Buyers and sellers must gather necessary documents, including the current title, bill of sale, and lien release forms. The buyer must complete the Application for Texas Title for a Watercraft and submit it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department along with required fees within 30 days.
The master of the boat must report to CBP telephonically and be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to satisfy the face-to-face requirement, or report to the nearest designated reporting location along with the boat's passengers for inspection.
To file a claim of ownership regarding any of the above referenced assets, call (512) 389-8866 or 1-800-262-8755 and fax documentation proving ownership to (512) 389-4900, attention: Bonded Title Section.
The boat title transfer process in Texas involves completing an Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U), submitting a bill of sale, and presenting the signed current title from the seller. This ensures legal ownership and compliance with Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations.
Even if you don't have the title in your hand, there are other ways to prove you own the boat. Some options include: A bill of sale, which legally transfers ownership and may include warranties regarding the boat and its equipment, such as an outboard motor or trolling motor.
The Transfer of Ownership Form CG-1258 is utilized when: Purchasing/transferring a vessel: When the sale is finalized you may complete a U.S. Coast Guard Bill of Sale (CG-1340). If there is an outstanding mortgage, the mortgagee (lender) should complete a Satisfaction of Mortgage.
Steps Gather required proof of ownership. In general, you'll need your copy of the title for the boat and the title for the outboard motor. Complete a bill of sale. Fill in the transfer section of the title. Sign the title in the presence of a notary. Give the title to the buyer. Accompany the buyer to the title office.
Boat registration and title forms can be accessed online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. Unfortunately, online registration is not available the first time you register your boat, so you should complete these forms, print them out, and either mail the application in or deliver it to one of these TPWG offices.
Placement of TX Number and Decal on Vessels: The TX number must read from left to right, be in BLOCK characters of good proportion not less than three inches in height and be of a color that contrasts with the background.