Canoeing in Ohio

Canoeing and paddleboarding continue to grow in popularity. Ohio is in the top five most popular states for canoeing. It is home to over 100 natural lakes and approximately 50,000 small lakes, reservoirs, and small ponds.

Ohio Canoeing Laws Overview

Governing Body – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is the main governing body over laws pertaining to canoeing in Ohio. The ODNR State Parks and Watercraft Division oversees boating laws, rules, local ordinances and registrations.

Canoe Registration – All canoes, including motorized ones, must be registered in Ohio.

Validation – A canoe registration license in Ohio is valid for three years. After three years, and every three years thereafter, canoe owners must renew their registration.

Title – A title is not required for a canoe in Ohio; however, at the time of registration, canoe owners must provide proof of ownership such as the Bill of Sale, a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, a Notarized Receipt, or a signed over registration form from a previous owner.

How is a canoe registered - New canoes must be registered by mail, or in person at a Boat Registration Agent or a Watercraft Office. Call ahead of time to ensure agent availability and to verify accepted forms of payment. Initial registration must be done in person or by mail. Once the canoe is registered, renewals can be done online.

What information is required to complete the canoe registration application - In order to register a canoe in Ohio, boat owners will need to provide the following information:

• Hull Identification Number (HIN) or serial number on the canoe (12-character number)

• Boat number (if the canoe has been previously registered in Ohio and is up for renewal)

• Make of the Canoe

• Length of the Canoe

• Year of Manufacture

• Hull Material

• Boat type / Propulsion type (“manual” for non-motorized canoe), engine type and fuel type (if using a trolling motor)

• Personal Identification (driver’s license or other photo I.D.)

Cost to Register – The cost to register a canoe in Ohio ranges from $20 to $53, depending on whether your craft is non-motorized or motorized, whether it’s a new registration or a renewal, as well as the type of registration the canoe owner chooses (numbered or unnumbered).

What are the registration options - There are two options for registering canoes which are manually propelled:

Traditional Method - The traditional method means that your canoe will be numbered and you will be given square tags which must appear on the outside of your canoe. The fee for this method is less expensive than the alternative method. Numbers that appear on the side of your canoe will be easier to see than the single one tag sticker.

Alternative Method - The alternative method means that your canoe will not be numbered and you will be given only one tag which must be affixed on your canoe. The fee for this method is more expensive than the traditional method. The single tag sticker will be more inconspicuous.

Is a boating license required to operate a canoe - Canoeists are not required to obtain a boating license in Ohio; however, canoeists who operate a canoe with a motor over 10hp (highly unlikely) would require a boating license and a title.

Required Safety Equipment 

Ohio Life Jacket Law – all canoeists are required to carry one type 1, 2, 3, or 5 US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard the craft.

Ohio Fire Extinguisher Law – Canoeists are required to carry a fire extinguisher if the boat is employing a gas-powered motor.

Ohio Visual Distress Signal Law – A visual distress signal must be carried by all canoeists in Ohio if you will be paddling between sunset and sunrise. Acceptable distress signals are a flashlight or three handheld red flares.

Ohio Navigation Lights Law – In Ohio, if you will be canoeing between sunset and sunrise you must carry an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light in sufficient time to prevent a collision. If at anchor this light must also stay on.

Ohio Sound Signaling Device Law – only mandatory if canoeists will be paddling on Lake Erie, the Ohio River, or the Muskingum River.

Operating Under the Influence – no person is allowed to operate or be in physical control of a canoe while under the influence of alcohol or drugs once the craft is underway