OH · State boating guide

Ohio
boating laws

Last verified October 28, 2026

At a glance

Boater card: Required for specified operators; operators born on or after January 1, 1982, running a powercraft with more than 10 horsepower
Operating age: Under 12: may operate a vessel only under the direct visual and audible supervision of someone 18 or older, and a powercraft over 10 hp only with that supervisor on board (holding a certificate if born on or after January 1, 1982). PWC: no one under 16, except ages 12 to 15 with a supervising person 18 or older on board.
Life-jacket age rule: Children under 10 must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket on any vessel under 18 feet.
BUI / BAC limit: 0.08 BAC
Registration fee: $12.00–$90.00; Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
Registration term: 3 years

The short answer

Do I need a boating license in Ohio?

Boating education certificate is required for operators born on or after January 1, 1982, running a powercraft with more than 10 horsepower.

Confirm with Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Watercraft ↗

Ohio requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to complete a NASBLA-approved boating course or proficiency exam before operating a powercraft over 10 horsepower. Almost every watercraft, including canoes and kayaks, must be registered, and registration lasts three years. Everyone on a personal watercraft must wear a life jacket, children under 10 must wear one on boats under 18 feet, and the impaired-operation limit is 0.08 BAC.

Before you operate

Boater education & operating age

Ohio boater education requirements
Requirement	Details
Education required	Yes — see who needs a card below
Who needs a card	operators born on or after January 1, 1982, running a powercraft with more than 10 horsepower
Card or certificate	Boating education certificate
Minimum operating age	Under 12: may operate a vessel only under the direct visual and audible supervision of someone 18 or older, and a powercraft over 10 hp only with that supervisor on board (holding a certificate if born on or after January 1, 1982). PWC: no one under 16, except ages 12 to 15 with a supervising person 18 or older on board.
Out-of-state cards	Ohio accepts completion of any safe boater course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), or a proficiency exam based on that curriculum. Holders of a valid USCG merchant mariner credential with a master or operator endorsement are exempt. Operators who are stopped have 72 hours to show the certificate.

Find an officially approved course

Your boat’s paperwork

Boat registration & fees

Every watercraft used on Ohio waters, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and inflatables, unless exempt. Sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards and float tubes are exempt. Registration is valid for three years, and agents add a $3 writing fee; non-powered watercraft also pay a $5 waterways conservation assessment.

Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (numbered)$12.00
Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (not numbered)$17.00
Less than 16 feet (Class A), including motorized canoes$30.00
16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1)$45.00
26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2)$60.00
40 to less than 65 feet (Class 3)$75.00
65 feet or more (Class 4)$90.00

Registration fee data and sources

Ohio registration fees · USD
Boat / fee category	Fee	Term	Source
Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (numbered)	$12.00	3 years	Official source: Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (numbered) ↗
Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (not numbered)	$17.00	3 years	Official source: Canoe, rowboat or inflatable (not numbered) ↗
Less than 16 feet (Class A), including motorized canoes	$30.00	3 years	Official source: Less than 16 feet (Class A), including motorized canoes ↗
16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1)	$45.00	3 years	Official source: 16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1) ↗
26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2)	$60.00	3 years	Official source: 26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2) ↗
40 to less than 65 feet (Class 3)	$75.00	3 years	Official source: 40 to less than 65 feet (Class 3) ↗
65 feet or more (Class 4)	$90.00	3 years	Official source: 65 feet or more (Class 4) ↗

Published registration fees in USD. Bar lengths compare the listed amounts; terms and official sources appear in the data table below.

Registration details from the agency

Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules

Everyone on a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket used according to its label.
If the PWC has a lanyard engine cut-off switch, the operator must attach the lanyard to themselves, their clothing or their life jacket.
No PWC operation between sunset and sunrise.
No one under 16 may operate a PWC, except ages 12 to 15 with a supervising person 18 or older on board (who must hold a boating certificate if born on or after January 1, 1982).

Towing & watersports

A person other than the operator, at least 10 years old, must be in the boat watching the person being towed at all times.
No water skiing, tubing or similar towing between sunset and sunrise without a special permit.
Anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved life jacket designed for towed watersports (barefoot skiers may wear a barefoot wet suit instead).
Where a ski zone has been established, towing must stay inside it (except on the Ohio River and Lake Erie).

Life jacket rules

Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket of the right size for each person on board, readily accessible.
Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry one throwable device.
Children under 10 must wear a USCG-approved wearable life jacket on any vessel under 18 feet.

Boating under the influence

Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.

At a glance

Boater education applies to anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, running more than 10 hp.
Canoes and kayaks need registration in Ohio; paddleboards do not.
Registration lasts three years and starts at $12.
No PWC riding between sunset and sunrise.

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