The watercraft titling law went into effect on January 1, 1964. This law requires boats 14 feet and longer and outboard motors of 10 horsepower and greater to be titled. A title is not generally issued a boat trailer only because titles are not issued to trailers weighing less than 4000 pounds. Effective in 1973, all certificates of origin for boats must have a 12-digit serial number (Hull Identification Number).
Effective 01/01/2000, Ohio law provides for the titling of personal watercraft (commonly called jet skis, wave runners, etc.). A title must be issued for one of these items regardless of length if the motor is 10 horsepower or greater. These vessels are titled as inboard boats. If owned prior to 01/01/2000, a title is not required until sold, mortgaged or otherwise disposed of.
Effective 07/04/2002, Ohio law requires all watercraft to have a 12-digit hull identification number before it can be titled.
An outboard boat and outboard motor will have two separate titles. Inboard or inboard/outboard boats have one title describing the boat.
Paperwork is completed and liens are filed in the same manner as motor vehicle titles with two exceptions:
- No out of state inspection is needed on a boat coming in from out-of state. If the boat doesn’t have a 12-digit HIN then it must be inspected by a Watercraft Officer through the Ohio Dept. Natural Resources.
- No odometer statement is required.
Note: Canoes and Kayaks are not titled in Ohio.
Opens in new Titling Your Watercraft (PDF)