When the Chief of the Division of Watercraft issues a registration certificate under Ohio R.C. 1547.54, he also shall issue to the applicant two tags not larger than three inches square, color coded, indicating the expiration date of the certificate. The owner of watercraft currently documented by the United States Coast Guard and for which a registration certificate is issued shall securely affix one tag to the watercraft's port side and the other tag to the starboard side, so that the tags are clearly visible under normal operating conditions. The owner of any other watercraft for which a registration certificate is issued shall securely affix one tag to the watercraft's port side six inches toward the stern from the identification number, and the other tag to the starboard side, six inches toward the stern from the identification number. The tags shall be securely affixed to the watercraft prior to its operation. A person may operate without a registration certificate, for a period not to exceed thirty days, any watercraft required to be titled on the waters in this State, if he has in his possession on the watercraft a dealer's dated bill of sale or, in the case of a casual sale, a notarized bill of sale.
The owner of every watercraft requiring numbering by this State shall attach to each side of the bow of the watercraft the permanent identification number in such manner as may be prescribed by applicable federal standards in order that it shall be clearly visible. The number shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times. No number other than the number assigned to a watercraft or granted by reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be painted, attached, or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of the watercraft.
(ORC 1547.57)