How to Sell a Boat Privately in Texas (2026)
| Titling agency | Texas Parks & Wildlife ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6.25% (Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | VTR-262 ↗ |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Texas — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Texas requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Texas Parks & Wildlife only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Texas uses VTR-262.
- 4Gather documentation — current Texas registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Texas dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Texas registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Texas Parks & Wildlife — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Texas Parks & Wildlife to remove liability for future fines.
Texas lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VTR-262 from the TxDMV website.
- Lienholder completes Part A (lienholder information) and notarizes.
- Owner submits VTR-262 with title application at the county tax assessor-collector.
- Pay title fee ($33).
- Receive clean title by mail within 2–4 weeks.
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Start My Texas Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Texas
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Texas?▾
Yes. Texas requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Texas Parks & Wildlife.
What is the Texas boat title transfer deadline?▾
Texas requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Texas?▾
Texas charges 6.25% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Tax based on Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) or purchase price, whichever is higher The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Do I need a notary for a Texas boat bill of sale?▾
Texas does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. TX does not require a notarized bill of sale; however, Form 14-317 (Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer) must be notarized. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Texas?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Texas Parks & Wildlife and pays the registration fee plus 6.25% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07