Boat Title Transfer in Ohio
Ohio requires a Certificate of Title for All motorized vessels over 14 feet. Boat titles in Ohio are processed through the Ohio County Clerk of Courts (title) + ODNR (registration) — not the standard DMV in most cases.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
HIN required on title applications. For pre-1972 vessels without a HIN, Ohio can assign a state-specific hull number through the County Clerk of Courts.
Required Documents in Ohio
Ohio splits boat administration: County Clerk of Courts issues the title; ODNR issues the registration numbers separately. You need to contact both agencies to complete a boat transfer.
US Coast Guard Documentation in Ohio
Federal documentation is available for vessels over 5 net tons. Ohio registration numbers must still be displayed unless the vessel has a federal exemption for interstate travel.
Ohio's split administration — County Clerk for title, ODNR for registration — requires two separate agency interactions. Complete the County Clerk title transfer first, then register with ODNR. The notarized BMV 3774 requirement applies to boat titles as well as vehicle titles.
Boat Title FAQ — Ohio
Yes — Ohio requires a boat title (Certificate of Title) for All motorized vessels over 14 feet. Ohio requires a Certificate of Title for all motorized vessels over 14 feet in length. Motorized vessels 14 feet and under require registration only.
In Ohio, boat title transfers are handled by the Ohio County Clerk of Courts (title) + ODNR (registration). You need BMV 3774 (Application for Certificate of Title — notarized), Signed previous Ohio title or out-of-state title, Bill of sale with HIN and purchase price. Processing takes 7–21 Business Days. Ohio splits boat administration: County Clerk of Courts issues the title; ODNR issues the registration numbers separately. You need to contact both agencies to complete a boat transfer.
Yes — Federal documentation is available for vessels over 5 net tons. Ohio registration numbers must still be displayed unless the vessel has a federal exemption for interstate travel.
The boat title fee in Ohio is $15. Ohio boat title fee is $15 — same as vehicle title fee at the County Clerk of Courts. Annual registration fees: $15–$40 per year based on length.
Ohio County Clerk of Courts (title) + ODNR (registration)
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/lakes-boating/boating/boating-safety-registration