Boat Registration and Titles – Frequently Asked Questions
Notice – Fee Change Effective September 1, 2009 – Fee Chart 
(Word 199.5 KB):
New boat titling, registration and marine licensing fees will be in effect beginning September 1, 2009. Beginning July 1, 2009, the new fees will apply to the renewal of boat registrations and Marine Licenses that expire in or after the month of September. All boat-related transactions occurring after August 31, 2009 will be charged the new fee rates.
- Office Locations
- Forms
- Registration
- Title
- Replacements – Titles, Registration Decals, Certificate of Number Cards
- Out-of-State
- Can I use my boat in Texas if it is registered in another state?
- How do I register my boat in Texas if it is already registered and/or titled in another state?
- I bought a boat and/or outboard motor that's registered and/or titled in another state. How do I transfer ownership and get Texas boat registration/title and/or Texas outboard motor title?
- Transfer of Ownership
- Owner and/or Lien Holder Information
- Ownership History
- Address Changes
- Boat Trailer
- Licensed Marine Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer
- How do I become a licensed marine dealer?
- How do I become a licensed marine distributor or manufacturer?
- How do I renew my marine license?
- How do I transfer my license?
- How do I correct or update my marine license?
- How do I obtain an additional or replace a lost or destroyed validation card and decal?
DISCLAIMER: Due to unique situations, the information above may not be all inclusive. If your situation is not specifically discussed, please call the Boat Information Hotline at (800) 262-8755.
Office Locations
Where can I get my boat registration/title and outboard motor title processed?
The forms must be completed and submitted together with any required application fees, supporting documents, and any boat/outboard motor taxes due to:
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin or
- any of the 27 Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement field offices throughout the state or
- any participating Tax Assessor-Collector Office (Contact your local tax office to confirm that they process boat registration/titles.).
Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin and all of the 27 Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement field offices throughout the state are normally open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Yes. A valid government issued photo identification must be presented at the office by the person submitting the transaction request.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Cash, checks and money orders are accepted at all locations. Credit and debit cards are not accepted at TPWD Locations for boat related transactions. Acceptance of credit and debit cards at Tax Assessor-Collector locations is up to the discretion of each individual tax office location.
Forms
Where can I pick up the required forms?
The forms can be obtained from:
- Specific boat/outboard motor forms can be downloaded (filled in and printed) from the TPWD website.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin or
- any of the 27 Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement field offices throughout the state or
- any participating Tax Assessor-Collector Office (contact your local tax office to confirm if they process boat registration/titles).
- Forms may also be obtained through the fax-on-demand system by calling (800) 262-8755 and selecting menu option 7, or (512) 389-8388.
Registration
Do I need to register my boat?
Yes. The following vessels (when on Texas public water) are required by law to have current registration. This includes vessels that are docked or moored:
- All motorized boats, regardless of length (motorized boats include boats propelled by a trolling motor); and
- All sailboats 14 feet in length or longer or any sailboat with an auxiliary engine(s); and
- USCG Documented vessels.
Exempted vessels — All (non-motorized) canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length) when paddled, poled, or oared; sailboats under 14 feet in length when windblown; USCG documented commercial vessels used in coastal shipping; and USCG documented vessels exceeding 115 feet in length.
How do I renew my registration?
Registration may be renewed as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.
The owner on TPWD record may renew registration by one of the following methods:
- Renew Registration Online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife or Texas Online website. Prior to delivery of the decals, the owner may legally operate the vessel for a period not to exceed 45 days from the date stated on the receipt. The owner must print and carry the receipt during the time period prior to receiving the registration decals. (United States Coast Guard (USCG) documented vessels are not eligible for online registration renewal due to the requirement for a copy of the current USCG documentation as stated under the Texas Administrative Code 31, Section 53.91. Submit a copy of the vessel owner's current USCG documentation using one of the methods listed below); or
- Mail the required fee in the form of check or money order with the renewal notice in the envelope provided; or
- Mail required fee in the form of check or money order with renewal notice, or completed Vessel Maintenance form (PWD 143) (PDF 509.5 KB), or signed written request to TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744; or
- Renew in person by presenting either the renewal notice or a complete PWD 143M (PDF 405.1 KB) at a TPWD Law Enforcement field office or a participating Tax Assessor-Collector office in your area. Only the owner of record can renew the registration. The owner of record may authorize someone to renew their registration for them, by completing a Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 (PDF 333.9 KB). Valid government issued photo identification must be presented at the office by the person submitting the renewal request. Credit and debit cards are not accepted at TPWD Locations. Acceptance of credit and debit cards at Tax Assessor-Collector locations is up to the discretion of each individual location.
How much does it cost to renew my boat registration?
- If your boat is less than 16 feet in length, your fee is $32.00
- If 16 feet but less than 26 feet in length, your fee is $53.00
- If 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length, your fee is $110.00
- If 40 feet in length and over, your fee is $150.00
- Livery boat less than 16 feet in length, your fee is $32.00
Title
Do I need to have a Texas title in my name for my boat and outboard motor?
Yes. The following are required to be titled:
- All motorized boats, regardless of length;
- All sailboats 14 feet in length or longer or any sailboat with an auxiliary engine(s); and
- All internal combustion (gasoline/diesel powered) outboard motors must be titled.
Parks and Wildlife Code states:
“SUBCHAPTER B-1. CERTIFICATES OF TITLE FOR VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS
Sec. 31.045. OWNERSHIP OF VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS; CERTIFICATES OF TITLE.
(a) The ownership of a vessel or of an outboard motor is evidenced by a certificate of title issued by the department, unless the vessel or the outboard motor is new.”
Vessels that are currently registered and not titled must be titled when transferred. Sailboats 14 feet and over will be registered and titled as owners become aware of these requirements. Currently owned untitled outboard motors must be titled when transferred.
Exempted vessels — USCG Documented vessels, all (non-motorized) canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length) when paddled, poled, or oared and sailboats under 14 feet in length when windblown.
Why does TPWD show a lien on my boat and/or outboard motor if I paid it off?
This occurs if either you or your lien holder have not advised TPWD that your lien has been satisfied. To advise and remove the lien information, the owner of record must apply for a replacement title with the lien released by submitting the Request to Release a Lien form PWD 403 (PDF 298.2 KB), and one of the following:
- Title with the lien release section signed by the lien holder; or
- Section N – Release a Lien on the form PWD 403 (PDF 298.2 KB) completed by the lien holder and notarized; or
- Separate notarized Release of Lien provided by the lien holder.
Submit application and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office. TPWD will mail a title to you that does not show a lien.
Replacements – Titles, Registration Decals, Certificate of Number Cards
How do I replace a lost or destroyed title for my boat and/or outboard motor?
- To replace a lost or destroyed Texas title for a vessel/boat, submit form PWD 143M (PDF 405.1 KB).
- To replace a lost or destroyed Texas title for an outboard motor, submit form PWD 144M (PDF 335.8 KB).
Parks and Wildlife Code states:
“Sec. 31.053 TRANSFERS OF VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS
No person may sell, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of an interest in a vessel or an outboard motor without:
(5) delivering to the transferee a certificate of title for the vessel or outboard motor in the name of the transferor and properly endorsed to show the transfer or evidence of an involuntary transfer.”
The owner of record must apply if there is no lien. If there is a lien on our record and the lien has not been paid, the lien holder must apply. If there is a lien on our record and the lien has been paid, the owner of record may apply for a replacement title with the lien released by submitting form PWD 403 (PDF 298.2 KB), and one of the following:
- Section N – Release a Lien on the form PWD 403 (PDF 298.2 KB) completed by the lien holder and notarized; or
- Separate notarized Release of Lien provided by the lien holder.
Submit application and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Standard replacement titles print 21 days after being processed and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters. For an additional fee, you can expedite the printing of a replacement title. Quick titles print one day after being processed and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters.
How do I replace lost or destroyed registration decals?
If you are the owner of record, your registration is current, and your decals have been lost or destroyed, submit:
Form PWD 143M (PDF 405.1 KB); and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
The owner of record may authorize someone to obtain replacement decals for them by completing Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 (PDF 333.9 KB).
How do I get a replacement or additional Certificate of Number ID Card?
If you are the owner of record, your registration is current and you have lost or destroyed your ID Card, OR if you would like additional ID Card(s), submit:
Form PWD 143M (PDF 405.1 KB); and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
The owner of record may authorize someone to obtain replacement or additional ID card(s) for them by completing Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 (PDF 333.9 KB).
Out-of-State Registration
Can I use my boat in Texas if it is registered in another state?
If you have a boat registered or titled in your name in another state you may operate the vessel up to 90 consecutive days with current out-of-state registration.
How do I register my boat in Texas if it is already registered and/or titled in another state?
If you currently have your boat registered and/or titled in your name in another state you can transfer the registration/title to Texas. You must transfer your registration and title within 90 days.
Submit the following to obtain Texas registration and title for a vessel:
- Form PWD 143 (PDF 509.5 KB);
- Form PWD 504 (PDF 241.8 KB) (pencil tracing of hull identification/serial number); and
- Out-of-state title (if title state) OR out-of state registration card (if registration only state)
Submit the following to obtain Texas title for an outboard motor:
- Form PWD 144 (PDF 390 KB)
- Form PWD 504 (PDF 241.8 KB) (pencil tracing of motor identification/serial number); and
- Out-of-state title (if title state)
The seller must:
- Complete the tax affidavit portion of the Vessel Application form PWD 143 (PDF 509.5 KB) and/or Outboard Motor Application form PWD 144 (PDF 390 KB), sign and date each form; and
- Out-of-state title (if title state) or out-of state registration card (if registration only state) must be properly assigned by the seller (seller must sign, date, and show the name of the purchaser).
The purchaser must:
- Complete the rest of the application in the new owner's name, sign and date;
- Submit verification of the serial numbers by completing form PWD 504 (PDF 241.8 KB) (pencil tracing of the boat hull/identification AND/OR motor identification/serial number); and
- Submit application(s), assigned registration/title(s), supporting documents, required fees and tax within 20 working days to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
- Applications for transfer of title and ownership must be filed not later than 20 working days from date of purchase, or tax penalties and interest will be applied.
Transfer of Ownership
How do I transfer my Texas boat registration/title and Texas outboard motor title?
In a private sale, whenever possible, both the seller and buyer should go to the nearest participating office to transfer the boat title and registration and outboard motor title into the name of the purchaser.
Seller – by accompanying the buyer to the local office you are assured that the record is transferred out of your name and future liability for the vessel/outboard motor eliminated. The vessel and/or outboard motor title will remain in your name until a new title is applied for and processed by the local office or through the mail.
Purchaser – you can avoid unwanted surprises about your purchase by having the seller accompany you to the local office. If there are any problems with the title, they may be resolved at that time.
The seller must:
- Complete the tax affidavit portion of the Vessel Application form PWD 143 (PDF 509.5 KB) and/or Outboard Motor Application form PWD 144 (PDF 390 KB), sign and date each form; and
- If the boat or outboard motor is required to be titled, the seller must provide a title in their name and on the back of the title print the name of the purchaser, sign, and date.
The purchaser must:
- Complete the rest of the application in the new owner's name, sign and date; and
- Submit application(s), assigned title(s), supporting documents, required fees and tax within 20 working days to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
- Applications for transfer of title and ownership must be filed not later than 20 working days from date of purchase, or tax penalties and interest will be applied.
Owner and/or Lien Holder Information
How can I get the current owner and/or lien holder information on a boat and/or outboard motor?
- Boat and outboard motor ownership information is, by law, public information. This information is available online through the Request Ownership Information link on this website. You can search by either a TX number or serial number. This service is available at no cost and you will be required to enter a valid name and address prior to being provided with the information.
- You can obtain the make, length, expiration date, and confirmation of title or lien by calling 1-800-262-8755 or (512) 389-4828.
- If you need owner or lien holder name and address, and do not have either the TX number or serial number, you can submit: Form PWD 763 (PDF 263.5 KB) to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Ownership History
How can I get the history on a boat and/or outboard motor?
Boat and outboard motor ownership information is, by law, public information and TPWD retains historical boat/outboard motor documentation for a period of 10 years. To obtain a copy of all documents submitted for transactions on history file for a boat/outboard motor, submit:
- Form PWD 763 (PDF 263.5 KB) and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Address Changes
How do I change the address of a boat that is currently registered in my name?
Boat owners are required by law to notify TPWD of address changes. This can be done at no cost to the customer by submitting one of the following:
- Form PWD 143M (PDF 405.1 KB). Check item G and complete the new address in item O; or
- You may write a letter, which includes your boat TX Number and/or hull/serial identification number, current mailing address, new mailing address, and signature.
Submit to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Note: A new certificate of number card will not be printed if the request is submitted without a request for a new ID card and submission of the required fee of $11.00.
Boat Trailer
Where do I get my boat trailer transferred?
Texas Parks and Wildlife does not have the legal authority to process trailer registration. Boat trailer registration is issued through county tax assessor-collector offices. Please contact your local tax assessor-collector office for assistance.
Licensed Marine Dealer, Distributor, or Manufacturer
How do I become a licensed marine dealer?
To become a licensed dealer you must be in the business of buying, selling, selling on consignment, displaying for sale, and exchanging vessels or outboard motors at an established or permanent place of business in the state of Texas. Each location must have a sign conspicuously displayed showing the name of the dealership so that it may be clearly seen by the public and have sufficient space to maintain an office, service area, and display of products.
The dealer application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB) must be completed in full and submitted with the following:
- Photographs of the business sufficient to show the required sign and space;
- Copy of the sales tax permit;
- Verification of assumed names (if applicable);
- List of dealer agreements; and
- Photocopy of the current driver's license of the owner, president, or managing partner of the business.
- Submit application, supporting documents, and required $500.00 fee to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.
How do I become a licensed marine distributor or manufacturer?
To become a licensed distributor or manufacturer you must be engaged in the business of manufacturing new and unused vessels and outboard motors for the purpose of sale or trade or offer for sale, sells, or processes for distribution new boats or outboard motors to dealers in the state of Texas.
The distributor or manufacturer application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB) must be completed in full and submitted with the following:
- Verification of assumed names (if applicable);
- Complete list of distributors, dealers, and manufacturers; or
- Complete list of manufacturers represented by a distributorship.
- Submit application, supporting documents, and required $500.00 fee to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.
How do I renew my marine license?
To renew your license, submit your renewal letter with a completed application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB), $500.00, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names.
Dealers must also submit the following:
- Photocopy of the current drivers license of the owner, president, or managing partner of the business;
- Copy of the sales tax permit; and
- List of dealer agreements.
Distributors and manufacturers must also return the following:
- List of manufacturers represented by a distributorship; or
- List of distributors, dealers, and representatives.
To a new owner:
To transfer your license to a new owner complete in full the marine license application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB) and submit it along with $500.00, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names.
Dealers must also include the following:
- Photographs of the business that show the required sign and space;
- Copy of the sales tax permit;
- Copy of the current driver's license of the owner, president, or managing partner of the business; and
- List of dealer agreements.
Distributors and manufacturers must also include the following:
- List of manufacturers represented by a distributorship; or
- List of distributors, dealers, and representatives.
To a new location (with the same owner):
To transfer your license to a new location complete the marine license application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB) and submit it along with $11.00, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names.
Dealers must also include the following:
- Photographs of the business that show the required sign and space; and
- Copy of the sales tax permit.
How do I correct or update my marine license?
To correct or update information on your marine license other than ownership and location, submit a completed marine license application form PWD 310 (PDF 569.5 KB) and submit it along with $4.00, and, if applicable, one or more of the following:
- Verification of all assumed names
- Photographs of the business that show the required sign and space
- Copy of the sales tax permit
- List of dealer agreements
- List of manufacturers represented by a distributorship
- List of distributors, dealers, and representatives
How do I obtain an additional or replace a lost or destroyed validation card and decal?
If your Marine License is current and you wish to purchase an additional or replace a lost or destroyed validation card and decal, submit:
Form PWD 310A (PDF 259.5 KB) and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
DISCLAIMER: Due to unique situations, the information above may not be all inclusive. If your situation is not specifically discussed, please call the Boat Information Hotline at (800) 262-8755.
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744