Boat Registration and Licenses

What to Register

• Motorboats.

• Sailboats.

• Canoes.

• Kayaks.

• Inflatable boats.

What Not to Register

All personal watercraft in Ohio must be registered.

Exemptions

• U.S. Coast Guard-documented vessels.

• Boats from other countries.

• Lifeboats.

• Government agency-owned boats.

Requirements and Procedures

The Division of Watercraft of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources oversees watercraft registration. The procedure to register your watercraft depends on whether it needs to have a title.

Boat Titles

A title is required for the following:

• An outboard motor of 10 horsepower or more.

• A watercraft at least 14 feet long.

• A watercraft less than 14 feet long with a built-in mechanical means of propulsion of 10 horsepower or more. (This includes Jet Skis and WaveRunners and other brands of personal watercraft if they were bought after January 1, 2000.)

Titles are only available through County Clerk of Courts title offices, and should be obtained before attempting to register the watercraft. Contact your county's Clerk of Courts for information on required documents.

Registration

1. Complete a Certified Watercraft Registration Application.
2. Bring the application along with a signed-off and notarized title, or one of the following (if the watercraft does not require a title): Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, Bill of Sale, sales receipt, notarized Affidavit of Ownership form with Section 2 completed) to any Watercraft office.
3. Pay all applicable fees.

Fees

Fees are based on a boat's length and type.

Renewals and Replacements

Boat registrations are valid for three years and expire on March 1st.

Renew Online

To renew online you need a 2006, 2007, or 2008 mail renewal form and a valid e-mail address. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. If any information has changed, however, you will have to renew by mail or in person.

Renew by Mail

Mail to the address listed on your registration renewal notice.

Renew in Person

Visit any Watercraft Registration Agent. It's best to call ahead for hours. Bring proof of identification.

Replace Lost Registration

Complete a Duplicate Order Blank. Drop it off at any Watercraft office or mail it to:

Division of Watercraft
2045 Morse Road
Building A
Columbus, Ohio 43229

Cost: $4

Boater License

To operate a boat that's powered by more than 10 horsepower, any boater born after January 1, 1982 must complete a boating education course.

Boater Safety Courses

• Online: State-approved course, taught by Boater Exam.

• Classroom Course: Certified classes are held throughout the state.

• Home Study: Call (877) 426-2837 to have a course book and reference materials mailed to you. You complete the course at your own pace.

• Proficiency Exam: Take the exam at any Watercraft office, by appointment only.