Texas Boat Registration

by Boat Alert / Last Updated: June 12, 2022 / Boat Buying

Texas Boat Registration HIN Check

Texas boat registration FAQs are found below and can be downloaded as PDF. We have written this page to inform the boating community about registration requirements, recording methods, and title search guidelines for the State of Texas. We also cover the titling fees if applicable.

We will cover information about the Boat Registration Agency in this state and if you are wondering about Registration and marking requirements we have an overview of that as well. We also talk about Registration Requirements for boats in Texas along with things you need to know about boat Ownership and Liens so you can better perform Boat Title Searches or boat history lookups in TX.

Where are Texas Boats Registered?

Remember, some states have titling for boats and others do not. Texas issues both registrations and titles for all non-exempt boats operating within its jurisdiction. These are administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). All outboard motors, except electric trolling motors, are subject to titling, but not registration. Boat trailer registrations are handled through a local tax assessor office.

Does Texas have clean titles? Boat titles are always “clean” unless a state has enacted UCOTVA. All other states will not have any indication on the title that the boat has a salvage or total loss brand like cars have on their titles.

Did you know that 570,000 boats registered in the State of Texas make up 5% of all USA vessel registrations?

For more boating statistics see: Volume of Recreational boating vessels in the U.S.

Texas Boat Registration Numbers

Texas boat registration numbers begin with a “TX”. The TX designation is followed by four numbers and then two letters like in most states. You will have to display these as shown above, if your boat is not documented at the USCG. Put the TX boat registration sticker tab next to it. The state reg. number should not be confused with the 12 character Hull ID (HIN).

All boats manufactured after 1972 are required to have a 12 digit hull identification number affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer. State assigned hull numbers prefixed with the letters “TXZ” are available for home made boats and those without factory designations. Hull number inspections are not required in Texas unless there is a discrepancy. (use HinDecoder.com to validate your HIN formatting is good)

Order engraved HIN Tag ID Plate from ebay here.

Exceptionally, a Coast Guard documented vessel does not need to display the state registration number but instead they would display the state registration tabs, an owner designated vessel name, and a hailing port. The USCG Official documentation number must also be affixed on other locations on the boat: interior location in the hull itself or an integral part of the hull.

Boat Liens Database In Texas

Security interests in state titled boats are recorded with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These will be shown on both the registration and title certificates if there are any. Security interests in boats that are neither titled or USCG documented are recorded with the Secretary of State as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. If the vessel is USCG documented, a lender’s security interests will be recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC) and are indexed on the boat’s abstract of title. This is different from state registration lookups and can be ordered at boat-abstract.com.

Tax liens may be flagged on boat registration records, recorded as UCC filings, shown on state revenue records, or filed with a county clerk’s office. There are no provisions for recording mechanic’s liens or other non-secured claims against state titled boats. Uniform Commercial Code searches are available online from the Secretary of State.

Texas Boat Title Search

Boat title and registration records in Texas are maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The agency provides online searches for boats and motors which will show the owner and any lienholder information and you can search the boat-alert.com database as well to Texas boat data.

Texas Boat Registration Lookup

The Boat-Alert.com database combines 72+ nationwide databases into a single place so you can search in a matter of minutes. These include records for stolen boats, marine lien claims, boating accidents, pollution incidents, auctioned boats, factory recalls, and boat manufacturers.

Titling & Registration Requirements in Texas

• TITLING
  • REQUIRED: Yes EFFECTIVE DATE : 1/1/1977
  • VESSEL TYPES: All motorized vessels and sailboats (with or without a motor) over 14 feet.
  • EXEMPTIONS: Canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared or windblown.
  • FEES: 1) New Vessel/Outboard Motor $27.00; 2) Transfer of Vessel/Outboard Motor $27.00; 3) Replacement (Lost/Destroyed/Correction) $27.00; 4) Bonded $37.00
  • DUPLICATE FEE: Standard title $27.00; “Quick” Title (To expedite the replacement of lost or destroyed titles only) $64.00
  • TRANSFER FEE:
• REGISTRATION
  • VESSEL TYPES: All non-exempt vessels.
  • EXEMPTIONS: 1) Vessels operated within this state for a period not exceeding 90 consecutive days that are covered by a number in full force and effect which has been awarded under federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state; 2) Vessels from a country other than the United States temporarily using the water of this state; 3) Vessels owned by the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state; 4) A ship’s lifeboat; 5) All canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts, or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown; 6) A vessel in use at a water ski tournament, competition, or exhibition sanctioned in writing by the governing board of the governmental entity that has jurisdiction over the body of water on which the tournament, competition, or exhibition occurs.
  • USCG DOCUMENTED VESSELS REQUIRED: Yes
  • NUMBER OF DAYS BEFORE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 90 consecutive days.
  • FEES: 1) Less than 16 feet in length (Class A) $32.00; 2) 16 feet but less than 26 feet in length (Class 1) $53.00; 3) 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length (Class 2) $110.00; 4) 40 feet or more in length (Class 3) $150.00; 5) Livery Boat less than 16 feet in length (Class A) $32.00
  • DUPLICATE REGISTRATION FEE: $11.00 (card only)
  • DUPLICATE DECAL FEE: $22.00
  • TRANSFER FEE: $11.00
  • LATE FEE: N/A

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