WATERCRAFT

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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