Ohio Revised Code Title XV. Conservation of Natural Resources § 1547.65

(A) A watercraft constructed on or after November 1, 1972, shall have a hull identification number permanently displayed and affixed to it in accordance with federal law.

(B) A watercraft constructed before November 1, 1972, shall have a hull identification number assigned to it by the chief of the division of parks and watercraft at the time of registration, at the time of application for title, after transfer of ownership, or at the time of a change to this state as the principal location of operation. The number shall be permanently displayed and affixed as prescribed by rules.

(C) A person who builds a watercraft or imports a watercraft from another country for personal use and not for the purpose of sale shall request a hull identification number from the chief and permanently display and affix the number as prescribed by rules.

(D) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any watercraft on the waters in this state in violation of this section.