{"id":126511,"date":"2023-06-21T18:34:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T18:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126511"},"modified":"2024-10-25T16:48:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T16:48:19","slug":"boat-registration-guide-ohio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boat-registration-guide-ohio\/","title":{"rendered":"Boat Registration Ohio: A How-To Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With more than 60,000 lakes, ponds, and rivers in the state of Ohio, it\u2019s a must to spend every sunny day on the water. Whether you\u2019re an angler, a boater, or a water-sport fanatic, Ohio <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/the-joys-of-boating\/\">boat days are simply some of the best<\/a> in the nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, before you take your boat out on Ohio waters, it must be registered to ensure legal operation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With BOATsmart!\u2019s guide to boat registration Ohio, we\u2019ve compiled everything you need to know about boating safely and legally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"A man drives a boat while wearing a life jacket, boat registration Ohio concept. \" class=\"wp-image-127499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat-1140x760.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/man-driving-boat.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Does My Boat Need to Be Registered?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every recreational boat in Ohio must be registered with the state, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Powerboats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sailboats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kayaks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pedal Boats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflatable boats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Are There Any Exemptions to Boat Registration Ohio?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes! In Ohio, kiteboards, paddleboards, and belly boats do not have to be registered as boats. The following vessels are also exempt from <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/wps\/portal\/gov\/odnr\/rules-and-regulations\/rules-and-regulations-by-division\/state-parks-and-watercraft\/boating-rules\/02-registration-decals-ohio-boat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">displaying OH numbers<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Boats numbered by another state and not used in this state for more than 60 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manually-propelled vessels using Alternative Registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats from a country other than the United States and using Ohio waters temporarily<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats owned by the United States, a political subdivision, or a state <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A lifeboat for a ship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessels exempted by the chief of the Division of Parks &amp; Watercraft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vessels under a waiver issued for a special event or a race<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"A boat on a trailer being backed into the water.\" class=\"wp-image-127414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch-1140x642.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/11\/boat-on-trailer-launch.jpeg 1919w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Register a Boat in Ohio?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can complete boat registration, Ohio boaters, in person at a Boat Registration Agent or through the mail with the Watercraft Office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&#8217;ll need a few things to complete the registration, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Proof of ownership\n<ul>\n<li>If your <strong>boat is not titled, <\/strong>this can be the bill of sale, the manufacturer\u2019s statement of origin, a notarized affidavit of ownership, or a signed-over registration from the previous owner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your<strong> boat is titled, <\/strong>use the Ohio title in the owner&#8217;s name as proof of ownership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The following boat details for the Certified Watercraft Registration Application (DNR 8460R))\n<ul>\n<li>Boat number (if previously registered in the state)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serial number or hull identification number (HIN)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Make, length, and year of vessel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hull material<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The registration fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your driver&#8217;s license<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What Are the Costs for Boat Registration in Ohio?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/rules-and-regulations-by-division\/state-parks-and-watercraft\/boating-rules\/01-register-ohio-boat\" target=\"_blank\">fees are current<\/a> as of 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fees for Any Boat with a Motor or Sail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Boat Length<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Powered by Motor<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Powered by Sail Only (no motor)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Less than 16 feet or any motorized canoe<\/td><td>$33<\/td><td>$38<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>16 feet but less than 26 feet<\/td><td>$48<\/td><td>$53<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>26 feet but less than 40 feet<\/td><td>$63<\/td><td>$68<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>40 feet but less than 65 feet<\/td><td>$78<\/td><td>$83<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>65 feet or longer<\/td><td>$93<\/td><td>$98<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hand-Powered Vessels (No Motor, No Sail<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These boats include kayaks, canoes, inflatables, rowboats, racing shells, pedal boats, and rowing sculls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Any Length&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fee<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Traditional Registration <em>(two decals provided<\/em>)<\/td><td>$20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Alternative Registration <em>(one decal provided, no OH numbers required<\/em>)<\/td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $25<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When Adding a Motor to a Boat Previously Registered as Hand-Powered<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These fees are pro-rated based on the years remaining on the existing registration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Boat Length<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>3 Years Remaining<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>2 Years Remaining<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>1 Year Remaining<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Under 16 feet and all canoes<\/td><td>$21<\/td><td>$15<\/td><td>$9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>16 feet to less than 26 feet<\/td><td>$36<\/td><td>$25<\/td><td>$14<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Two people on a boat on a lake, boat registration Ohio concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero-1140x758.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/01\/AlbertaLicenseHero.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you buy a boat to go <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-ohio\/\">boating in Ohio<\/a>? To transfer the ownership, provide a notarized title showing the seller&#8217;s signature and you as the buyer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the boat isn\u2019t titled and doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When buying a used boat with time remaining on its registration, you will pay an additional $5 fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What Else Should I Know About Boat Registration, Ohio?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your boat&#8217;s registration is valid for three years and expires on March 1. You can <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/watercraft.reserveohio.com\/WCWeb\/Watercrafts\/OnlineRenewals.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">renew an existing registration online<\/a> as long as you have all the required information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also specific requirements for displaying your boat\u2019s numbers and decals, which must be visible in normal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Kids jumping from a boat into the water while smiling and wearing life jackets. \" class=\"wp-image-126491\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1-1140x758.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/BCBoating1.jpg 1353w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Take a Boater Safety Education Course<\/strong> and Register Your Boat in Ohio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you need a boating education course in Ohio? Yes! You must obtain an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/ohio\/\">Ohio Boater Education Card<\/a> if you were born after January 1, 1982, before you can operate a boat powered by a motor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, regardless of your age or experience level, we\u2019re big believers in boating safety and completing a boating education course \u2014 and that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We love spending long, sunny days out on the Ohio waters and doing so safely, so use BOATsmart! as your boating safety partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>First published in March 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 25, 2024. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With more than 60,000 lakes, ponds, and rivers in the state of Ohio, it\u2019s a must to spend every sunny&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":127498,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[663],"tags":[888,925,728],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Boat Registration Ohio: A How-To Guide - BOATsmart! Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Did you buy a boat in Ohio? 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