Do not purchase a used vessel/boat or outboard motor without receiving an original title (signed on the front and back) along with a signed bill of sale from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative.
If a legal representative signs the title or bill of sale for the recorded owner(s), you must obtain a copy of the documentation authorizing the legal representative to act on behalf of the owner(s).
Texas Parks and Wildlife is not authorized to register or title boat trailers. Those are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles through your local County Tax offices.
Please be advised, at this time TPWD offices are unable to accept credit cards for all boat and outboard motor transactions.
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated
281 N. Willis
Abilene, TX 79603
(325) 673-3333
203 W. Eighth, Suite 200
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-8900
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 389-4828 or toll free (800) 262-8755
5655 Eastex Freeway, Suite A
Beaumont, TX 77708
(409) 892-8666
5460 Paredes Line Road, Suite 201
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 546-1952
301 Main St, Suite D
Brownwood, TX 76801
(325) 646-0440
12815 FM 2154 (Wellborn Road), Suite 160
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 696-4148
5541 Bear Lane, Suite 232
Corpus Christi, TX 78405
(361) 289-5566
401 East Franklin, Suite 520
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 834-7050
5400 Airport Freeway, Suite E
Haltom City, TX 76117
(817) 831-3128
346 Oaks Trail, Suite 100
Garland, TX 75043
(972) 226-9966
350 North Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77060
(281) 931-6471
10101 Southwest Freeway, Suite 206
Houston, TX 77074
(713) 779-8977
309 Sidney Baker South
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 257-7611
12007 Delany Road
LaMarque, TX 77568
(409) 933-1947
5119 Bob Bullock Loop
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 718-1087
1702 Landmark Lane, Suite 1
Lubbock, TX 79415
(806) 761-4930
Old Texas Plaza
4100 S. Medford Drive, Suite 204B
Lufkin, TX 75901
(936) 632-1311
4500 W. Illinois, Suite 307
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 520-4649
212 S. Johnson
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
(903) 572-7966
715 S. Highway 35
Rockport, TX 78382
(361) 790-0312
580 W. Sixth St
Rusk, TX 75785
(903) 683-2511
3407 S. Chadbourne
San Angelo, TX 76904
(325) 651-4844
2391 NE Loop 410, Suite 409
San Antonio, TX 78217
(210) 348-7375.
3615 South General Bruce Drive
Temple, TX 76504
(254) 778-8913
11942A FM 848, Ste 100
Tyler, TX 75707
(903) 534-0388
2805 N. Navarro, Suite 600-A
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 575-6306
1601 E. Crest Drive
Waco, TX 76705
(254) 867-7951
4822 Kemp Blvd, Suite 1300
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
(940) 723-7327
It is recommended that a customer call prior to their visit to the office to determine the hours of operation and which boat transactions are accepted (title transfers within or outside of the county or boat registrations).
703 N Mallard, Suite 104
Palestine, TX 75801
(903) 723-7858
403 12th St
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-3731
211 Jackson St
Bastrop, Tx 78602
(512) 581-7161
411 East Houston St
Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 621-1550 option 3
101 E Cypress
Johnson City, TX 78636
(830) 868-7178
710 James Bowie Dr
New Boston, TX 75570
(903) 628-6730
451 North Valasco St, Courthouse Annex W
Angleton, TX 77515
(979) 864-1320
110 S Main St, Room 101
Lockhart, TX 78644-2705
(512) 398-1830
211 S. Ann St
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 553-4433
115 North Ave, Suite B
Pittsburg, TX 75686
(903) 856-3391
119 Kaufman St
Linden, TX 75563
(903) 756-5513
318 Spring St, Rm 102
Columbus, TX 78934
(979) 732-2710
112 S. Dixon
Gainesville, TX 76240
(940) 668-5425
205 N Seguin
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-1353
201 S. 7th St
Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-5911 X262
200 W. Dallas Avenue
Cooper, TX 75432
(903) 395-4400 X228
100 W. Main, Suite 101
Eastland, TX 76448
(254) 629-2211
125 Bridge St, Room 102
Marlin, TX 76661
(254) 883-1436
151 N Washington St Rm 107
La Grange, TX 78945
(979) 968-3164
1317 Eugene Heimman Cir
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-3710
722 Moody Ave
Galveston, TX 77550
(877) 766-2284
101 W. Main St, Room 104
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-6519
427 Saint George St, Suite 100
Gonzales, TX 78629
(830) 672-2841
205 N. Russell, Room 101
Pampa, TX 79066
(806) 669-8018
100 W. Houston
Sherman, TX 75091
(903) 813-4270
101 E. Methvin, Suite 215
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 236-8417
270 FM 149 Rd W
Anderson, TX 77830
(936) 873-4465
307 W. Court, Suite 102
Seguin, TX 78156
(830) 379-2315
200 W. Houston, Room 108
Marshall, TX 75671
(903) 935-8411
400 Main
Canadian, TX 79014
(806) 323-6661
80 Waco St
Hillsboro, TX 76645
(254) 582-4000
1410 W. Pearl St
Granbury, TX 76408
(817) 579-3295
128 Jefferson St. Suite. D
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
(903) 438-4067
401 E. Goliad
Crockett, TX 75835
(936) 544-3255
2500 Stonewall St
Greenville, TX 75403
(903) 408-4000
Fifth and Main
Stinnett, TX 79083
(806) 878-4005
209 N. Parkview
Mertzon, TX 76941
(325) 835-7771
115 W. Main, Room 102
Edna, TX 77957
(361) 782-3473
160 N Wheeler St
Jasper, TX 75951
(409) 384-4684
2 Mill St, Suite B
Cleburne, TX 76033
(817) 558-0122
101 Courthouse Sq. 1st Floor
Anson, TX 78501
(325) 823-2437
201 E. San Antonio, Suite 105
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 249-9343 x271
501 S. Ann
Brackettville, TX 78832
(830) 563-2688
231 Lamar
Paris, TX 75460
(903) 737-2423
404 N Texana St
Hallettsville, TX 77964
(361) 798-3601
155 N Cass St, 2nd Floor
Centerville, TX 75833
(903) 536-2543
1923 Sam Houston
Liberty, TX 77575
(936) 336-4629
101 W Main, Suite 102
Madisonville, TX 77864
(936) 348-2654
114 W. Austin St, Suite 100
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-3281
1700 Seventh St, Room 203
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 244-7670
302 W. Commerce St
Brady, TX 76825
(325) 597-7607
1102 15th St
Hondo, TX 78861
(830) 741-6120
2110 North A Street, Suite 111
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 688-4810
400 N San Jacinto St
Conroe, TX 77301
(936) 539-7897
113 E. Court St
Newton, TX 75966
(409) 379-5744
123 S. Sixth St
Orange, TX 77630
(409) 882-7975
520 Oak, Courthouse, Room 107
Palo Pinto, TX 76484
(940) 659-1270
1112 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6139
416 N. Washington Ave
Livingston, TX 77351
(936) 327-6801
101 E. Rusk, Suite 101
Rockwall, TX 75087
(972) 204-6130
201 S. Broadway
Ballinger, TX 76821
(325) 365-2339
202 S. Main
Henderson, TX 75652
(903) 657-0338
213 Market St, Courthouse Annex
Hemphill, TX 75948
(409) 787-2257
200 San Augustine St
Center, TX 75935
(936) 598-8172
107 NE. Vernon
Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254) 897-2419
500 W. Main St, Room 106
Brownfield, TX 79316
(806) 637-7534
215 W 1st St
Groveton, TX 75845
(936) 642-1637
1001 W. Bluff St
Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-2734
215 N. Titus St
Gilmer, TX 76544
(903) 843-3088
100 N. Getty St, Suite 8
Uvalde, TX 78801
(830) 278-3225
309 Mill St
Del Rio, TX 78841
(830) 774-7532
400 S. Allen St, Suite102
Monahans, TX 79756
(432) 943-2546
401 Main
Wheeler, TX 79096
(806) 826-3131
1700 Wilbarger, Room 17
Vernon, TX 76384
(940) 552-9341
1 Library Ln
Floresville, TX 78114
(830) 393-7313
404 W. Walnut
Decatur, TX 76234
(940) 627-3304
301 E. Goode
Quitman, TX 75783
(903) 763-2261
Avenue G and Cowboy Way
Plains, TX 79355
(806) 456-7491
516 Fourth St, Room 101
Graham, TX 76450
(940) 549-1393
200 E. 7th Ave, Suite 226
Zapata, TX 78076
(956) 765-9971
FAQs
Where do you put the registration sticker on a boat motor? ›
You should attach it to the both sides of your boat/vessel, three inches apart from your vessel registration number. Your registration sticker must be clearly visible at all times. Please do not place any numbers, letters, or devices near the registration sticker (other than your vessel registration number).
Can I use my boat while waiting on registration in Georgia? ›After payment, owners receive a temporary (60 day) authorization number that allows use of the boat in Georgia waters until the decals and registration card arrive.
Can I use my boat while waiting on registration in Texas? ›A: Yes, if the boat is registered in the customer's name, they can operate the vessel for up to 90 consecutive days with current out-of-state registration.
How do I prove I own a boat? ›You will need to see a bill of sale from the owner of the boat to the boatyard, or something that is a proof of title to the boat for the yard selling it. Ideally, you would have something that shows the boat did indeed belong to the previous owner.
Where on the boat are registration numbers placed? ›Vessel registration and display
Vessel owners must display registration numbers and decals on the vessel's bow as shown. Vessel registration numbers must be visible from the outside of the vessel.
The registration number and validation decals must be displayed as follows. Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel. Number must read from left to right on both sides of the bow. Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
Can you carry a gun on a boat in Georgia? ›Boating, Drinking, and Guns: What is the Law in GEORGIA? - YouTube
Can passengers drink on a boat in Georgia? ›It is not a criminal offense to consume alcohol on a water vessel if you are a passenger and do not take over the controls. It is also not illegal for the person operating the boat to have alcohol in their system, as long as their BAC level does not reach 0.08 percent or greater.
Can I register a boat in Alabama with just a bill of sale? ›Boat Registration Requirements: If it is a new boat, a bill of sale is needed. No title is required for boats in the State of Alabama. If it is a used boat, a bill of sale and the last boat registration certificate is required.
Can I register a boat in Texas without a title? ›If you're registering a boat in Texas with no title, you'll have to first complete the appropriate form on the Texas Parks and Wildlife site to replace a lost of destroyed Texas title.
How long do you have to register a boat in Texas? ›
You must transfer your registration and title within 90 days and pay use tax or new resident tax, as applicable, within 45 working days. I bought a boat and/or outboard motor that's registered and/or titled in another state.
How long is Texas boat registration good for? ›A Texas boat registration is valid for two years.
Do pleasure craft need to be registered? ›A licence or registration is mandatory for all pleasure craft equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more, including personal watercraft, which are principally maintained or operated in Canada.
What documents do you get when buying a boat? ›A boat should have a bill of sale, a builder's certificate, declaration of conformity, and full or part service history. Check that the seller is the owner and that all documents are registered to the correct address.
Can you sell a boat without a bill of sale? ›Selling a boat cannot happen without paperwork. If you are selling the boat yourself, be sure to write a bill of sale that includes the price, buyer and seller names, addresses and driver's license numbers, boat type and size, registration numbers, and the main equipment list.
Where must a vessel's registration number and expiration decal be displayed? ›Registration decals show the expiry date and must be displayed within 3 inches of the registration number on each side of the watercraft, toward the stern and in line with the numbers. You must display only current registration decals and remove any expired ones. The decals are valid for 2 years.
Where do the letters go on a boat? ›Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen equal to the letter width: FL 3717 ZW or FL-3717-ZW. Decal must be affixed to the port (left) side of the vessel within six inches of the registration number.
How do you affix a boat registration number? ›Registration stickers must be securely affixed three inches aft of, and in line with, the registration numbers. The number must be visible from each side of the vessel. No other numbers, letters or devices may be placed in the vicinity of the state-assigned number.
Where can the registration numbers be displayed on a displacement hull? ›Registration number
It must be displayed: on both sides of the hull, or on the transom if it's a sailing boat. in solid and clear text, in contrasting colour to the hull. in numerals and uppercase letters.
A pleasure craft licence provides a unique identification number - commonly referred to as the "licence number" - that an owner of a pleasure craft must display on the bow. This number helps law enforcement and search and rescue officials trace a pleasure craft to its owner.
Where must the validation sticker be placed on a vessel quizlet? ›
Terms in this set (60) How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? Both sides of the bow of the boat.
Can you live aboard a boat in Georgia? ›Though there are a million different ways to live in the State of Georgia, one way has been expressly forbidden: living on a boat. In 1992, the Georgia legislature made it illegal to spend more than 30 days on a boat in one calendar year.
Is Georgia a stand your ground state? ›According to Georgia's Stand Your Ground law, O.C.G.A. § 16-3-23.1, A person who uses threats or force relating to the use of force in defense of self, others, habitation, or other property has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use force, including deadly force.
Can you open carry in Georgia without a license? ›Is Georgia an open carry state? Georgia is an open carry state, allowing any lawfully owned handgun to be carried openly or concealed in most public spaces and without any permit.
Can you drink beer while fishing in Georgia? ›Georgia law only requires children under 13 years of age to wear a life jacket. Georgia law is clear: don't drink and boat, even during the holiday weekends.
Can you drink beer in the back seat Georgia? ›To comply with Section 154, Georgia's open container law must prohibit both possession and consumption of any alcoholic beverage container within the passenger area of any motor vehicle, including the unlocked glove compartment and any area readily accessible by the driver or passengers while seated.
Do you have to have a fire extinguisher on a boat in Georgia? ›People must wear a PFD while being towed that is properly fitted and fastened. Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher on board that is in working condition and is easily accessible. Non-motorized boats are not required to have fire extinguishers on board.
Can you claim an abandoned boat in Alabama? ›Vessels found adrift are covered under Alabama Code (§ 35-13-1) of the state's salvage laws, which state that any person may take up and secure “all property adrift”.
What documents do you need to register a boat in Alabama? ›What do I need to bring to register a vessel purchased from an individual in Alabama? Bill of Sale that includes: (with seller's signature notarized; and complete description of the vessel including the HIN, year, make and model, serial number of the motor and horse power of the motor.
How many days do you have to register a boat in Alabama? ›There is a 72 hour grace period for the registration of a new boat. If you purchase a used boat that is currently registered in Alabama, you must make application for transfer within 15 calendar days of purchase.
Do outboard motors need a title in Texas? ›
The following vessels/boats and outboard motors must be titled: All motorized vessels, regardless of length (including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine); All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer; and. All internal combustion (gasoline/diesel/propane powered) outboard motors.
Can I get a title with a bill of sale for a boat in Texas? ›The purchaser must obtain the signed title along with a bill of sale and should complete the rest of the application and sign. Do NOT purchase a used boat or motor without obtaining a signed title and a bill of sale from the titled seller or their legal representative (obtain copy of authorizing document).
Does a boat bill of sale have to be notarized in Texas? ›Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Texas? The state of Texas does not require a notary public's certification for boat sales but it is generally a good idea to have a notary or witness to a sale in order to confirm the transaction has taken place.
Is insurance required for a boat in Texas? ›While Texas does not require you to obtain boat insurance to operate your watercraft, this does not mean you should go without protection or coverage. Similar to the benefits of car insurance and risks of the open road, accidents do happen on the water.
How much are taxes on a boat in Texas? ›The boat and boat motor sales and use tax rate is 6.25 percent. The tax is based on the sale price less any allowance for the trade-in of another boat or boat motor. The total amount of boat sales tax collected on each sale of a taxable boat or boat motor may not exceed $18,750.
Do you need a license to own a boat in Texas? ›Yes, if you're born on or after September 1, 1993, you will need a boating license. If you are born before that date, you do not need a boating license. You'll need a boating license for all motorized vessels—including personal watercraft like jet skis—and for non-motorized vessels longer than 14 feet.
Can you drink on a boat in Texas? ›Does the "Open Container" law apply when I'm in my boat? No. This law, effective 9/1/2001, prohibits the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. It does not apply to watercraft.
Can you drive a boat at night in Texas? ›In addition to those requirements, it is unlawful for any person to: (1) operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise); (2) operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, plat- form, person, object, or shore except at headway speed (headway speed—slow, idle speed, or speed only fast enough to maintain ...
How much is insurance on a boat in Texas? ›The average cost of boat insurance in Texas is typically highly reasonable. However, the average cost of a personal boat insurance coverage in Texas is $348 per year, while the national average is $500 to $1,000.
What is required to operate a boat in Texas? ›Successful completion of a TPWD-certified boater education course and possession of a valid photo I.D. are required for any person born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate: a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower; or. a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.
Do you have to register a boat trailer in Texas? ›
If your manufactured trailer's gross weight exceeds 4,000 lbs., it must be titled. Submit the following documents to your county tax assessor-collector office: A completed Application for Texas Title and or Registration (Form 130-U) Applicable fees.
What forms are needed to register a boat in Texas? ›- Fee Chart (PDF 430.2 KB )
- Basics to Boat Transactions.
- PWD 143. (PDF 259.5 KB ) - Save the PDF form to your computer before completing or printing it; do not fill out the form in a web browser.
- PWD 143M. ...
- PWD 144. ...
- PWD 144M. ...
- PWD 231 (PDF 210.8 KB )
- PWD 310 (PDF 142 KB )
Vessel Description | Vessel Class | Fee |
---|---|---|
16 feet but less than 26 feet in length | Class 1 | $53 |
26 feet but less than 40 feet in length | Class 2 | $110 |
40 feet or more in length | Class 3 | $150 |
Livery Boat less than 16 feet in length | Class A | $32 |
No. This law, effective 9/1/2001, prohibits the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle. It does not apply to watercraft.
Can you operate a boat at night Texas? ›All operational rules for regular motorboats also apply to PWC. In addition to those requirements, it is unlawful for any person to: Operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise).
Can you drive a boat at night in Texas? ›In addition to those requirements, it is unlawful for any person to: (1) operate PWC at night (sunset until sunrise); (2) operate PWC within 50 feet of another PWC, motorboat, vessel, plat- form, person, object, or shore except at headway speed (headway speed—slow, idle speed, or speed only fast enough to maintain ...
Can you register a trailer with a bill of sale and no title in Texas? ›Individuals must provide proof of ownership. New trailers must be registered using form VTR-141. Used trailers with a gross weight in excess of 4,000 pounds must have a certificate of title, and used trailers with a weight below or equal to 4,000 pounds must have a Bill of Sale plus the registration receipt.
Do all boat motors have titles? ›Generally, every sail-powered vessel over eight feet in length and every motor-driven vessel (regardless of length) that is not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard which is used or on the waters of this state are subject to registration (California Certificate of Ownership (title)) by the Department of Motor Vehicles ( ...
Do you need a title for a jon boat in Texas? ›In Texas, pretty much every single boat on the water must be registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife office. All motorized vessels regardless of length (including sailboats with an auxiliary engine) as well as all non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet or longer must be registered.
Do you need a title for an outboard motor in Texas? ›The following vessels/boats and outboard motors must be titled: All motorized vessels, regardless of length (including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine); All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer; and. All internal combustion (gasoline/diesel/propane powered) outboard motors.
How much are taxes on a boat in Texas? ›
The boat and boat motor sales and use tax rate is 6.25 percent. The tax is based on the sale price less any allowance for the trade-in of another boat or boat motor. The total amount of boat sales tax collected on each sale of a taxable boat or boat motor may not exceed $18,750.
How much is insurance on a boat in Texas? ›The average cost of boat insurance in Texas is typically highly reasonable. However, the average cost of a personal boat insurance coverage in Texas is $348 per year, while the national average is $500 to $1,000.
How do I claim an abandoned boat in Texas? ›Under Texas Parks & Wildlife Code § 31.0466, if a person finds an abandoned vessel on their property they can apply for a certificate of title through the Department of Parks and Wildlife, providing they report the vessel as abandoned to local law enforcement through certified mail at least 30 days prior to filing an ...
How do you put Texas numbers on a boat? ›Placement of TX Number and Decal on Vessels
The TX number must be painted on, or otherwise attached to, each side of the forward half of the vessel, in such position as to provide easy identification.
Game Warden Inspection - is required to register and title a homemade vessel. Affidavit for Proof of Ownership of Vessel or Outboard Motor (Form PWD 736 - available only at TPWD locations) must be completed by the applicant and then signed by the Game Warden at the time of the inspection.