how to get a title for a boat without title

Boat Registration and Titles – Frequently Asked Questions

Office Locations

Where can I get my boat registration/title and outboard motor title processed?
I don't want to mail 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 it cost to renew my boat registration?

Title

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

Replacements – Titles, Registration Decals, Certificate of Number Cards

How do I replace a lost or destroyed title for my boat and/or outboard motor?
How do I replace lost or destroyed registration decals?
How do I get a replacement or additional Certificate of Number ID Card?

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

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

Owner and/or Lien Holder Information

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

Ownership History

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

Address Changes

How do I change the address of a boat that is currently registered in my name?

Boat Trailer

Where do I get my boat 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 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?

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

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

Boat Forms
Fee Chart
Tax Calculator

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

For the quickest processing, new title/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 Office. Unsure about sending original documents through the mail? We recommend, but do not require, that transactions are mailed via an available 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 be processed there.

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.

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 1, 2000.

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

Tax is due:

Within 45 working days from the date of sale or date brought to Texas when purchased on or after September 1, 2019, or
Within 20 working days from the date of sale or date brought to Texas when purchased prior to September 1, 2019.

Applications filed after the date the tax is due are subject to tax penalties and interest. When mailed, applications are considered "filed" the date they are postmarked.

NOTE: TPWD does not have the authority to waive or exempt tax, penalty or interest due. Tax law and policy is under the sole authority of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Currently there is no extension or waiver for boat / outboard motor tax due to COVID-19. A Taxpayer may submit Form 57-200, Texas Claim for Refund of Boat and Boat Motor Tax (PDF) to the Comptroller of Public Accounts to request a refund of penalty / interest paid.

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

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 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 feet 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 coastal shipping; and 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:

How much does it cost to renew my boat registration?

Fees for boat and outboard motor registration are available in the Outdoor Annual regulations.

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 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 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 Exempted from Titling — USCG documented vessels, 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.

Non-USCG documented vessels that are currently registered and not titled must be 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 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 media download (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 with 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.

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. Fee Chart media download (PDF 430.2 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 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 media download (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 with 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.

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 may Replace Decals Online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife or Texas Online website.

Or you may submit form PWD 143M media download (PDF 206.8 KB) with 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 in person or by mail by completing Letter of Authorization form PWD 581 media download (PDF 314.1 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) you may Replace or Request Additional ID Card(s) Online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife or Texas Online website.

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

Out-of-State Registration

Can I use my boat in Texas if it is registered in another state?

If you have a vessel 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.

Use tax is due and payable upon arrival in Texas. In lieu of paying use tax, a temporary use tax permit may be obtained by submitting form PWD 1434 media download (PDF 147.1 KB)to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement field office or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.

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 two temporary use tax permits may be issued for the same taxable vessel or taxable outboard motor within a calendar year. The second permit in a calendar year may not be issued before the 30th day after the date the first permit expires.

How do 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/title to 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.

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 do I transfer ownership and get Texas boat registration/title and/or Texas outboard motor title?

The seller must:

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 62 KB) (with pencil tracing or photograph of the boat 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 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 45 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?

Purchasing Used Vessels/Outboard Motors – 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/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/Boat Application form PWD 143 (PDF 259.5 KB) and/or Outboard Motor Application form PWD 144 (PDF 307.1 KB), sign and date each form; and
If the vessel/boat or outboard motor is required to be titled, the seller must provide one of the following in their name:
- MSO (if brand new);
- Texas title; or
- Out of state title/registration (whichever is required by the previous state)
On the back of the MSO, title or out of state title/registration, the seller must print the name of the purchaser, sign, and date. Brown colored titles (newer format for vessels/boats & motors) have spaces on the back of the title to fill in for the bill of sale information.
If a hand written bill of sale is provided instead of on the title or signed tax 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 date of sale, sales price (excluding trailer), description of the vessel/boat and outboard motor (make, year, and TX or serial number), purchaser(s) name(s) and seller(s) signature(s).

The purchaser must:

Obtain the title signed on the back along with a bill of sale.
Complete the rest of the application 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 form PWD 504 (with pencil tracing or photograph of the vessel/boat hull identification AND/OR motor identification/serial number); and
Submit application(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 office.
Applications for transfer of title and ownership filed later than 45 working days from date of purchase are subject to tax penalties and interest.

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

The owner on TPWD record may notify TPWD by using one of the following methods:

Ownership Transfer Notification Online through the Texas Parks & Wildlife website, or
The completed form PWD 1340 (PDF 306.2 KB) 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 email to boat.reg@tpwd.texas.gov.

Parks and Wildlife Code states:

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

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

of the transfer by sale, donation, gift, or other means of all or any part of the owner's interest in the vessel, other than the creation of a security interest 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.

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?

Vessel/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 an 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?

Vessel/boat and outboard motor ownership information is, by law, public information and TPWD retains historical documentation for vessels/boats and outboard motors for a period of 10 years. To obtain the History, which provides a copy of all documents submitted for transactions on file for a vessel/boat and/or 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.
All history requests will be fulfilled by TPWD Austin Headquarters within 10 days of processing.

Address Changes

How do I change the address of a boat that is currently registered in my name?

Vessel/boat owners are required by law to notify TPWD of address changes. You may Update Address Online at no cost through the Texas Parks & Wildlife or Texas Online website.

Or you may submit one of the following:

Form PWD 143M (PDF 206.8 KB). Check item G and complete the new address in item O; or
You may write a letter, which includes your vessel/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. Please contact your local tax assessor-collector office for assistance with boat trailer registration.

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 media download (PDF 142 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.

PWD 310 Supplemental Information – Rules and statutes pertaining to Dealer, Distributor 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 sale, 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 be completed in full and submitted with the following:

Verification of assumed names (if applicable);
Complete list of distributors, dealers, and representatives for a manufacturer; 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.

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 letter 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 & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.

Dealers must also submit the following:

Photocopy of the current driver's 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.

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, complete in full 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 & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin

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 media download (PDF 142 KB) and submit it along with the $11.00 fee, and, if applicable, verification of all assumed names, to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin.

Dealers must also include the following:

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

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

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 media download (PDF 142 KB) and submit it to Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin along with the $4.00 fee, 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

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

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 media download (PDF 76.9 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. Fee Chart (PDF 430.2 KB)

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.

Top of Page^