Methods for placing an indicia on a composite structure generally include printing the indicia on a first film surface of a coating film, with the coating film being in a partially cured state at the time the printing the indicia is performed, and positioning the coating film on a partially cured composite structure such that a second film surface of the coating film faces and is positioned against a surface of the composite structure, with the second film surface being opposite the first film surface. Finally, the coating film and the composite structure may then be co-cured. Systems for printing an indicia on a composite structure generally include the coating film, a printer configured to print the indicia on the first film surface of the coating film, a securement configured to secure the coating film during printing, and a curing device for co-curing the coating film and the composite structure.