Welcome to your Ohio Boat registration guide!
With 75 state parks and tons of beautiful waterways, boating is simply a way of life in the State of Ohio. With glittering waters, lakes, and rivers, the Buckeye State is full of boaters and swimmers most days of the year. Whether you’re fishing or tubing, there’s a special feeling in the air when you’re out on the boat in Ohio.
In Ohio, most recreational boats require registration and a title to be legally operated on the water. Make sure you’re legal and ready to go by following our guide and pack your sunscreen! With the proper registration and titles in hand, you’ll be living the Ohio boat life in no time.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Ohio boat registration.
How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered and Titled?
Every recreational boat in Ohio must be registered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This goes for all recreational boats, from canoes and kayaks to powerboats and sailboats.
Many boats also need to be titled in the State of Ohio. All boats less than 14 feet long with a fixed motor of 10 horsepower or more, as well as all boats 14 feet or longer, must be titled and registered.
What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in Ohio?
While most recreational boats must be registered in Ohio, the following boats are exempt:
- Kiteboards
- Paddleboards
- Belly boats (float tubes)
What Boats Are Exempt From Titling in Ohio?
While many boats must be titled in Ohio, including personal watercraft, the following boats are exempt from the titling requirement:
- Canoes or kayaks of any length
- Boats less than 14 feet long without a permanent means of propulsion
- Boats less than 14 feet long with a fixed motor of less than 14 horsepower
- Outboard motors of less than 10 horsepower
- U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels
How Do I Register My Boat in the State of Ohio?
In Ohio, boats can be registered in person at a Boat Registration Agent or Watercraft Office. To register your boat in Ohio, you’ll need:
- Certified Watercraft Registration Application
- Proof of ownership
- Correct fee
- For titled boats, proof of ownership is in Ohio title (in your name).
For non-titled boats, proof of ownership can be:
- Manufacturers Statement of Origin
- Bill of Sale
- Signed-over registration from previous owner
- Notarized Affidavit of Ownership
Regarding the fee, call your Boat Registration Agent or Watercraft Office in advance to find out what payment will be accepted.
How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of Ohio?
As of 2024, costs for registering your boat in Ohio can vary and are as follows:
| Hand Powered | |
| Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, inflatables, and pedal boats | $20 |
| Powered by Sail or Motor | |
| Canoes with Motor, other boats less then 16′ long | $33 |
| Boats 16′ long, but less than 26′ long | $48 |
| Boats 26′ long, but less than 40′ long | $63 |
| Boats 40′ long but less than 65′ long | $78 |
| Boats 65′ long and longer | $93 |
| Transfer Fee for Unexpired Registration | |
| All boats | $5 |
How Do I Title My Boat in the State of Ohio?
To title your boat, you will file electronically with the Clerk of Courts. You can also file in person at your local county title office.
How Much Does Boat Titling Cost in the State of Ohio?
As of 2024, in Ohio, watercraft titles cost $15.00. You’ll also be responsible for any additional taxes or fees.
How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?
To transfer boat ownership in Ohio, the seller will fill out the Certified Watercraft Registration Application and select “transfer. ” The new owner will then take the application to a local watercraft office or agent.
Titled boat sellers must complete the transfer section on the back of the title in the presence of a notary public before providing the title to the buyer. The buyer must take the title to a title office to complete the transfer.
Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?
In Ohio, everyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must obtain an Ohio Boater Education Certificate to operate a boat or personal watercraft legally.
To obtain your Boater Education Card, you’ll complete a course like BOATsmart!’s, which is fun, action, and info-packed — perfect for all skill levels.
Designed to educate boaters (and entertain them), BOATsmart! is the top choice for Ohio boaters. With BOATsmart!, you can take your boating safety course on your own time and on your own device — and trust that you’ll pass the Ohio Boating Safety Test.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Boaters must display their boat registration numbers on both sides of the boat. This must be done in clear, block characters.
Stay Safe and Legal When Boating in Ohio
Since almost every boat must be registered (and titled!) to legally operate on Ohio waters, make sure you’re covered by following the rules.
All boaters born on or after January 1, 1981, must also carry a Boater Education Card. So take a course like BOATsmart! to make sure that you’re ready, safe, and legal on the water. Then, have fun, and stay safe!
Originally published October 21, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy August 22, 2024.
