An Ohio boat bill of sale form can be used when selling a boat to record the transaction and prove the buyer’s ownership. In Ohio, as in most states, new owners have to register their watercraft in their name before it can be used. This applies to all vessels, from a kayak to a yacht. While in most cases, the registration process can be carried out with the title as proof of ownership, owners of vessels for which titling isn’t necessary (see exceptions here) can use the bill of sale to demonstrate that the boat is in their name. Furthermore, the bill of sale can be used in all cases as evidence of the purchase/sale.

Ohio Boat Registration/Titling

In Ohio, all boats require registration and most require titling. The transfer of ownership of a newly acquired used vessel isn’t complete until the title is transferred to the new owner. The new title must then be used to register the boat with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. To carry out the new registration and titling process, buyers will be required to complete the following:

1. Have the seller complete the transfer section on the title (back of the form) and get the title notarized.
2. Take the assigned title to an Ohio BMV title office to transfer the title to the buyer’s name (and pay title fee of ~$15).
3. Complete Certified Watercraft Registration Application (DNR 8460R).
4. Take the title and application to a Boat Registration Agent or a Watercraft Office.
5. Pay registration fees (varies depending on length and type of boat).

For non-titled boats (i.e., canoes and kayaks), applicants can ignore steps 1 and 2 above and visit a Boat Registration Agent or a Watercraft Office with the form DNR 8460R completed including section 3 of the document. If section 3 isn’t filled out, the new owner can use the Bill of Sale as proof of ownership.