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. The very first Alternative Registration decal will display the 7-character OH number. Renewed Alternative Registrations will display a different decal number that is linked to the OH number in the database of boat registrations.
Cost
The registration fee is $17 plus a $3 writing fee plus a $5 waterway conservation fee, for a total of $25 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 $25 made payable to ODNR Division of Watercraft
- A Certified Watercraft Alternative Registration Application [DNR 8474; 200k 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])
 The renewed alternative decal looks different than the "new" alternative registration decal, but it serves the same purpose and has the same rules for display. Be sure to remove any old decals before placing the renewal decal.
Getting a Replacement Decal
Replacement decals cost $4. The procedure for replacing your Alternative decal is the same as for replacing a traditional decal. See "Common Questions > Need a Replacement Registration or Decal." (Duplicate Order Blank [DNR 8456, 205k 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.
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1
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Affixed in the upper right corner of the transom so that the tag does not interfere with the legibility of the hull identification number
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2
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Affixed on a deck on the rear half of the vessel
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3
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Affixed on the outside below the port side gunnel
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4
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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
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