| ODNR |
| Take the Hassle out of Boat Registrations |
| Getting a boat, raft, or PWC registered is not the same as licensing your car. The ODNR & BMV operate differently. Many people don't know what they need to bring when registering a boat. Whatever you do, don't wait until you're ready to cruise! If you can't obtain, renew or transfer your registration last-minute, it could ruin your plans for the day or weekend! To help make it easier to register your watercraft, here are some tips to save you time and aggravation... Call us if you have questions after reading this. You might save yourself a trip - and your fellow boaters will appreciate the courtesy you show to them - by being prepared when you come in for your registration: |
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In 2001, the ODNR Division of Watercraft changed the appearance of their boat decals. The large 2003 on this decal is the LAST FULL YEAR the registration is valid. The actual expiration date is printed on the BOTTOM of the decal. This date should match the expiration date on your boat's registration paperwork. Boats with "2003" decals have registrations that expire March 1, 2004, boats with "2004" decals have registrations that expire March 1, 2005, etc. |
| The Basics: Because we are an ODNR Agent, we are required to follow the laws & procedures of the ODNR. Please don't ask our people to "bend the rules." Without the proper information, we cannot issue registrations. You'll be asked for a driver's license, whether you are the owner(s), or have Power of Attorney for the registration. All owners must be present. If not, the person obtaining the registration must bring in a notarized Power of Attorney for anyone not present. When you sell a watercraft, make sure you transfer the registration to the new owner, even if the decals are expired. When you buy a watercraft, make sure you ask the previous owner for the registration, as well as the Title, Statement of Origin, or notarized Bill of Sale, depending on the size and type of watercraft. |
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| FAQ : |
| Q: What vessels are required to have a registration? |
| A: If it's used in Ohio waters and it has a serial #, it needs a registration. (Yes, even an inflatable raft with oars.) Owners of homemade vessels must apply for a serial # first, then obtain a registration. |
| Q: If my vessel's registration is already in my name, and my decal is expired, what do I need to do? |
| A: The quickest way to get your decals is to bring your mail-renewal from the State (don't separate the copies). If any information on the form is incorrect, or you don't have a mail-in form, bring in your most recently expired registration. |
| Q: If I bought a new watercraft, what do I need? |
| A: Untitled vessels require a Statement of Origin, Dealer Invoice or Notarized Bill of Sale, showing the same information as a title. For titled vessels, the title is required. If you can't wait for the title to be issued, bring proof of purchase/ownership. All vessels must be registered before using them on Ohio waters. Ohio now requires a 45-day temporary registration until the title is obtained, after which a permanent registration is issued. |
| Q: Q: If I bought a used watercraft, what do I need to get a registration in my name? |
| A: The same paperwork is required as a new vessel, except you also bring the previous registration, and we transfer the OH# instead of assigning a new one (the OH# stays with the vessel, not with the person). If it's not from Ohio, bring the out-of-state registration, and we assign the vessel an OH#. If the vessel requires a title, transfer it at the Title Bureau first, then bring the new title and the previous owner's registration to us, and we'll transfer the Ohio registration to you, or assign an OH# if it was previously from out-of-state. |
| Q: If the decal isn't expired, do I just wait to transfer the registration? |
| A: No... The registration should be transferred to you immediately. The fee is only $5.00 for unexpired transfers, and the ODNR and other agencies often rely on the OH# to identify the vessel's owner(s), for example, if it has been stolen and recovered. |
| Q: What if I don't have the mail-in renewal form or the previous registration showing the OH#? |
| A: Bring your proof of ownership (type of proof will depend on size and type of watercraft), and get the 8-digit OH# from the hull. If you come at a time when we can call the ODNR while you wait, you can leave with your registration and decals. Otherwise, you can drop off your paperwork and come back at another time, after we have been able to verify the OH# matches the vessel's Hull ID#. The ODNR does not tie its agents into their computer system yet, so we can't verify an OH# without calling, and if you don't know your OH#, we can't find it with your social security number like the BMV can do for car tags. |
| Q: What if I lost my registration and/or decals? |
| A: The ODNR can issue duplicates. We have the forms here, but agents cannot issue duplicates. You can pick up a form and mail it to Columbus, or visit one of the District Field Offices. |
| Q: What if my vessel is documented? |
| A: Agents cannot issue, renew or transfer registrations for documented vessels. The Columbus Headquarters & District Field Offices issue these. |
| If we haven't covered your situation, feel free to call us with your questions. Please keep in mind that we offer this service as a local convenience to everyone. We have added people & equipment to help accommodate everyone's needs, but on peak days & during peak hours, store customers needing our attention take priority over registration & notary services. |
| ODNR REGISTRATION FEES: Although we accept credit cards, debit cards & check cards for all retail sales and service work , we can only accept cash payment or checks for ODNR Registration Fees: |
| To Transfer an Unexpired Registration: | |
Any size or type of vessel, including Boats, PWCs (Wave Runners, Jet Skis, etc.), Canoes, Rowboats, and Rafts, with or without a Motor. |
$ 5.00 |
| 3-Year Registration: Assign New OH# (a new vessel or previously registered out-of-state); Same-Owner Renewal; or Registration Renewal/Transfer to New Owner... |
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| Hand-Powered: | |
Canoes, Kayaks, Pedalboats, Rowboats, Inflatables, if NO MOTOR is used, gas or electric. (If a motor is added later, see Adding a Motor - Your Registration must correctly list the motor make, power, & serial number.) If you know you will add a motor, you save $3.00 by listing the vessel as motorized when you originally register it, rather than updating it by adding the motor later. |
$15.00 |
Powered by Sail or Motor: |
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| All Canoes - any size, any motor type | $33.00 |
| Other vessels under 16' in length | $33.00 |
| 16' in length, but under 26' | $48.00 |
| 26' in length, but under 40' | $63.00 |
| 40' in length, but under 65' | $78.00 |
| 65' in length and longer | $93.00 |
Measurement is determined by length shown on title. |
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| Adding a Motor: If you originally registered the vessel as hand-powered, you must update your registration if you add a motor of any kind, including gas or electric trolling motors: |
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| Time Remaining: | 3yrs |
2yrs |
1yr |
| All Canoes | $21 |
$15 |
$ 9 |
| Vessels under 16' | $21 |
$15 |
$ 9 |
| 16' but under 26' | $36 |
$25 |
$14 |
| 26' but under 40' | $51 |
$35 |
$19 |
| 40' but under 65' | $66 |
$45 |
$24 |
| 65' & longer | $81 |
$55 |
$29 |
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All amounts listed include agent fee. There is no tax. |
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