When Do You Have To Register A Boat In Texas

Boat Registration and Titles – Often Asked Questions

Office Locations

Where tin can I get my gunkhole registration/title and outboard motor title candy?
I don't desire to postal service my original documents, what are my options?
What methods of payment are accepted?

Tax

How much is boat / outboard motor tax and when is it due?

Registration

Do I need to register my boat?
How do I renew my registration?
How much does information technology cost to renew my gunkhole registration?

Championship

Do I need to have a Texas title in my name for my boat and outboard motor?
Why does TPWD bear witness a lien on my boat and/or outboard motor if I paid it off?

Replacements – Titles, Registration Decals, Certificate of Number Cards

How exercise I replace a lost or destroyed title for my boat and/or outboard motor?
How practice I replace lost or destroyed registration decals?
How do I go a replacement or additional Document of Number ID Carte du jour?

Out-of-Land

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 gunkhole and/or outboard motor that's registered and/or titled in another state. How practice I transfer ownership and go Texas boat registration/championship and/or Texas outboard motor championship?

Transfer of Ownership

How do I transfer my Texas boat registration/championship and Texas outboard motor title?
How practice I notify TPWD that I have sold/no longer own my boat OR that I accept moved the registration to another land/country?

Possessor and/or Lien Holder Information

How can I go current owner and/or lien holder data on a boat and/or outboard motor?

Ownership History

How tin I become the history on a gunkhole and/or outboard motor?

Accost Changes

How do I modify the address of a boat that is currently registered in my proper noun?

Boat Trailer

Where do I get my gunkhole trailer transferred?

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 practise I transfer my license?
How do I correct or update my marine license?
How exercise I obtain an additional or supercede a lost or destroyed validation menu and decal?

DISCLAIMER: Due to unique situations, the information above may not be all inclusive. If your state of affairs is not specifically discussed, please phone call the Boat Information Hotline at 800-262-8755.

Office Locations

Where can I get my boat registration/title and outboard motor championship processed?

To protect public health and minimize the risks associated with the spread of COVID-19, all customers are highly encouraged to engage in alternatives to doing business in person with TPWD.

Online Gunkhole Registration – Renew registration, obtain replacement documents and more online. See available online boat registration options.
Mail service-in Boat Requests – Mail ownership transfer transaction requests to your nearest TPWD Police Enforcement Office.

All required forms must be completed in full and submitted together with any required application fees, supporting documents, and whatsoever boat/outboard motor taxes due.

Boat Forms
Fee Chart
Tax Estimator

I don't want to mail my original documents, what are my options?

For the quickest processing, new championship/registration transactions, ownership transfers, and other transaction types that cannot be completed online are highly encouraged to be mailed to your nearest TPWD Law Enforcement Role. Unsure about sending original documents through the postal service? We recommend, but do not crave, that transactions are mailed via an bachelor tracking method (USPS delivery confirmation, UPS, FedEx or other delivery service) and that copies of all original documentation sent are made and retained by the sender.
In-person appointments are available at TPWD Law Enforcement Offices.
Contact a participating Tax Assessor-Collector Office to see if your transaction may exist processed there.

What methods of payment are accepted?

Greenbacks, checks and money orders are accepted at all locations. Credit and debit cards are non accepted at TPWD locations for gunkhole related transactions. Acceptance of credit and debit cards at Revenue enhancement Assessor-Collector locations is up to the discretion of each private taxation office location.

Tax

How much is boat / outboard motor tax and when is it due?

TPWD is required by law to collect tax for vessels/boats (115 feet or less in length) and outboard motors purchased in Texas or brought into Texas on or after January ane, 2000.

The taxation rate is 6.25% of the sales price. Use the tax calculator.

Taxation is due:

Within 45 working days from the date of auction or date brought to Texas when purchased on or after September 1, 2019, or
Within xx working days from the date of sale or appointment brought to Texas when purchased prior to September ane, 2019.

Applications filed subsequently the date the revenue enhancement is due are subject to tax penalties and involvement. When mailed, applications are considered "filed" the date they are postmarked.

Notation: TPWD does not have the authority to waive or exempt tax, penalty or interest due. Taxation constabulary and policy is nether the sole authority of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Currently in that location is no extension or waiver for boat / outboard motor tax due to COVID-19. A Taxpayer may submit Course 57-200, Texas Merits for Refund of Boat and Boat Motor Revenue enhancement (PDF) to the Comptroller of Public Accounts to asking a refund of penalty / interest paid.

New Resident Taxation — $15.00. New Resident tax is assessed (not sales or use tax) for owners who previously resided in another country who are bringing their previously titled or registered boat and/or outboard motor from that other state into Texas.

Registration

Practise I need to register my boat?

Yeah. The post-obit vessels (when on Texas public h2o) are required by law to accept electric current registration. This includes vessels that are docked or moored:

All motorized vessels, regardless of length, including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine (motorized boats include boats propelled by a trolling motor); and
All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 anxiety in length or longer; and
USCG documented vessels.

Vessels Exempted from Registration— All non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length), or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown; USCG documented commercial vessels used in littoral shipping; and vessels exceeding 115 feet in length.

How do I renew my registration?

Registration may exist renewed as early every bit ninety days prior to the expiration date.

The owner on TPWD record may renew registration by one of the post-obit methods:

How much does it price to renew my boat registration?

Fees for gunkhole and outboard motor registration are bachelor in the Outdoor Almanac regulations.

Title

Exercise I need to take a Texas title in my proper noun for my boat and outboard motor?

Yes. The following are required to be titled:

All motorized vessels, regardless of length (including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine);
All not-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 anxiety in length or longer; and
All internal combustion (gasoline/diesel/propane powered) outboard motors must exist titled.

Parks and Wildlife Code states:

"SUBCHAPTER B-1. CERTIFICATES OF Championship FOR VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS

Sec. 31.045. Buying OF VESSELS AND OUTBOARD MOTORS; CERTIFICATES OF TITLE.

(a) The ownership of a vessel or of an outboard motor is evidenced past a certificate of title issued past the department, unless the vessel or the outboard motor is new."

Vessels Exempted from Titling — USCG documented vessels, all non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length) or other vessels nether 14 anxiety in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown.

Non-USCG documented vessels that are currently registered and non titled must exist titled when transferred.

Why does TPWD show a lien on my boat and/or outboard motor if I paid it off?

This occurs when TPWD has not been notified that your lien has been satisfied. To notify and remove the lien data, 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 media download (PDF 298.2 KB), and one of the following:

Title with the lien release department signed by the lien holder; or
Section Northward – Release a Lien on the form PWD 403 (PDF 298.two KB) completed by the lien holder and notarized; or
Separate notarized Release of Lien provided by the lien holder.

Submit with required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field function or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector function. TPWD volition mail service a championship to you that does not show a lien.

Standard replacement titles print 21 days after being candy and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters. For an additional fee, you can expedite the printing of a replacement title. Quick titles impress one day later being processed and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters. Fee Nautical chart media download (PDF 430.ii KB)

Replacements – Titles, Registration Decals, Certificate of Number Cards

How do I replace a lost or destroyed title for my boat and/or outboard motor?

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 testify of an involuntary transfer."

The owner of record must apply if at that place is no lien. If at that place 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 use for a replacement title with the lien released by submitting grade PWD 403 media download (PDF 298.ii KB), and one of the following:

Department North – Release a Lien on the form PWD 403 (PDF 298.2 KB) completed past the lien holder and notarized; or
Split up notarized Release of Lien provided past the lien holder.

Submit with required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating Canton Tax Assessor-Collector role.

Standard replacement titles print 21 days after being candy and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters. For an boosted fee, you can expedite the printing of a replacement title. Quick titles print one day after beingness candy and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters. Fee Chart media download (PDF 430.ii KB)

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, you lot may Supersede Decals Online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife or Texas Online website.

Or you may submit course PWD 143M media download (PDF 206.8 KB) with required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wild animals Police force Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector part.

The owner of record may authorize someone to obtain replacement decals for them in person or past mail by completing Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 media download (PDF 314.1 KB).

How exercise I go a replacement or additional Certificate of Number ID Card?

If yous are the possessor of tape, your registration is electric current and you have lost or destroyed your ID Card, OR if you would like additional ID Menu(south) you may Replace or Request Additional ID Card(s) Online through the Texas Parks & Wild animals or Texas Online website.

Or you may submit grade PWD 143M media download (PDF 206.8 KB) with required fees to Texas Parks & Wild animals Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field function or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector role.

The possessor of tape may authorize someone to obtain replacement or additional ID menu(s) for them in person or past postal service by completing Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 media download (PDF 314.1 KB).

Out-of-Land Registration

Tin I use my boat in Texas if information technology is registered in another state?

If yous have a vessel registered or titled in your name in another state you may operate the vessel up to 90 sequent days with current out-of-state registration.

Utilize tax is due and payable upon arrival in Texas. In lieu of paying utilize tax, a temporary employ tax let may be obtained by submitting form PWD 1434 media download (PDF 147.1 KB)to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wild animals Police force Enforcement field function or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector role.

Separate permits are required for each vessel and/or outboard motor. The fee for each permit is $150.00.

The permit is valid for 90 days and is non-renewable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Only ii temporary use taxation permits may be issued for the aforementioned taxable vessel or taxable outboard motor within a calendar year. The second permit in a agenda year may not be issued before the 30th mean solar day after the engagement the starting time permit expires.

How exercise I register my boat in Texas if it is already registered and/or titled in another state?

If you currently have your vessel registered and/or titled in your name in another state you can transfer the registration/championship to Texas. You must transfer your registration and title within ninety days and pay apply tax or new resident tax, as applicable, inside 45 working days.

Submit the following to obtain Texas registration and title for a vessel:

Submit the following to obtain Texas title for an outboard motor:

I bought a boat and/or outboard motor that's registered and/or titled in another state. How practise I transfer ownership and become Texas boat registration/title and/or Texas outboard motor championship?

The seller must:

The purchaser must:

Complete the remainder of the awarding in the new owner's name, sign and date;
Submit verification of the serial numbers by completing form PWD 504 (PDF 62 KB) (with pencil tracing or photograph of the gunkhole hull identification/serial number AND/OR motor identification/serial number); and
Submit application(s), assigned registration/title(s), supporting documents, required fees and tax within 45 days to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Police Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector part.
Applications for transfer of championship and ownership must exist filed not afterward than 45 working days from date of buy, or tax penalties and interest will be applied.

Transfer of Ownership

How do I transfer my Texas boat registration/title and Texas outboard motor championship?

Purchasing Used Vessels/Outboard Motors – Do NOT purchase a used vessel/gunkhole or outboard motor without receiving an original title (signed on the front and back) forth with a signed pecker of sale from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative. If a legal representative signs the title or nib of sale for the recorded owner(south), yous must obtain a copy of the documentation authorizing the legal representative to act on behalf of the owner(due south). Texas Parks and Wildlife is not authorized to register/title boat trailers, those are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles through your local County Tax offices.

The seller must:

Complete the tax affidavit portion of the Vessel/Gunkhole Application form PWD 143 (PDF 259.v KB) and/or Outboard Motor Application class PWD 144 (PDF 261.four KB), sign and date each form; and
If the vessel/boat or outboard motor is required to be titled, the seller must provide ane of the following in their name:
- MSO (if make new);
- Texas title; or
- Out of state title/registration (whichever is required past the previous state)
On the back of the MSO, championship or out of state title/registration, the seller must print the proper noun of the purchaser, sign, and appointment. Chocolate-brown colored titles (newer format for vessels/boats & motors) have spaces on the back of the championship to fill in for the neb of sale information.
If a hand written pecker of sale is provided instead of on the title or signed revenue enhancement affidavit portion on the PWD 143 and/or PWD 144, list the price of the trailer separately from the price of the vessel/boat and outboard motor. A valid bill of sale must contain the appointment of auction, sales price (excluding trailer), description of the vessel/boat and outboard motor (make, year, and TX or series number), purchaser(s) name(south) and seller(s) signature(s).

The purchaser must:

Obtain the title signed on the back along with a neb of sale.
Complete the rest of the awarding in the new owner's name, sign and date; and
Out of state or not previously titled vessels/boats and motors must verify the serial number (HIN/MIN) by completing course PWD 504 (with pencil tracing or photograph of the vessel/boat hull identification AND/OR motor identification/serial number); and
Submit awarding(s), assigned title(s), supporting documents, required fees and tax within 45 days to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector part.
Applications for transfer of title and buying filed later on than 45 working days from date of purchase are subject field to revenue enhancement penalties and interest.

How practise I notify TPWD that I have sold/no longer own my gunkhole/outboard motor OR that I accept moved the registration/title to another state/country?

The owner on TPWD tape may notify TPWD by using ane of the following methods:

Buying Transfer Notification Online through the Texas Parks & Wild animals website, or
The completed form PWD 1340 (PDF 306.2 KB) tin can be mailed to TPWD Boat Registration, 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX 78744, or faxed to 512-389-4900, or scanned and attached to an e-mail to boat.reg@tpwd.texas.gov.

Parks and Wild fauna Lawmaking states:

Sec. 31.037. Change IN OWNERSHIP INTEREST; NOTICE TO DEPARTMENT.

(a) The recorded possessor of a vessel numbered in this state shall notify the department not afterwards than the 20th day after the date:

of the transfer past sale, donation, souvenir, or other means of all or any part of the owner's interest in the vessel, other than the creation of a security involvement in the vessel;
of the destruction or disposal of the vessel; or
of the permanent removal of the vessel from this state to another state or country.

Possessor and/or Lien Holder Information

How tin can I get the electric current owner and/or lien holder data on a boat and/or outboard motor?

Vessel/gunkhole and outboard motor ownership data is, by law, public data. This information is available online through the Request Ownership Data link on this website. You can search by either a TX number or serial number. This service is bachelor at no price and you volition be required to enter a valid name and address prior to being provided with the information.
Yous can obtain the make, length, expiration date, and confirmation of championship or lien by calling i-800-262-8755 or (512) 389-4828.
If you need an owner or lien holder proper noun and address, and exercise not have either the TX number or serial number, you lot can submit: Form PWD 763 (PDF 263.5 KB) to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Constabulary Enforcement field part or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.

Ownership History

How can I get the history on a boat and/or outboard motor?

Vessel/boat and outboard motor ownership information is, by police, public data and TPWD retains historical documentation for vessels/boats and outboard motors for a menses of 10 years. To obtain the History, which provides a re-create of all documents submitted for transactions on file for a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor, submit:

Form PWD 763 (PDF 263.v KB) and required fees to Texas Parks & Wild animals Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Police force Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector function.
All history requests will be fulfilled by TPWD Austin Headquarters inside 10 days of processing.

Accost Changes

How do I modify the accost of a boat that is currently registered in my proper noun?

Vessel/gunkhole owners are required past law to notify TPWD of address changes. You may Update Address Online at no price through the Texas Parks & Wild animals or Texas Online website.

Or y'all may submit ane of the following:

Form PWD 143M (PDF 206.8 KB). Check item G and complete the new address in particular O; or
Y'all may write a alphabetic character, which includes your vessel/gunkhole TX Number and/or hull/serial identification number, current mailing accost, new mailing address, and signature.

Submit to Texas Parks & Wild animals Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field part or a participating County Taxation Assessor-Collector office.

Note: A new document of number card volition not be printed if the request is submitted without a request for a new ID card and submission of the required fee of $xi.00.

Gunkhole Trailer

Where do I get my gunkhole trailer transferred?

Texas Parks and Wildlife does not have the legal authority to process trailer registration. Please contact your local tax assessor-collector role for assistance with gunkhole trailer registration.

Licensed Marine Dealer, Distributor, or Manufacturer

How practise I become a licensed marine dealer?

To get a licensed dealer, you must exist in the business organization of buying, selling, selling on consignment, displaying for sale, and exchanging vessels or outboard motors at an established or permanent identify of business in the state of Texas. Each location must take 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 media download (PDF 142 KB) must be completed in full and submitted with the post-obit:

Photographs of the business concern sufficient to show the required sign and space;
Copy of the sales revenue enhancement permit;
Verification of assumed names (if applicative);
List of dealer agreements; and
Photocopy of the current commuter'south license of the owner, president, or managing partner of the concern.
Submit application, supporting documents, and required $500.00 fee to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Benefactor and/or Manufacturer Licenses.

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 auction, sell, or process for distribution new vessels or outboard motors to dealers in the state of Texas.

The distributor or manufacturer application form PWD 310 media download (PDF 142 KB) must exist completed in full and submitted with the following:

Verification of causeless names (if applicable);
Complete list of distributors, dealers, and representatives for a manufacturer; or
Consummate list of manufacturers represented past a distributorship.
Submit awarding, supporting documents, and required $500.00 fee to Texas Parks & Wild fauna Headquarters in Austin.

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Distributor and/or Manufacturer Licenses.

How do I renew my marine license?

To renew your license, submit your renewal alphabetic character or a completed application form PWD 310 media download (PDF 142 KB), the $500.00 renewal fee, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names, to Texas Parks & Wild fauna Headquarters in Austin.

Dealers must too submit the following:

Photocopy of the electric current commuter'south license of the possessor, president, or managing partner of the business organisation;
Copy of the sales tax allow; and
List of dealer agreements.

Distributors and manufacturers must also render the post-obit:

Listing of manufacturers represented past a distributorship; or
Listing of distributors, dealers, and representatives.

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Distributor and/or Manufacturer Licenses.

How do I transfer my license?

To a new owner:

To transfer your license to a new owner, consummate in total the marine license application form PWD 310 media download (PDF 142 KB) and submit it along with the $500.00 fee, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names, to Texas Parks & Wild animals Headquarters in Austin

Dealers must also include the following:

Photographs of the business that show the required sign and space;
Re-create of the sales revenue enhancement permit;
Copy of the current driver's license of the possessor, president, or managing partner of the concern; and
List of dealer agreements.

Distributors and manufacturers must also include the following:

Listing 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 media download (PDF 142 KB) and submit it along with the $xi.00 fee, and, if applicative, verification of all causeless names, to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.

Dealers must also include the following:

Photographs of the business that show the required sign and infinite; and
Copy of the sales tax permit.

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Benefactor and/or Manufacturer Licenses.

How do I correct or update my marine license?

To right or update information on your marine license other than buying and location, submit a completed marine license application grade PWD 310 media download (PDF 142 KB) and submit it to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin forth with the $iv.00 fee, and, if applicative, one or more of the post-obit:

Verification of all assumed names
Photographs of the business organisation that evidence the required sign and space
Copy of the sales tax permit
List of dealer agreements
List of manufacturers represented past a distributorship
List of distributors, dealers, and representatives

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Benefactor and/or Manufacturer Licenses.

How practice I obtain an additional or supercede a lost or destroyed validation carte du jour and decal?

If your Marine License is current and yous wish to purchase an additional or supercede a lost or destroyed validation card and decal, submit:

Form PWD 310A media download (PDF 76.nine KB) and required fees to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wild fauna Police Enforcement field part or a participating County Taxation Assessor-Collector office. Fee Chart (PDF 430.2 KB)

DISCLAIMER: Due to unique situations, the data above may non exist all inclusive. If your situation is non specifically discussed, please phone call the Boat Data Hotline at (800) 262-8755.

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