How to Register a Vessel

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the leading authority in Texas, enforcing the mandate that, should you choose to use a boat within the jurisdiction, you will be required to furnish registration and a certificate of title for your vessel. All watercraft propelled by vessel or sail with an outboard motor will be required to register and title with the state of Texas with the exemption of:

• Boats with active registration in another state or country that plan to utilize Texas waters for no more than 90 consecutive days in a calendar year.
• Sailboats are not equipped with an outboard motor with a length of 14 feet or fewer.
• Government-owned watercraft.
• Documented vessels.

Remember that you have 20 days from the date of purchase to register and/or title a vessel to avoid an enforced penalty. Compile the following forms and required paperwork to present in-person, at your closest county tax assessor’s office or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department facility:

• A filled-out and endorsed Texas Vessel/Boat Application (Form PWD-143).
• If the boat is equipped with an outboard motor, a completed Texas Verification of Vessel Outboard Motor Serial Number (Form PWD-144).
• An executed bill of sale.
• Valid evidence of Ownership, such as a manufacturer’s certificate of origin for newly purchased vessels or a reassigned title and prior owner’s registration for private party sales.
• If the boat has never been titled or registered in Texas, include a finalized Texas Affidavit of Fact (Form PWD-314).
• Photo identification via an up-to-date driver’s license or identification card.
• Payment for fees associated with titling and registration of the vessel.

Sample

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