Watercraft Registration at Buckeye Sports Center

For titled boats, please bring the following with you:

• Valid driver’s license or state issued ID 

• Ohio title in your name (this serves as proof of ownership)

For non-titled boats (this includes canoes and kayaks), please bring the following with you

• Valid driver’s license or state issued ID

• Proof of ownership, choose one of the four options:

• Manufacturers Statement of Origin

• Bill of Sale/Receipt

• Signed-over registration from previous owner

Why register my watercraft?

Before boating, your boat must be properly titled (if a title is required) and registered. A boat title is similar to an auto title. Both provide proof of ownership. Like an auto title, boat titles are obtained from any county title office.  A boat requiring a title may not be registered until a title is issued in the new owner’s name.  

What types of watercraft need to be registered?

• All watercrafts in Ohio need to be registered and have the required sticker(s) properly displayed on the vessel, including powerboats, sailboats, wave-runners, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and inflatable boats.

Where can I register My new watercraft?

New boats can be registered in person at a  Boat Registration Agentor through the mail to a Watercraft office.  Hours vary upon location. Click the link below to view more information on the Ohio law regarding this.

View the Ohio Revised Code 
(ORC 1547.531)

What types of registration are there?

Traditional Registration

A traditional registration is needed for all watercrafts 14 feet or longer and for any watercraft that is less than 14 feet in length and has a mechanical means of propulsion, such as a sail or motor affixed to the vessel. This type of registration requires the OH numbers to be displayed and the valid sticker.

View the Ohio Revised Code
(ORC 1547.531, OAC 1501:47-1-07, ORC 1547.57)

Alternative Registration

An alternative registration is issued in place of a traditional if the vessel is under 14 feet and only manually propelled. This includes all kayaks (plastic, foldable, inflatable, etc.), canoes and inflatableboats. You are not required to display the OH number on hand-powered vessels, but you must display the valid decal.

View the Ohio Revised Code
(ORC 1547.54, OAC 1501:47-1-07, ORC 1547.57)

How long is my registration valid for?

Registrations are valid for three years and will expire on March 1 of the year indicated on the sticker. There is no late fee for renewing after March 1. The cost of your registration depends on the length of your vessel, how it’s propelled, and the type of registration you are purchasing.

Where can I get my title?

Ohio Boat Title Requirements
 

Are there any watercraft that are exempt from registration?

What if I don't have a receipt, Bill of Sale, or Manufacturer Statement of Origin?

You must complete a Notarized Affidavit of Ownership at the link below. You must complete sections 1 and 2 of the form. Section 3 must be completed in front of the notary and notarized with an official seal. 

(Certified Watercraft Registration Application/Form 8460R)

What if I purchased a watercraft and the registration/sticker is still current with time left?

If you purchase a previously owned watercraft (boat, kayak, canoe, etc.) and the registration/sticker is still current with time left on the sticker, then you only need to transfer the registration into your name and cost is $5. 

What if I purchased a watercraft and the registration/sticker is expired?

If you purchase a previously owned watercraft and the registration sticker is expired, a new registration/sticker must be purchased in the new owner's name. Cost is determined by the type of watercraft, registration and length and starts at $20. You’ll still need to bring the required documents with you that are listed above.
 

What is a Hull Identification Number (HIN) and how do I find it?

HIN stands for hull identification number is the boat's serial number. It is a series of letters and numbers assigned to a boat — typically by the manufacturer — that tells the make and model of boat as well as date of manufacture. The HIN should be 12 characters (numbers and letters), a minimum of 1/4 inch high, permanently attached to the upper right of the boat's transom or on the starboard (right) side within two feet of the stern (for boats without a transom). Frequently the HIN is stamped into a small metal plate that is riveted to the boat.

• The HIN is one of the required pieces of information you need to register a boat the first time

• The HIN is a way that ownership of a boat can be tracked regardless of which state it is used in

• The HIN for a boat is permanent

• If a boat is titled, the HIN is recorded on the title

• Pontoon boats will have a visible HIN on the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment

• Kayaks and canoes with a plastic or molded hull may have the HIN etched into the hull at the stern (back end of the boat

• Inflatable kayaks or boats, specifically the brand, Intex, only lists the HIN on the box that it comes in

What if my watercraft is missing a HIN?

If the HIN is illegible, worn out, scratched off or was listed on the box it came in and no longer have the box, then you will need to contact a Watercraft office at the link below in order to have them issue a new HIN number. Owners of boats built prior to Nov. 1, 1972 that do not already have a HIN, and builders of homemade boats, canoes, or kayaks must also contact the watercraft offices at the link below. An appointment with a Watercraft Officer may be necessary to inspect the boat before a HIN may be assigned.

Before you buy a boat, you should match the HIN listed on the title to the one attached to the boat. Before purchasing the boat, look for the HIN on the boat to check that it has not been altered in any way.

Ohio Watercraft Offices

What if I need to replace my sticker/decal?
 

Make all checks payable to ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft. Mail all documents, fees, and forms to:

ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft
2045 Morse Road
Building A1
Columbus, OH 43229

Where can I find a list of the ODNR/Watercraft office locations?
 

For more information, please contact your local ODNR/Watercraft office or visit the website at the link below. 

Ohio Watercraft/ODNR Locations