Texas Boat Title Transfer & Titling Requirements (Step-by-Step Guide)

Who Must Title a Boat in Texas?

In Texas, most boats must be titled, including:

• Motorized vessels (gas, diesel, or electric)

• Sailboats 14 ft or longer

• U.S. Coast Guard–documented vessels operating in Texas waters

The title serves as formal proof of ownership and is required for sale, transfer, insurance, and registration.

When a Title Transfer Is Required

A Texas boat title must be transferred any time ownership changes, including:

• Private sale (buyer ↔ seller)

• Dealer purchase or trade-in

• Gift of a boat to another person

• Donation to a nonprofit or organization

• Inheritance or estate transfer

• Adding or removing an owner

• Moving to Texas with an out-of-state vessel

Failing to transfer title within state deadlines may result in late fees or penalties.

Documents Required for Boat Title Transfer

Documentation requirements vary depending on the transaction, but generally include:

Required from the Seller

• Existing title, properly signed over to buyer

• Bill of sale (recommended for all private sales)

• Lien release (if a lender previously held a security interest)

Required from the Buyer

• Application for Texas Title (TPWD Form PWD 143)

• Bill of sale documenting purchase price

• Fees and taxes due at transfer

• Photo ID and contact information

If the boat is new, the seller must provide a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) instead of a prior title.

Step-by-Step Texas Boat Title Transfer Process

Follow these steps to complete a legal transfer:

Step 1 — Verify Hull Identification Number (HIN)

Buyers should check the HIN on the vessel to ensure it matches the title.

• Altered or missing numbers may trigger inspection or bonding requirements.

Step 2 — Complete Required TPWD Forms

Required forms depend on vessel type and transaction. Common forms include:

• PWD 143 — Application for Texas Title

• PWD 144 — Registration application (if also registering)

• PWD 1340 — Gift transfer affidavit (for gifted vessels)

Forms are available through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Step 3 — Submit Documents to TPWD or Authorized Agent

Buyers may submit through:

• TPWD regional office

• County tax assessor-collector

• Authorized marine dealer

• Mail submission (if eligible)

Step 4 — Pay Applicable Fees & Taxes

Fees typically include:

• Title fee

• Sales/use tax (based on purchase price)

• Penalties if submitted past deadline

Step 5 — Receive New Title & Certificate

Once approved:

• TPWD issues a new title in the buyer’s name

• Registration and decals are issued if applicable

Transfer Deadlines & Late Penalties

Texas requires title transfer within a defined period.

• Buyers must apply for title within 20-30 days of purchase (varies by transaction)

• Late submissions may incur penalties or prevent tax exemption for qualified gift transfers

Out-of-State Purchases & Transfers

If you purchase a vessel titled in another state, Texas typically requires:

• Existing out-of-state title

• Tax documentation

• TPWD title application

• Hull inspection if irregularities exist

If coming from a non-titling state, TPWD may require:

• Bill of sale

• Ownership affidavit

• HIN inspection

• Chain-of-ownership documentation

Boats Without Titles or Missing Paperwork

Older boats or vessels purchased decades ago often lack clear documentation. In these cases TPWD may require:

• Ownership affidavit

• Bill of sale trail

• HIN verification

• Game warden inspection

• Supporting receipts or notarized statements

Homemade vessels require additional affidavits and may be inspected before titling.

Boats With Liens or Active Loans

If a lien exists:

• The lienholder must release its interest before transfer

• TPWD records lien information on the title

• Electronic lien documentation is increasingly used for newer vessels

Do not transfer titles without verifying lien status.

Gifted, Donated, and Inherited Boats

Transfer rules differ depending on how ownership changes:

Gifted Boats

• Must be accompanied by a gift affidavit (PWD 1340)

• May qualify for tax exemption if criteria are met

Donated Boats

• Require title assignment to the nonprofit or organization

Inherited Boats

Estate transfers generally require:

• Will or court order

• Affidavit of heirship (if no probate)

• Title application in heir’s name

Dealer Purchases & Trade-Ins

Dealers often process paperwork on the buyer’s behalf and submit directly to TPWD. Buyers should verify:

• Sales tax paid

• Title transfer submitted

• Temporary operation options (if needed)

Titling vs Registration: Key Differences

Many vessels require both.

Fees, Taxes & Payment Requirements

Typical costs associated with transfer include:

• Title fee

• Sales tax based on purchase price

• Local fees (varies by county)

• Penalties for late filing

• Duplicate fees for lost titles

Gift transfers may avoid tax if properly documented.

How Long It Takes

Processing times vary, but most transfers are completed within:

• 2–6 weeks for standard issuance

• Longer if inspections or lien disputes are involved

Temporary operation may be possible while transfer is pending.

Replacing a Lost, Damaged, or Altered Title

Owners may request a replacement title from TPWD with:

• Application form

• Proof of identity

• Replacement fee

Stolen titles may require police reporting.

Frequently Asked Scenarios

Can I transfer a title without a bill of sale?
Not recommended. TPWD accepts bills of sale as purchase evidence; absence may complicate tax determination.

Do jon boats or small aluminum boats need titles?
If motorized, yes. If not, size determines requirement.

Can a boat be sold without a title?
Sellers must provide clear ownership. Title absence shifts burden to buyer to cure documentation defects.

Submission Options

Boat title transfer paperwork may be submitted:

• In person at TPWD field offices

• Through county tax assessor-collectors

• Via authorized marine dealers

• By mail for qualifying transactions

Resources & Forms

Relevant TPWD resources include:

• PWD 143 — Application for Texas Boat Title
• PWD 144 — Registration Application
• PWD 1340 — Gift Transfer Affidavit
• Titling FAQs & Fee Schedules
• Tax & Lien Documentation