

Check your state requirements (letter height, owner info, spacing/height), pick compliant wording, place signs at all entries and required intervals, and document installs with photos and a simple map.

Typical cost or time

A statute check takes minutes. Stock signs deploy same day or via fast shipping; custom owner‑info or reflective builds add a brief proof and standard production time.

Wrap-up and next steps

You now have the essentials to post with confidence: where to buy fast and affordably, which sign types to choose, how state laws shape wording and placement, when purple paint counts as legal notice, and what materials last outdoors. With compliant wording, correct spacing and height, and a simple photo log, your signs do the heavy lifting—deterring problems and supporting law enforcement when needed.

If you want durable, compliant, brand‑consistent postings, get consultative help and reflective options from a single source. Start your order or request a quote with Safety Decals for custom “Private Property,” “No Trespassing,” “No Soliciting,” and “No Dumping” signs and decals built for visibility and longevity. Map your entry points, confirm your state’s specs, and we’ll help you turn that plan into reliable, enforceable signage.