Our boat
registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan
perfection, and operational requirements for the State of
Texas. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete
listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a
Boat Registration Kit
for this state.
You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration,
boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page .
Please visit our
State Page for additional
articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling,
and operational requirements.
The information presented here is subject to change and should be
confirmed with the respective state agency.
Registration Statistics
There are
approximately 596,000 boats registered in Texas.
State numbering.
The boat
registration number prefix for Texas is "TX". Registration
numbers must be displayed on all registered boats except those
which are Coast Guard documented.
Title Requirements
Titling is
required on all registered boats in Texas, except those which are Coast
Guard documented.
Registration Requirements
Registration is required on all boats sailboats under 14 feet in
length and non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, punts,
rowboats, and rubber rafts. Coast guard documented boats are
also subject to registration. Registration certificates are
renewed every 2 years in Texas.
State Tax
Sales tax
applies to boat transactions in Texas.
Loan Perfection
Security
interests on non-documented boats which are state titled must be
recorded on the state title records. On
Coast Guard documented vessels, a preferred mortgage must be
recorded on the vessel's abstract of title. A UCC financing
statement must be filed if the boat is neither titled or
documented.
Registration Agency
Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department
Registration Records
Boat
registration
records are maintained for 10 years in Texas. Information and forms for ordering record print-outs can be
found in our
Boat Registration Kit for this state.
Ownership Designations.
Co-owners may
designate "rights of survivorship" when applying for a
registration or title.
Residency requirements.
Owner
residency is not required for registration, but the boat must be
located within the State of Texas.
Bonded Titling.
Bonded titles for boats are available in Texas.
Foreclosed Boats
Texas has a
procedure for transferring title on boats which have been
foreclosed upon due to moorage or mechanic's liens.
Hull Inspections
A hull
inspection by a Texas law enforcement official is required if
there is a discrepancy or for boats
requiring a state assigned hull number.
Reporting Requirements.
Transfers of
ownership, abandonments, destructions, and thefts must be
reported within 15 days.
Outboard Motors
All outboard
motors, except electric trolling motors, are subject to titling,
but not registration.
Notary Regulations
Notary
commissions are for 4 years, a $10,000 bond is required, and notary
seals must be embossed or stamped in a manner that is
photographically reproducible.
Visitation
Period
A visitation
period of 90 days is allowed in Texas for boats that are Coast Guard
documented, foreign titled, or registered in another state.
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