Ohio law requires 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 January 1, 2000, a title is not required until the personal watercraft is sold, mortgaged or otherwise disposed of.
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 Department of Natural Resources.
- No odometer statement is required.
Note: Canoes and Kayaks are not titled in Ohio.
What do I need to know?
No person is permitted to sell, purchase or otherwise acquire any of the following in Ohio without an Ohio certificate of title:
- An outboard motor of 10 horsepower or greater;
- A watercraft 14 feet or greater in length;
- A watercraft less than 14 feet in length with a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion of 10 horsepower or greater.
All boats require a 12-digit HIN. If your boat does not contain a 12- character hull, please contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks & Watercraft.
Boat trailers do not need to be titled unless they weigh 4000lbs or more.
What do I need to do to sell my boat or outboard motor?
Seller must complete the assignment of ownership portion on the back of the title in the presence of a Notary Public before presenting it to the buyer. If the watercraft and/or motor was not previously titled, the seller must present proof of ownership to our office and establish an Ohio title in the seller’s name prior to the sale.
Call 330-630-7200 for details.
What do I need to bring to transfer a boat or outboard motor into my name?
Physical Certificate of Title
Dual ownership requires both parties to be present unless a power of attorney is provided. Social Security numbers for all parties are required. Photocopies of title are not accepted.
A valid government issued driver’s license or identification card.
Payment for title fee*
*add $1.00 fee per notarization. We accept cash, check or credit card payments (with a 3% fee). Please make checks payable to: Summit County Clerk of Courts.