{"id":126679,"date":"2023-10-20T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126679"},"modified":"2024-08-22T20:34:22","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T20:34:22","slug":"ohio-boat-registration-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/ohio-boat-registration-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ohio Boat Registration Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Welcome to your Ohio Boat registration guide! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re fishing or tubing, there\u2019s a special feeling in the air when you\u2019re out on the boat in Ohio.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ohio, most recreational boats require registration and a title to be legally operated on the water. Make sure you\u2019re legal and ready to go by following our guide and pack your sunscreen! With the proper registration and titles in hand, you\u2019ll be living the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/boating-in-ohio\/\">Ohio boat life<\/a> in no time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep reading for everything you need to know about Ohio boat registration. <\/p>\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\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Silhouette of a person at the front of a boat. \" class=\"wp-image-126406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment-1140x641.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Lydia_Boating_Moment.jpg 1366w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Know If My Boat Needs to Be Registered and Titled?<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every recreational boat\u00a0in Ohio <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/ohio\/boating-regulations\/\">must be registered<\/a>\u00a0with the\u00a0Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This goes for all recreational boats, from canoes and kayaks to powerboats and sailboats.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many boats also need\u00a0to be titled\u00a0in 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/watercraft.reserveohio.com\/WCWeb\/Watercrafts\/OnlineRenewals.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">titled and registered<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What Boats Are Exempt From Boat Registration in Ohio?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While most recreational boats must be registered in Ohio, the following boats are exempt:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Kiteboards&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paddleboards&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Belly boats (float tubes)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What Boats Are Exempt From <em>Titling<\/em> in Ohio?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While many boats must be titled in Ohio, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/6-things-remember-pwc\/\">personal watercraft,<\/a> the following boats are exempt from the titling requirement:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Canoes or kayaks of any length&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats less than 14 feet long without a permanent means of propulsion\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boats less than 14 feet long with a fixed motor of less than 14 horsepower<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outboard motors of less than 10 horsepower&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Coast Guard documented vessels\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Copy-of-Boatsmart_1503.jpg\" alt=\"A family wearing lifejackets on a boat, Ohio boat registration concept. \" class=\"wp-image-126404\" width=\"777\" height=\"517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Copy-of-Boatsmart_1503.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Copy-of-Boatsmart_1503-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 777px) 100vw, 777px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Register My Boat in the State of Ohio?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ohio, boats can be registered in person at a\u00a0Boat Registration Agent\u00a0or\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/wps\/portal\/gov\/odnr\/discover-and-learn\/safety-conservation\/about-odnr\/division-parks-watercraft\/contact-parks-watercraft\/2-wc-offices\" target=\"_blank\">Watercraft Office<\/a>. To register your boat in Ohio, you\u2019ll need:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/wps\/portal\/gov\/odnr\/discover-and-learn\/safety-conservation\/about-odnr\/division-parks-watercraft\/forms-publications\/01-form-8460r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Certified Watercraft Registration Application<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of ownership\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Correct fee <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For titled boats, proof of ownership is in Ohio title (in your name).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For non-titled boats, proof of ownership can be:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Manufacturers Statement of Origin&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bill of Sale&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signed-over registration from previous owner&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notarized Affidavit of Ownership\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding the fee, call your Boat Registration Agent or Watercraft Office in advance to find out what payment will be accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How Much Does Boat Registration Cost in the State of Ohio?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2024, costs for <a href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/rules-and-regulations\/rules-and-regulations-by-division\/state-parks-and-watercraft\/boating-rules\/01-register-ohio-boat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">registering your boat in Ohio<\/a> can vary and are as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Hand Powered<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, inflatables, and pedal boats\u00a0<\/td><td>$20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Powered by Sail or Motor<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Canoes with Motor, other boats less then 16&#8242; long&nbsp;<\/td><td>$33<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boats 16&#8242; long, but less than 26&#8242; long&nbsp;<\/td><td>$48<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boats 26&#8242; long, but less than 40&#8242; long&nbsp;<\/td><td>$63<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boats 40&#8242; long but less than 65&#8242; long&nbsp;<\/td><td>$78<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boats 65&#8242; long and longer&nbsp;<\/td><td>$93<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Transfer Fee for Unexpired Registration<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All boats&nbsp;<\/td><td>$5<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/ohio\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"926\" height=\"400\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-Ohio.png\" alt=\"An image highlighting the Ohio boating course from BOATsmart!\" class=\"wp-image-126574\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-Ohio.png 926w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-Ohio-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/08\/blog-banner-ad-Ohio-768x332.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Title My Boat in the State of Ohio?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/wps\/portal\/gov\/odnr\/rules-and-regulations\/rules-and-regulations-by-division\/state-parks-and-watercraft\/boating-rules\/titling-boats-outboard-motors\" target=\"_blank\">title your boat<\/a>, you will file electronically with the Clerk of Courts. You can also file in person at your\u00a0local county title office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How Much Does Boat Titling Cost in the State of Ohio?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2024, in Ohio, watercraft titles cost $15.00. You&#8217;ll also be responsible for any additional taxes or fees.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>How Do I Transfer Boat Ownership to My New Boat?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To transfer boat ownership in Ohio, the seller will fill out the\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ohiodnr.gov\/wps\/wcm\/connect\/gov\/eca409e3-fc6a-4bbb-a3f8-f67e3bed8a9a\/DNR8460R.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&amp;CONVERT_TO=url&amp;CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-eca409e3-fc6a-4bbb-a3f8-f67e3bed8a9a-ngejNty\" target=\"_blank\">Certified Watercraft Registration Application<\/a>\u00a0and select \u201ctransfer. &#8221; The new owner will then take the application to a local watercraft office or agent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Will I Need to Take a Boater Safety Education Course?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To obtain your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/ohio\/\">Boater Education Card<\/a>, you\u2019ll complete a course like BOATsmart!\u2019s, which is fun, action, and info-packed \u2014 perfect for all skill levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Designed to educate boaters (and entertain them), BOATsmart! is the top choice for Ohio boaters. With\u00a0BOATsmart!, you can take your boating safety course on your own time and on your own device \u2014 and trust that you\u2019ll pass the Ohio Boating Safety Test.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What Else Do I Need to Know?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boaters must\u00a0display their boat registration numbers\u00a0on both sides of the boat. This must be done in clear, block characters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"A man and woman wearing yellow lifejackets enjoy a boat, boat registration in Ohio concept. \" class=\"wp-image-127011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop-1140x759.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Summer24_3U9A8942-crop.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>Stay Safe and Legal When Boating in Ohio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since almost every boat must be registered (and titled!) to legally operate on Ohio waters, make sure you\u2019re covered by following the rules. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All boaters born on or after January 1, 1981, must also carry a Boater Education Card. So take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/us\/ohio\/\">course like BOATsmart!<\/a> to make sure that you\u2019re ready, safe, and legal on the water. Then, have fun, and stay safe!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Originally published October 21, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy August 22, 2024. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to your Ohio Boat registration guide! With 75 state parks and tons of beautiful waterways, boating is simply a&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":126513,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[701,663,684],"tags":[925,945,728,946],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Ohio Boat Registration Guide - BOATsmart! 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