How to Register a Boat

The state of Ohio specifies that all vessels utilized for recreational use within the state must be registered with the governing jurisdiction. Although most boats, motorized and non-motorized, fall under this distinction (including personal watercraft, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats), the vessels deemed exempt from this direction are as follows:

• Individual flotation devices.
• Surfboards.
• Paddleboards.
• Kiteboards.
• Lifeboats.
• Federally owned vessels.
• State-owned vessels.
• Vessels to be employed in Ohio waters for less than 60 days with functioning registration from a different state or country.

Remember that for smaller vessels not propelled by a sail or motor, alternative registration can be applied for instead of securing conventional registration and prominently displaying the registration decal numbers. This will furnish you with a small 3″ by 6″ sticker to affix to the watercraft instead of the larger identifying marks required for traditional vessel registration.

In addition to the obligation to register your vessel, some vessels must have an assigned title. Any watercraft featuring a motor of 10 horsepower or higher or any vessel with a length of 14 feet or over must have a designated certificate of title. Boats that are exempt from this condition are:

• Vessels that are to be utilized in Ohio for less than 60 days with functioning registration from another state or country.
• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Lifeboats
• Boats held in possession by any U.S. governing agency.
• Watercraft with a permanent motor exhibiting a horsepower of 10 horsepower or less.

To complete the title and registration process, collect the following records for submission by mail at an authorized agent location or the Ohio Division of Parks and Watercraft main office:

• A finalized Ohio Certified Watercraft Registration Application Watercraft Affidavit Of Ownership Form (Form DNR 8460R).
• A filled-out and endorsed title application made available at any authorized agent location (this particular form will differ depending on your county of residence).
• Evidence that you retain ownership of the vessel with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, a properly reassigned title, and/or prior owner’s registration.
• A fully executed bill of sale.
• An active Ohio driver’s license.
• An accepted form of funds to pay registration/titling fees and taxes.