PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SALE AND PURCHASE REQUIRES CERTIFICATE OF TITLE COLUMBUS, OH - As the spring boating season begins, thousands of hand-powered and motorized watercraft are being purchased and registered throughout Ohio. For those who buy, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a previously untitled personal watercraft, a title must be issued in order to obtain a current and valid registration, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). "By issuing titles, we are now better able to track and recover these popular watercraft if they are stolen," said Rick Barrera, registration and titling manager for the ODNR Division of Watercraft. Commonly referred to as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner, more than 41,000 personal watercraft are registered in Ohio among a total of 416,270 recreational watercraft in the state. Individuals or dealerships who purchased these watercraft, prior to January 1, 2000, are not required to get their personal watercraft titled until they sell, mortgage or transfer ownership. Titles for personal watercraft can be obtained through the county clerk's office in any of Ohio's 88 counties. A valid watercraft registration and information on the size, serial number and manufacturer of the motor is required. Additional information on watercraft registration and titling may be obtained by calling the Division of Watercraft toll-free at 1-877-4BOATER or by visiting the web site ohiodnr.com State law requires any watercraft less than 14 feet long with a permanently attached motor of 10 horsepower or greater to be titled. This description refers primarily to personal watercraft and small jet-drive boats. Other boats less than 14 feet long equipped with outboard motors, and all canoes and kayaks, remain exempt from the state titling law.
Source: ODNR
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