The Texas Boat Bill of Sale is a document that is used solely for the purpose of proving the legal sale and purchase of a vessel. The document will also provide needed information with regard to specific information regarding the vessel’s identity, change of ownership and information regarding the seller and buyer. This form is often used for registration and notarization is required.
Register a Vessel in Texas
In order to operate any motorized vessel/boat in the state of Texas, it must be registered and must display proper numbers and decals
Where to Register – When you are prepared to register a vessel/boat in Texas, gather the proper documentation and appear at one of the TPWD Locations near you.
Needed to Register – Gather the following information prior to going to register:
For a new vessel/boat –
- You will require a bill of sale
- A completed Vessel/Boat Application (Form PWD 143)
- Payment by check or money order for your registration fees
For a used vessel/boat –
- You will require a completed Vessel/Boat Application (Form PWD 143)
- Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (Form PWD 504) will be required
- A bill of sale
- An Affidavit of Fact (Form PWD 314) will also be required
- And be prepared to pay the fees required to register your vessel/boat
Fees –
- A vessel of 16 ft: $32
- A Livery boat less than 16 ft: $32
- A boat of 16 ft to 26 ft: $53
- Any vessel/boat 26 ft to 40 ft: $110
- Any vessel 40 ft or more: $150
How to Write
Step 1 – Seller and Buyer Information – The parties must provide the following:
- The Seller –
- Name
- Driver’s License Number
- Physical Address
- City
- State
- AND
- The Buyer –
- Name
- Driver’s License Number
- Physical Address
- City
- State
Step 2 – Vessel Detail – Seller must enter the required information:
- Make
- Length
- Year (the vessel was built)
- Hull ID Number
- Registration ID Number
- Odometer Reading (hours)
- Title Number
- Will a Trailer be included with the sale? (check yes or no)
- If Yes – Enter the Make and Year
- Will an Outboard Motor be included with the sale? (check yes or no)
- If Yes – Enter the Make, Year and Horsepower (HP)
Step 3 – Price – Check all applicable boxes and provide required information:
- Check the box if the seller prefers only monetary funds as payment – Enter the worded dollar amount
- Enter the dollar amount in numbers
- Enter the agreed date that payment will be made (mm/dd/yyyy format)
- Enter the date in which this document will be known as (mm/dd/yyyy format)
- If agreed that payment will be made at a later date, enter a new date (mm/dd/yyyy format)
- Other – If different provisions have been made, enter the description of the agreement
- Check the box if the vessel/boat is only intended as a gift with no monetary arrangement required
- Check the last box if this will be an even-trade. Briefly describe the terms
Step 4 – Seller’s Disclosure – The seller should carefully read the statements:
- Record any known defects
- Once complete, the seller may then provide their signature
Step 5 – Signatures – If all signing parties are before a notary public and have been identified by the notary enter:
- The Seller –
- Signature
- Print Name
- AND
- The Buyer –
- Signature
- Print Name
- AND
- The Witness –
- Signature
- Print Name
Step 6 – Once the notary public has witnessed all of the signatures, the notary must will complete the form. The notary will then affix their state seal.
- Make copies of the form
- Give the original copy to the recipient