Ohio boat
registration summary presents an overview of boat titling, registration,
loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Ohio. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and other
resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of general
purpose boat and trailer registration forms on our Forms
page.
Please visit our
State page for additional
articles and information about registering or titling boats, trailers,
and outboard motors.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Please
read our
terms of use before proceeding.
|
Registration Statistics |
There are
approximately 430,710 boats registered in Ohio. This state ranks
9th among nationwide boat registrations. |
|
Registration Numbering |
The
registration number prefix for the state of Ohio is "OH". Registration numbers
may not be displayed on Coast Guard documented vessels. |
|
Registration Agency |
The local
county clerk's office administers title and registration. The
Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft is the
central recording agency. |
|
Registration Requirements |
Registration
required on vessels over 13' in Ohio. Coast Guard documented vessels must
also be registered. |
|
Title Requirements |
Ohio issues
titles on registered boats over 13'. Titles are not issued for Coast
Guard documented vessels. |
|
Conditional Registrations |
Ohio does not
have provisions for bonded boat titles or conditional
registrations when there insufficient proof of ownership. |
|
Abandoned Boats |
Ohio has
special provisions for titling and registering abandoned boats
if the value is less than $10,000 and it has been left for six
months without permission on your property. Information on
abandoned boats can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
Electronic Titles |
Ohio does not
issue electronic titles. |
|
Registration Records |
Boat
registration records are purged after 4 years with no activity.
Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports
can be found in our
boat registration
kit for this state. |
|
State Tax Requirements |
Sales or use
tax applies to vessel transactions in Ohio |
|
Loan Perfection |
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented. |
|
Ownership designations |
"And"
indicates joint ownership. "Or" is not recognized. |
|
Residency Requirements |
Non-residents
may register and title boats in Ohio if this is the state of primary usage. |
|
Hull Inspection |
The boat must
be inspected by a law enforcement official if there is a
discrepancy with the hull identification number. |
|
Outboard Motors |
Titling is
required on outboard motors with 10hp or more. |
|
Boat Trailers |
Boat trailer
registration is required in Ohio. Titling is required except for
non-commercial trailers under 4,000 lbs. |
|
Notary Regulations |
Ohio notaries
must affix an embossed or inked seal when notarizing a document. |
|
Boat Dealer Licensing |
No bonding or
professional requirements apply to boat dealers or brokers in
Ohio. |
| Visitation
Period |
A visitation
period of 60 days is allowed for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state. |
