Take advantage of the state’s plentiful boating opportunities. Learn how to get your Ohio boat registration before heading out on the water.
Unlike some states that only require motorized vessels to be registered, in Ohio, registrations are required for every recreational boat. That includes:
The only exceptions to the Ohio boat registration rule are for kiteboards, paddleboards and belly boats.
Once you’ve determined that you need to register your boat, you’ll have to apply in person at a boat registration agent or at a watercraft office. These are located throughout the state of Ohio, a listing of which you can find on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
When you go to one of the offices, you’ll need to show that you’re the owner of the boat. In many cases, you’ll need an Ohio title, even when registering an out-of-state boat in Ohio. So if you’re registering a boat in Ohio with no title, you’ll need to obtain a title or fit into one of the titling exemptions. The following boats in Ohio don’t need a title:
In addition to a title, you’ll also need the following for Ohio boat registration in order to complete your Certified Watercraft Registration Application:
You’ll also have to pay the appropriate registration fees, which we’ll discuss in a bit.
Once you get your registration, it will be good for three years. All Ohio boat registrations expire on March 1.
If you have a noncommercial boat trailer, Ohio also requires that you register it if you plan to use it on the state’s roads. In order to get your Ohio boat trailer registration, you’ll have to apply at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The process for registering a boat trailer is essentially the same as registering a regular car or truck, except that you’ll need to supply a weight card.
The cost to a register boat in Ohio depends on the length of your vessel, how it’s propelled and what type of registration you’re buying. When registering a boat in Ohio, the fees are:
All fees paid for Ohio boat registrations are deposited into the Waterways Safety Fund.
OH BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS
Ohio has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.
OH BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONSRESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU
Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.
BOATING AND WATER SAFETY BOATING SAFETY COURSES ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENTOH BOATING RESOURCES/INFO
Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources site.
ONLINE REGISTRATION RENEWAL REGISTER YOUR BOAT IN OHIO