Boat Registration Numbers: Placement Guide For Ohio Boaters

In Ohio, boat registration numbers must be displayed on both sides of the forward part of the vessel. The number must be in three parts, beginning with OH, followed by four numbers and two letters. The number must be at least 3 inches high, in block characters, and clearly visible with a colour that contrasts its background. The letters and numbers must be separated by a hyphen or space, and no other numbers can be displayed on either side of the bow. In addition to the registration number, two square registration tags must be displayed on each side of the bow, 6 inches towards the stern from the number. These requirements ensure that boats operating in Ohio are properly identified and compliant with state regulations.

Registration number format

The registration number is made up of three parts: "OH", followed by four numbers, and then two letters. For example, "OH 1234 AB". The number must be displayed on both sides of the forward part of the vessel, reading from left to right. The letters and numbers must be separated by a hyphen or space. The number must be at least 3 inches high and be clearly visible, with a colour that contrasts its background or the colour of the boat. The number can be painted on, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to the boat.

The registration number must be accompanied by two square registration tags, displayed on each side of the boat within 6 inches towards the stern of the number. These tags must also be clearly visible in normal conditions and affixed before the watercraft is operated. For documented boats, one tag should be displayed on the port side and one on the starboard side.

Where to place the number

In Ohio, boat registration numbers must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel. The numbers must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to the boat.

The registration number will be in three parts, beginning with "OH", followed by four numbers, and ending with two letters. The number must be displayed as follows:

• The number must be at least 3 inches high and be in BLOCK characters of good proportion.
• The number must be clearly visible and legible, with a colour that contrasts its background or boat colour.
• The number should be read from left to right on both sides of the vessel, with letters separated from numbers by a space or hyphen. For example, "OH 1234 AB" or "OH-1234-AB".
• No other numbers can be displayed on either side of the bow.

In addition to the registration number, two square registration tags or decals must be displayed on each side of the boat. These should be placed within 6 inches towards the stern of the registration number, on the side closest to the boat's stern. These tags must also be clearly visible in normal conditions and affixed prior to operating the watercraft.

Display requirements

The registration number must be displayed in a specific format and position on your boat. Here are the requirements you need to follow:

• The number must begin with "OH", followed by four numbers and then two letters.
• It should be displayed on both sides of the forward part of the vessel, often referred to as the bow.
• The number must be clearly visible and legible, with a colour that contrasts its background or the colour of the boat.
• The letters and numbers should be separated by a hyphen or space: for example, "OH 1234 AB" or "OH-1234-AB".
• The number should be at least 3 inches high and in BLOCK or plain block letters of good proportion.
• It should be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise securely affixed to the boat.
• The number must be read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
• No other numbers or letters can be displayed on either side of the bow.

In addition to the registration number, you must also display two square registration tags or decals on your boat. These tags are issued with each boat registration. They should be affixed on each side of the bow, within 6 inches towards the stern from the number. Like the registration number, these tags must also be clearly visible in normal conditions and affixed before operating the watercraft. Remember to remove expired tags and replace them with new ones when you renew your registration.

Registration tags

In Ohio, boat owners are required to display two square registration tags on their boats. These can be obtained from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft office, and are valid for up to three years, expiring on March 1.

The registration tags must be affixed to each side of the boat, within 6 inches towards the stern of the registration number. The tags must be clearly visible in normal conditions and affixed before the watercraft is operated. The registration number itself must be displayed on both sides of the forward part of the vessel, reading from left to right. It must be at least 3 inches high, in BLOCK characters, and in a colour that contrasts with its background.

For boats with traditional registration, two decals are issued with each registration. These must be securely affixed to each side of the bow, 6 inches towards the stern from the number. For documented boats, one decal is displayed on the port side and one on the starboard side.

For boats with alternative registration, a single rectangular tag must be displayed in one of the following ways:

• In the upper right corner of the transom
• On a deck on the rear half of the boat
• On the outside of the boat below the port side gunwale
• On the inside of the boat on the upper portion of the starboard side gunwale, so that it is visible from the port side

Alternative registration is only available for human-powered (non-motorised) watercraft, such as canoes, rowboats, and inflatable rafts.

Decals

In Ohio, boat registration numbers must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel. The numbers must be in block letters, at least 3 inches high, and clearly visible against the colour of the boat.

The registration number will begin with "OH", followed by four numbers and then two letters. For example, "OH 1234 AB". The number must be separated from the letters by a space or hyphen and should be readable from left to right on both sides of the vessel.

There are two options for boat registration in Ohio: traditional registration and alternative registration. Traditional registration is for boats that are numbered, have two decals, and require Ohio registration numbers. This option has a smaller registration fee. Alternative registration is for boats that are not numbered, have one decal, and do not require Ohio registration numbers. This option has a higher registration fee.

For traditional registration, two decals must be securely affixed to each side of the bow, within 6 inches towards the stern of the registration number. For alternative registration, the single decal can be placed in one of the following locations:

• The upper right corner of the transom
• On a deck on the rear half of the boat
• On the outside of the boat below the port side gunwale
• On the inside of the boat on the upper portion of the starboard side gunwale, visible from the port side

The decals must be clearly visible and affixed before the boat is operated.

Frequently asked questions