Boat Title Transfer in Texas
Texas requires a Certificate of Title for All motorized vessels and sailboats over 14 feet. Boat titles in Texas are processed through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) — not the standard DMV in most cases.
Hull Identification Number (HIN)
The HIN is required on all Texas boat applications. TPWD can assign a TX-specific HIN for older vessels (pre-1972) that were built without one.
Required Documents in Texas
Texas boat titles are processed through TPWD, not county offices. Mail or submit in person at a TPWD regional office.
US Coast Guard Documentation in Texas
Federal Coast Guard documentation is available as an alternative to Texas state documentation for qualifying vessels. Federally documented boats still require Texas registration numbers displayed unless exempt.
Texas is one of the top states for boat ownership nationally. The $6 title fee is one of the lowest in the country. However, TPWD processing is slower than typical DMV turnaround — plan for 4–6 weeks on initial title applications.
Boat Title FAQ — Texas
Yes — Texas requires a boat title (Certificate of Title) for All motorized vessels and sailboats over 14 feet. Texas Parks & Wildlife requires title for all motorized vessels and all sailboats over 14 feet in length regardless of motor.
In Texas, boat title transfers are handled by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD). You need Completed PWD 143 (Application for Texas Certificate of Number), Signed previous title (Texas or out-of-state), Bill of sale with HIN and purchase price. Processing takes 4–6 Weeks. Texas boat titles are processed through TPWD, not county offices. Mail or submit in person at a TPWD regional office.
Yes — Federal Coast Guard documentation is available as an alternative to Texas state documentation for qualifying vessels. Federally documented boats still require Texas registration numbers displayed unless exempt.
The boat title fee in Texas is $6 (title) + registration fee. Texas boat title fee is $6 — remarkably low. Registration fees are based on vessel length: $32–$68+ annually.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)
https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/registrations/boatsandmotors/