How do I get a duplicate boat title in Texas?

Apply for a duplicate title at the Texas DMV. You need the VIN, your photo ID, proof of ownership (registration, prior title, or bill of sale), and the $2 fee. Processing takes 7–15 business days.

Can I sell a boat with a salvage title in Texas?

Yes, but you must disclose the salvage title in writing. Most buyers expect a significant price reduction. To make the vehicle road-legal, it must be repaired and pass Texas's rebuilt title inspection ($40–$100). A salvage title permanently affects the vehicle's value.

How do I remove a lien from a boat title in Texas?

Pay off the loan in full. The lender must release the lien within the timeframe required by Texas law and provide a signed lien release or updated title. Contact the Texas DMV if the lender fails to release the title after payoff.

What is a bonded title for a boat in Texas?

A bonded title is used when the original title is unavailable and ownership cannot be established through normal channels. In Texas, bonded titles are available for boats valued under $20,000. You purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle's value and apply for a bonded title through the Texas DMV. The bond protects anyone who later claims legal ownership.

What if the boat title has the wrong name?

Take the title, your photo ID, and supporting documentation to the Texas DMV. A name correction on a title typically requires a court order, affidavit, or documentation proving the error (such as a marriage certificate for a name change). The process varies by the type of error.

Boat Title Problems in Texas (2025)

How to resolve common boat title issues in Texas — lost title, salvage, active liens, bonded title, and name corrections.

Texas — Quick Reference

Duplicate title fee$2
Duplicate processing time7–15 business days
Salvage threshold75% of actual cash value
Rebuilt inspection requiredYes — $40–$100
Bonded title availableYes (vehicles under $20,000)

Texas has one of the lowest duplicate title fees in the country at $2. Bonded titles are available for vehicles valued up to $20,000.

Note for Boat Owners

Vessels 26 feet or longer documented with the U.S. Coast Guard have a Certificate of Documentation instead of a state title. The USCG documentation process is separate from state DMV.

Common Boat Title Problems — How to Fix

📄Lost or Missing Title

Apply for a duplicate title at the Texas DMV. Fee: $2. Processing time: 7–15 business days. You need the VIN, proof of ownership, and photo ID.

🔴Salvage Title

A salvage boat must be repaired and pass a rebuilt title inspection before it can be registered. Texas inspection fee: $40–$100. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.

🔗Active Lien on Title

The lender must sign a lien release before you can transfer the title. Pay off the loan in full, then request written confirmation from the lender that the lien is satisfied. Boat loans function like auto loans, but some lenders use UCC filings instead of title liens. Confirm the lien method before completing the sale.

🔏No Title (Bonded Title)

Texas allows bonded titles for boats valued under $20,000. Purchase a surety bond for 1–2× the vehicle value, then apply at the Texas DMV.

✏️Wrong Name on Title

Name corrections require documentation at the Texas DMV: photo ID, affidavit of error, or a court order depending on the type of discrepancy. Contact the DMV before attempting the correction.

🌊Flood or Water Damage Brand

A flood title brand is permanent — it cannot be removed. A flood-branded boat must be disclosed to any future buyer. Significant water damage to the drivetrain, electronics, or (for EVs) the battery may make the vehicle uninsurable.

Buying a Boat With a Title Problem

Buyer Warnings

!Never pay full market price for a boat with a salvage or rebuilt title — expect 20%–40% below clean title value
!Always run a VIN check (Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS) before any private purchase
!A bonded title indicates the previous ownership chain was broken — proceed with caution
!A flooded title cannot be cleared — factor permanent water damage disclosure into your offer
!Verify there are no outstanding liens using the Texas DMV VIN search before purchasing

FAQ — Boat Title Issues in Texas

How much does a duplicate boat title cost in Texas?: A duplicate title in Texas costs $2. Processing takes 7–15 business days. Apply at the Texas DMV with your VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership.
What is the salvage threshold for boats in Texas?: In Texas, a boat is declared salvage when damage exceeds 75% of actual cash value. Boat titles are governed by state law for vessels under 26 feet in length. Larger vessels may be documented with the U.S. Coast Guard instead.
Can I sell a boat without a title in Texas?: Technically, no — but Texas offers a bonded title process for boats valued under $20,000. A bonded title allows legal sale and registration while protecting any prior owner who may appear. Contact the Texas DMV to begin the process.

Official Resource

Texas DMV →

Need a Bill of Sale?

A signed bill of sale is essential when selling a boat with a title problem in Texas. It documents the transaction and both parties' knowledge of the title status.

Texas Boat Bill of Sale →