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Where You Can RENEW Your Alternative Registration

Beginning in 2008, you can renew your existing Alternative Registration at any Division of Watercraft office. If your Alternative Registration expired in 2006, 2007 or 2008, you also can renew online when Online Registration Renewal is available.

Alternative Registration for Hand-Powered Vessels

Eligible Vessels

All non-motorized rowing shells, racing sculls, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and inflatables are eligible for this option. Hand-powered vessels should NOT use the alternative registration method if there is a possibility of ever using a motor or sail with this vessel.

Description

In lieu of the OH Numbers and registration decals that appear on both port and starboard of the boat, this option consists of a single 3" x 6" decal with a 7-character number assigned to it. Once this number has been assigned to a vessel, it will be maintained with that vessel for its lifetime.

sample of the alternative registration tag; not to size

Cost

The registration fee is $17 plus a $3 writing fee for a total of $20 for three years. These registrations expire on March 1 of the year noted.

Where you can get a NEW Alternative Registration

You can get newly assigned Alternative Registrations through the mail or in person from any Watercraft office.

How to Apply for a NEW Alternative Registration for Hand-powered Vessels

Send or bring the following:

  • Proof of ownership -- Proof of ownership may be a manufacturer's statement of origin, the boat dealer's bill of sale, the previous registration, a receipt, or a notarized Watercraft Affidavit of Ownership (appears on the Certified Watercraft Alternative Registration Application, required, below)
  • Copy of the boat's title, if the boat has a title
  • A check or money order for $20 made payable to ODNR Division of Watercraft
  • A Certified Watercraft Alternative Registration Application [DNR 8474; 21k PDF]

Information you will need to fill in the application includes:

  • The vessel's Hull Identification Number or serial number
  • Previous registration number ("OH" numbers) if any
  • Your name, current mailing address, and driver's license number

If you cannot print out a required form, please email or write us to request it.

For Hull Identification Number requirements and location, please see our fact sheet on HINs.

Another form that you may need in the process of applying for a watercraft registration includes a Power of Attorney for Watercraft Registration Only [DNR 8464, 13K PDF].

Renewing an Alternative Registration

Alternative registrations are good for three years and can be renewed online January through September, or they can be renewed through the mail or in person at any Watercraft office. Renewal notices are sent on ODNR letterhead from Central Office to the address we have listed for you. Please keep ODNR Watercraft apprised of your current address. (Notice of Change of Address/Destruction of Watercraft/Change of Ownership [DNR 8455, 17k PDF])

Where to Attach the Alternative Registration Tag

The alternative registration tag must be displayed in one of the four areas described below and must be visible under normal operating conditions.

       

1

Affixed in the upper right corner of the transom so that the tag does not interfere with the legibility of the hull identification number

 Affixed in the upper right corner of the transom so that the tag does not interfere with the legibility of the hull identification number

2

Affixed on a deck on the rear half of the vessel
Affixed on a deck on the rear half of the vessel

 Affixed on a deck on the rear half of the vessel

3

Affixed on the outside below the port side gunnel
Affixed on the outside below the port side gunnel

4

Affixed on the inside of the vessel on the upper portion
of the starboard side gunnel so that it is visible from
the port side of the vessel
Affixed on the inside of the vessel on the upper portion of the starboard side gunnel so that it is visible from the port side of the vessel