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WATERCRAFT

 

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What is required for a watercraft Title?

Watercraft 14 feet and longer in length and watercraft less than 14 feet long that have a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion with 10 horsepower or more must be titled.  Canoes and kayaks do not require a Certificate of Title.  The Federal Boating Act requires all boats to have a Hull Identification Number or serial number that is at least 12 characters long.

 

Clear visible photo of the H.I.N. (Hull Identification Number) Required for out-of-State watercraft titles emailed to us by clicking here.

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Watercraft

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  1. Out of State Watercraft Titles must be accompanied by a photo of the Hull Identification Number (HIN)

  2. Ensure the HIN # is clearly visible and legible.

  3. Acceptable images: printed, emailed    title.mentor@lakecountyohio.go

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The hull identification number (HIN) is the boat's serial number. It is a series of letters and numbers assigned to a boat — typically by the manufacturer — that tells the make and model of boat as well as date of manufacture.

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  • The HIN is one of the required pieces of information you need to register a boat the first time. 

  • The HIN is a way that ownership of a boat can be tracked regardless of which state it is used in.

  • The HIN for a boat is permanent.

  • If a boat is titled, the HIN is recorded on the title.

 

Finding the HIN (Hull Identification Number)


The HIN should be 12 characters (numbers and letters), a minimum of 1/4 inch high, permanently attached to the upper right of the boat's transom or on the starboard (right) side within two feet of the stern (for boats without a transom). Frequently the HIN is stamped into a small metal plate that is riveted to the boat.

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Pontoon boats will have a visible HIN on the aft crossbeam within one foot of the starboard hull attachment. Boats with plastic or molded hulls — like kayaks — may have the HIN etched into the hull at the stern (back end of the boat).

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Examples of The Hull Identification Number.

What are the  requirements for an outboard Motor Title?

Outboard motors 10 horsepower or greater require a Certificate of Title.

 

What is required for a watercraft Title?

Watercraft 14 feet and longer in length and watercraft less than 14 feet long that have a permanently affixed mechanical means of propulsion with 10 horsepower or more must be titled.  Canoes and kayaks do not require a Certificate of Title.  The Federal Boating Act requires all boats to have a Hull Identification Number or serial number that is at least 12 characters long.

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Please contact us to determine what may qualify as proof of ownership.

 

 

What is required for watercraft registration?

When registering a boat for the first time you must provide proof of ownership. Proof of ownership may include:  
 

  • Certificate of Title;  

  • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO);

  • Bill of sale; or,  

  • Registration assigned to the buyer.   

 

Please contact us to determine what may qualify as proof of ownership.

Boat registrations in Ohio are valid for up to three years.  Watercraft registrations expire March 1st of the expiration year.  The cost of your registration depends on the length of your boat, how it is propelled, and which type of registration you are purchasing.

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Watercraft registration payment options cash/debit/credit only

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