References, Tools & Forms for Boat Titling/Registration

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.

References

Fee Chart – Boat / Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF)

This chart contains an itemized listing of the fees required for all vessel/boat, outboard motor, and marine license transactions.

Vessel/Boat Color Chart (PDF)

Use this color chart to determine which of the available color choices best matches the predominant color, or color that appears the most, on your vessel/boat.

Sample Texas Certificate of Number Card (PDF)

This document provides a sample of the Texas Certificate of Number for a Vessel Card which is provided with vessel/boat registration. A legend describing the information printed on the certificate is also included. The certificate, when issued, is valid through the expiration date shown, must always be aboard the vessel/boat (including USCG documented vessels that require Texas registration), and be available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Basics to Boat Transactions (PDF)

This training document provides the basic legal background information intended to aid TPWD staff or its Agent in understanding basic boat/outboard motor transactions.

This document contains the following:

  • Answers to Common Questions
  • Exemptions
  • Who can do What
  • Differences and Requirements for Titling or Registration or Federal Documentation
  • Requirements under the Law
  • Definitions

Guides to Required Forms and Documents for Specific Transactions

New from Dealer/Manufacturer or New Homemade (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for titling/registration of a brand new boat/outboard motor or a newly built homemade boat.
Not Currently Titled and/or Registered through TPWD (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for titling/registration of a boat/outboard motor which is currently not titled/registered through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Transfer of Boat/Outboard Motor with Existing Title and/or Registration through TPWD (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for transferring ownership of a boat/outboard motor which is titled/registered through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Maintenance of Boat/Outboard Motor with Existing Title and/or Registration through TPWD (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for maintenance events by the existing owner to a boat/outboard motor which is titled/registered through TPWD. Maintenance events include: renewal of registration; replacement of title(s), registration decals or Certificate of Number ID Card; additional ID card(s); and change or correction to name, address or vessel/outboard motor description.
Registration of USCG Documented Vessels (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for registering or transferring registration of a boat/vessel which has been documented through the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
Sold Under Statutory Lien Foreclosure (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for titling/registration of a boat/outboard motor which is being sold for non-payment of storage/mechanic fees.
Sales Tax Only (PDF)
This matrix provides the requirements for paying Sales Tax Only. This applies when the boat/outboard motor is exempt from title and/or registration through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Tools

PWD 930 - Boat/Motor Sales, Use and New Resident Tax Calculator

Calculator used in preparing forms PWD 143 (PDF)   and PWD 144 (PDF). This calculator is used to:

  • Calculate sales tax owed Texas.
  • Calculate penalties for delinquent sales tax payments.
  • Calculate interest for delinquent sales tax payments.

Boat/Motor Online Transactions:
Renew, Replace Decals/Titles, or Update Address Online

  • USCG documented vessels must renew registration in person or by mail due to the requirement to show evidence of current documentation.
  • Vessels/boats with a recorded lien holder are not eligible for replacement titles online.
  • Outboard motors with a recorded lien holder are not eligible for replacement titles online.

Boat/Motor Ownership Online Inquiry

Inquiry provides current ownership information only. Ownership histories must be submitted in person or by mail.

Forms

Form Submission Instructions

  • All blank forms may be copied.
  • When submitting to TPWD all information must be completed and signatures must be original.
  • Complete form in blue or black ink.
  • Submit forms at a TPWD office or participating county tax office.
    • At this time TPWD offices are unable to accept credit cards for all boat/outboard motor transactions.

PWD 143 - Vessel/Boat Application (PDF)
Title and Registration, Registration for USCG, or Sales Tax Only

Save the PDF form to your computer before completing or printing it; do not fill out the form in a web browser.

This form is used to:

  • Apply for Texas title and registration for a brand new vessel/boat.
  • Transfer ownership (registration & title) of a used vessel/boat.
  • Apply for Texas registration for a USCG documented vessel.
  • Pay "sales tax only" on vessels 115 feet and under.

Instructions for completing the application are included with the form. Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) and PWD 930 - Boat/Motor Sales, Use and New Resident Tax Calculator for additional assistance.

PWD 143M - Vessel/Boat Records Maintenance (PDF)

Save the PDF form to your computer before completing or printing it; do not fill out the form in a web browser.

This form is used to:

  • Renew TX vessel/boat registration.
  • Replace a lost or destroyed vessel/boat title.
  • Replace registration decals.
  • Replace Certificate of Number ID Card.
  • Obtain additional Certificate of Number ID Card(s).
  • Make changes or corrections to your name, mailing address or vessel/boat description.

Instructions for completing the application are included with the form. Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

Additional Tool: Renew, Replace Decals/Titles, or Update Address Online

  • USCG documented vessels must renew registration in person or by mail due to the requirement to show evidence of current documentation.
  • Vessels/boats with a recorded lien holder are not eligible for replacement titles online.

PWD 144 - Outboard Motor Application: Title or Sales Tax Only (PDF)

Save the PDF form to your computer before completing or printing it; do not fill out the form in a web browser.

This form is used to:

  • Apply for Texas title for a brand new outboard motor.
  • Transfer ownership (title) of a used outboard motor.
  • Pay "sales tax only" on an outboard motor.

Instructions for completing the application are included with the form. Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) and PWD 930 - Boat/Motor Sales, Use and New Resident Tax Calculator for additional assistance.

PWD 144M - Outboard Motor Records Maintenance (PDF)

Save the PDF form to your computer before completing or printing it; do not fill out the form in a web browser.

This form is used to:

  • Replace a lost or destroyed outboard motor title.
  • Make changes or corrections to your name, mailing address or outboard motor description.

Instructions for completing the application are included with the form. Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

Additional Tool: Replace Title or Update Address Online

Outboard motors with a recorded lien holder are not eligible for replacement titles online.

PWD 231 - Release of Lien for Vessel/Outboard Motor (PDF)

  • The recorded lien holder may release the lien by: signing and dating the face of the negotiable Certificate of Title; completing the Release of Lien form; or completing the "release a lien" section on form PWD 403 (PDF). Separate application form(s) are required for each vessel/boat and outboard motor.
  • Submit with applicable forms(s): PWD 143 (PDF), PWD 144 (PDF), or PWD 403 (PDF).
  • Lien holder signature must be notarized.

PWD 309A - Affidavit of Statutory Lien Foreclosure Sale for Storage or Mechanic's Lien (PDF)

  • This form is completed when transferring ownership to the purchaser of a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor sold due to a storage or mechanic’s statutory foreclosure lien.
  • Detailed information is provided with this form to explain the steps and supporting documentation required to complete the statutory foreclosure lien process.
  • Additional form(s) needed: PWD 143 (PDF) and/or PWD 144 (PDF), PWD 504 (PDF), and PWD 763 (PDF).
  • The Questionnaire Affidavit form must be completed in full, signed, and notarized.

PWD 309B - Affidavit of Statutory Lien Foreclosure Sale by Self-Service Storage Facility (PDF)

  • This form is completed when transferring ownership to the purchaser of a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor sold due to a self-service storage lien.
  • Detailed information is provided with this form to explain the steps and supporting documentation required to complete the statutory foreclosure lien process.
  • Additional form(s) needed: PWD 143 (PDF) and/or PWD 144 (PDF), PWD 504 (PDF), and PWD 763 (PDF).
  • The Questionnaire Affidavit form must be completed in full, signed, and notarized.

PWD 309C - Affidavit of Statutory Lien Foreclosure Sale by Licensed Vehicle Storage Facility (PDF)

  • This form is completed when transferring ownership to the purchaser of a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor sold due to a licensed vehicle storage facility lien.
  • The licensed vehicle storage facility must have acquired the asset(s) from a self-storage facility.
  • Detailed information is provided with this form to explain the steps and supporting documentation required to complete the statutory foreclosure lien process.
  • Additional form(s) needed: PWD 143 (PDF)and/or PWD 144 (PDF), PWD 504 (PDF), and PWD 763 (PDF).
  • The Questionnaire Affidavit form(s) must be completed in full, signed, and notarized.

PWD 310 - Application for Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer License (PDF)

The basic application form used for all Marine License activity including:

  • Original (new) license.
  • Renew license.
  • Transfer license to new owner.
  • Transfer license to new location.
  • Purchase additional Temporary Use Validation Card with Decal Set.
  • Correct or update license information.
  • The application form must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

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

PWD 310A - Application for Marine Licensee Temporary Use Validation Card and/or Decal Set (PDF)

This form is used to:

  • Purchase additional Temporary Use Validation Card with Decal Set.
  • Replace a lost Temporary Use Validation Card.
  • Request a corrected Temporary Use Validation Card.

PWD 312 - Certification for Repossessed Vessel and/or Outboard Motor (PDF)

  • Form used by lien holder to repossess a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor due to owner's failure to meet the terms of their financial obligation.
  • Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF) and/or PWD 144 (PDF).
  • The Certification for Repossessed Vessel and/or Outboard Motor form must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

PWD 314 - Affidavit of Facts

Bonded Title Process (Instructions)
PWD 388 - Statement of Fact for Boat and/or Outboard Motor Bonded Title Review (PDF)

  • This form is used to request the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to consider issuing a bonded title for a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor which does not qualify for standard titling because the properly assigned title and/or required legal documentation cannot be obtained.
  • Detailed instructions are provided with this form to explain the steps and supporting documentation required to complete the bonded title review process.
  • The completed form with support documents will be used to review and assess the circumstance to determine if a bonded title is appropriate.
  • The application and supporting documentation must be mailed to the Austin headquarters for review.  Applications are processed in the order received.
  • Do not send fees with this application.

     

PWD 403 - Request to Release a Lien, Add a New Lien, or Correct a Lien (PDF)

This form is used to make the following changes to lien holder information:

  • Release an existing lien. The lien holder signature must be notarized for release of existing lien.
  • Add a new lien.
  • Correct existing lien information.

Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

PWD 504 - Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (PDF)

  • This form is used to verify the serial number/hull identification number on a vessel or outboard motor.
  • An attempt to trace the serial/identification number is required. If the numbers cannot be read on the tracing, trace it anyway, then write the number below the tracing.
  • Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF), PWD 143M (PDF), PWD 144 (PDF), or PWD 144M (PDF).

PWD 581 - Letter of Authorization (PDF)

  • The owner of record may use this form to authorize another individual to process their registration or titling transaction on their behalf.
  • This form does not function as Power of Attorney.
  • This form does not allow the authorized individual to sign for the owner/applicant.

PWD 738 - Affidavit of Heirship for a Vessel/Boat and/or Outboard Motor (PDF)

  • This form is used when the owner is deceased and left either no will or a will; no application for administration has been filed; and there is no necessity for an administration upon the estate.
  • Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF)  and/or PWD 144 (PDF)
  • The Affidavit of Heirship form must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

PWD 763 - Ownership/Lien Holder Information Printout or Ownership History Report (PDF)

This form is used to:

  • Obtain a computer printout, which provides the current owner/lien holder name, address and vessel/boat and/or outboard motor description.
  • Obtain the History, which provides a copy of all documents submitted for transactions on file for a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor. TPWD retains historical documentation for vessels/boats and outboard motors for a period of 10 years.
  • All history requests will be fulfilled by TPWD Austin Headquarters within 10 days of processing.

Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

Additional Tool: Request Current Ownership Printout Online

(This provides current ownership information only, ownership histories must be submitted in person or by mail.)

PWD 778 - Pawn Shop Affidavit (PDF)

  • This form is used when a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor has been left as unredeemed pledged goods at a pawn shop. Separate application forms are required for each vessel/boat and outboard motor.
  • The pawn shop is required to title the vessel/outboard motor in the pawn shop's name before selling (unless the pawn shop is a licensed Marine Dealer).
  • Additional form(s) needed: PWD 143 (PDF)  and/or PWD 144 (PDF) .
  • The Pawn Shop Affidavit must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

PWD 790 - Rights of Survivorship Ownership Agreement for a Vessel and/or Outboard Motor (PDF)

  • This form is used when two or more persons enter into a Rights of Survivorship agreement. The vessel/boat and/or outboard motor is then jointly owned (co-owned) by those persons, which shall be effective as of the date this form is signed and notarized. If one or more of the persons that completed the Rights of Survivorship agreement dies, ownership of the vessel/boat and/or outboard motor will vest in and belong to the surviving owner(s).
  • Upon completion of this form, two options are available:
    • Submit this completed form, along with all applicable supporting documentation and fees, and have the Rights of Survivorship (ROS) designation added to the title for all owners of record. Upon the death of any person(s) named in this agreement, the survivor(s) may obtain a new title by submitting the applicable supporting documentation and the required fees.
    OR
    • Retain this original form, and after the death of any person(s) named in this agreement, the survivor(s) may obtain a new title by submitting this form, all applicable supporting documentation, and the required fees.
  • This form is used as a support document. Submit with the applicable forms:
  • The Rights of Survivorship form must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

PWD 1055 - Limited Power of Attorney for Vessels and/or Outboard Motors (PDF)

  • This form is a legal document used to designate a representative (individual or company) to conduct business and sign documents on behalf of another.
  • Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF) , PWD 143M (PDF) , PWD 144 (PDF) , PWD 144M (PDF) , and/or PWD 403 (PDF) .
  • The Limited Power of Attorney form must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

Additional Tool: PWD 1055 (Word doc)

PWD 1056 - Affidavit of Authority to Administer Trust (PDF)

  • This form is used when the owner of record is in a trust name and the trust is transferring ownership. The trustee can use this form or a complete copy of the trust to show authority as trustee and authorization to sign on behalf of the trust.
  • Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF) , PWD 143M (PDF) , PWD 144 (PDF) , PWD 144M (PDF) , and/or PWD 403 (PDF) .
  • The Affidavit of Authority to Administer Trust must be completed in full, signed and notarized.

PWD 1084 - Void Request (PDF)

  • This form is used by TPWD or its Agent to void a vessel/boat and/or outboard motor title/registration transaction.
  • A void is a transaction within the Boat Registration Information and Titling System that involves reversing prior transactions. Some corrections may be handled through Processor Error, or other correction methods, which are available on the Maintenance forms.
  • Additional form(s) available: PWD 143M (PDF)  and/or PWD 144M (PDF) .

PWD 1175 - Affidavit of Fee Exemption for Military Personnel (PDF)

  • This form is used by military personnel preparing to be deployed to serve in a hostile fire zone for exemption from payment of the following fees:
    • Transfer of ownership
    • Vessel/motor Certificate of Title (includes original, replacement, quick, and bonded titles)
    • All other fees and taxes will apply and are due at the time of application.
  • Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 (PDF) , PWD 143M (PDF) , PWD 144 (PDF) , PWD 144M (PDF) , and/or PWD 403 (PDF) .

PWD 1178 - Marine Licensee Validation Card Usage Log (PDF)

This form is used to:

  • Maintain a daily log accounting for all usage of Marine Licensee Temporary Use Validation Card with Decals by the Licensee.

PWD 1207 - Application for Party Boat Operator License (PDF)

This form is used to:

  • Apply for a new license, renew a license, replace a lost license, or update information on an existing license.

Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

For additional information about this license: Party Boat Program.

PWD 1208 - Application for Annual Party Boat Inspection (PDF)

This form is used to:

  • Apply for an annual party boat safety inspection.

Please see Fee Chart – Boat/Outboard Motor and Related Items (PDF) for additional assistance.

For additional information about this inspection: Party Boat Program.

PWD 1238 - Request to Skip Titling Requirement of Previous Owner(s) (PDF)

This form should be completed by an applicant when this person has purchased or acquired a vessel/boat or outboard motor from a seller and the title is in the name of a prior owner (not the sellers' name). This form should only be submitted when the previous owner refuses to title the asset or when proof can be provided that the previous owner cannot be located. This form will not negate the tax liability owed by the previous, non-titled owners. Information provided will be followed up for non-payment of sales/use tax and vessel/outboard motor titling fees. Incomplete information may result in denial of the application.

This form is subject to approval and should be submitted only when:

  • The applicant is not a licensed marine dealer, and
  • The applicant has obtained a written bill of sale from the seller, and
  • Either the title from the owner on record is signed on the back of the title or a signed statement of no financial interest from the owner on record can be submitted, and
  • A clear progression of ownership can be determined through the documentation provided, and
  • The previous (non-titled) owners cannot be reached or have refused to title the asset as required by state law.

This form is used as a support document for applicable ownership transfers. Submit with appropriate application form(s):

PWD 143 (PDF)  and/or PWD 144 (PDF)

PWD 1340 - Boat/Motor Ownership Transfer Notification Online

Sold or no longer own your vessel/boat and/or outboard motor? Notify Texas Parks & Wildlife.

  • It’s free
  • It’s required by law
  • It limits your liability

The notification is used to allow the owner recorded on the Texas title/registration to notify the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department of the sale, donation, destruction or permanent removal of his/her vessel/boat or outboard motor from this state as required by Parks & Wildlife Code, Title 4 Water Safety Chapter, Section 31.037.

When the notification is submitted, the information will be added to the asset record. This can provide protection from future liability if the purchaser or recipient fails to promptly transfer the title, and will prevent further registrations from occurring until the ownership is transferred.

The following information will typically be needed to complete the notification process:

  • Vessel/Boat TX number or Outboard Motor TX number/Serial number.
  • Purchaser/New Owner - Name, Address, Phone Number.
  • Sales Date and Sales Price (exclude the trailer) - sales price of the vessel/boat must be listed separately from the sales price of the outboard motor.

Additional Tools: PWD 1340 - Ownership Change Notification Form - Vessel/Boat or Outboard Motor (PDF)

  • A paper process is available, but the online option (above) updates the record much quicker (overnight in most cases).
  • When using the paper form, it should be completed and 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.

PWD 1344 - Abandoned Boat and/or Outboard Motor Request for Bonded Title Review (PDF)

  • This form is used to request a bonded title review for an abandoned vessel/boat and/or outboard motor left on private property without the consent of the property owner for more than seven (7) days. The request will be reviewed and if approved, a packet will be mailed to the applicant containing information and additional form letters to use for sending notice to the proper law enforcement agency and the owner(s) and lien holder(s).
  • If approved, a public notice will be posted on the TPWD website for a period of six (6) months to allow owners to claim the asset. If, after the six (6) month web posting, the assets are not picked up by the legal owner, lien holder, or law enforcement agency and there are no legal claims of ownership, applicants will qualify for a bonded title.
  • If the situation does not qualify, then a response will be mailed back to the applicant stating the reason for denial.
  • Additional form(s) needed: PWD 504 (PDF)

PWD 1434 - Temporary Tax Permit (PDF)

  • This form is used to apply for a temporary tax permit by the owner of a taxable vessel/boat or outboard motor who qualifies for a specific tax exemption to have their boat or outboard motor in Texas for not more than 90 days without paying sales/use tax.
  • Separate permits are required for each vessel/boat and/or outboard motor. The fee for each permit is $150.00.
  • This permit does not apply to registration and operation of a vessel/boat or outboard motor on public waters.
  • This permit is valid for 90 days and is non-renewable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Only two temporary tax permits may be issued for the same taxable vessel/boat 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.
  • Complete instructions and requirements are available on the form.