With more than 60,000 lakes, ponds, and rivers in the state of Ohio, it’s a must to spend every sunny day on the water. Whether you’re an angler, a boater, or a water-sport fanatic, Ohio boat days are simply some of the best in the nation.

However, before you take your boat out on Ohio waters, it must be registered to ensure legal operation. 

With BOATsmart!’s guide to boat registration Ohio, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about boating safely and legally.

A man drives a boat while wearing a life jacket, boat registration Ohio concept.

Does My Boat Need to Be Registered?

Probably!

Every recreational boat in Ohio must be registered with the state, including:

  • Powerboats
  • Sailboats
  • Canoes
  • Kayaks
  • Pedal Boats
  • Inflatable boats

Are There Any Exemptions to Boat Registration Ohio?

Yes! In Ohio, kiteboards, paddleboards, and belly boats do not have to be registered as boats. The following vessels are also exempt from displaying OH numbers:

  • Boats numbered by another state and not used in this state for more than 60 days
  • Manually-propelled vessels using Alternative Registration
  • Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Boats from a country other than the United States and using Ohio waters temporarily
  • Boats owned by the United States, a political subdivision, or a state
  • A lifeboat for a ship
  • Vessels exempted by the chief of the Division of Parks & Watercraft
  • Vessels under a waiver issued for a special event or a race
A boat on a trailer being backed into the water.

How Do I Register a Boat in Ohio?

You can complete boat registration, Ohio boaters, in person at a Boat Registration Agent or through the mail with the Watercraft Office.

You’ll need a few things to complete the registration, including:

  • Proof of ownership
    • If your boat is not titled, this can be the bill of sale, the manufacturer’s statement of origin, a notarized affidavit of ownership, or a signed-over registration from the previous owner.
    • If your boat is titled, use the Ohio title in the owner’s name as proof of ownership.
  • The following boat details for the Certified Watercraft Registration Application (DNR 8460R))
    • Boat number (if previously registered in the state)
    • Serial number or hull identification number (HIN)
    • Make, length, and year of vessel
    • Hull material
  • The registration fee
  • Your driver’s license

What Are the Costs for Boat Registration in Ohio?

Fees vary based on the length of your boat and other factors. Check the charts below to find the fees that apply to your boat. These fees are current as of 2024.

Fees for Any Boat with a Motor or Sail

Boat LengthPowered by MotorPowered by Sail Only (no motor)
Less than 16 feet or any motorized canoe$33$38
16 feet but less than 26 feet$48$53
26 feet but less than 40 feet$63$68
40 feet but less than 65 feet$78$83
65 feet or longer$93$98

Hand-Powered Vessels (No Motor, No Sail)

These boats include kayaks, canoes, inflatables, rowboats, racing shells, pedal boats, and rowing sculls.

Any Length Fee
Traditional Registration (two decals provided)$20
Alternative Registration (one decal provided, no OH numbers required)        $25

When Adding a Motor to a Boat Previously Registered as Hand-Powered

These fees are pro-rated based on the years remaining on the existing registration.

Boat Length3 Years Remaining2 Years Remaining1 Year Remaining
Under 16 feet and all canoes$21$15$9
16 feet to less than 26 feet$36$25$14
Two people on a boat on a lake, boat registration Ohio concept.

How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?

Did you buy a boat to go boating in Ohio? To transfer the ownership, provide a notarized title showing the seller’s signature and you as the buyer.

If the boat isn’t titled and doesn’t require one, proof of ownership can be the old registration signed over to you as the new owner. This must be done in person with a Boat Registration Agent.

When buying a used boat with time remaining on its registration, you will pay an additional $5 fee.

What Else Should I Know About Boat Registration, Ohio?

Your boat’s registration is valid for three years and expires on March 1. You can renew an existing registration online as long as you have all the required information.

There are also specific requirements for displaying your boat’s numbers and decals, which must be visible in normal conditions.

Kids jumping from a boat into the water while smiling and wearing life jackets.

Take a Boater Safety Education Course and Register Your Boat in Ohio

Do you need a boating education course in Ohio? Yes! You must obtain an Ohio Boater Education Card if you were born after January 1, 1982, before you can operate a boat powered by a motor. 

However, regardless of your age or experience level, we’re big believers in boating safety and completing a boating education course — and that’s where BOATsmart! comes in. As a program officially recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), our course will surely have you educated, knowledgeable, and safe on the water.

We love spending long, sunny days out on the Ohio waters and doing so safely, so use BOATsmart! as your boating safety partner.

First published in March 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 25, 2024.

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