Registering a Boat in Texas

[AverageJoeBass]

I recently purchased a 8' Bass Raider and the person I purchased it from did not have the title. (I didn't complain he was selling it for $50.) Well I asked about the title and he said his father gave it to him and he would check with his father to see if he had it. He did check with him and his father believes he has the title, he just wasn't sure where it was. Not sure if I will ever get it. My question is how do I go about getting the boat registered in Texas. I have heard and read it is a real pain. The boat was registered at one time and the tags say it expired in '07. If there is anyone that has had a similar situation please let me know what you did.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  I would love to take the boat out to Livingston Dam near my home and onto the Angelina River near my in-laws.

[fishizzle]

In CT, You don't need a title if you have a bill of sale

I was given a free boat without a title or bill of sale so they made me sign an affidavit stating I got it from the garbage.  Thats how our DMV works--she told me to lie :

[fishfordollars]

I knew there was no title before I ever opened this thread. You will have to get the father and yourself down to TP&WD and he will have to file for a lost title. They will do a check to make sure he is the rightful owner. If it is someone else, let me be the first to be the beaer of bad news. You will have to locate the original owner.

Again: NEVER, EVER PURCHASE ANYTHING W/O PROPER PARERWORK

At least here in Texas.

[AverageJoeBass]

Thanks fishfordollars, I appreciate it very much.  I had a feeling that is what it would turn out to be.  I don't understand why Texas makes it so difficult to register a boat.  Just thinking of all the revenue they lose by making it as difficult as possible is mind boggling.

Well I would like a bigger boat anyways and will make sure I have the title in hand when I purchase another boat.

[done]

As annoying as it is, they make it so difficult so if some jughead steals your boat from your driveway, he can't just run out and register it as his own.

One of the few laws there are a rational reason to. It would be better though if they made a better allotment for the legal reasons why you would not have a title.

[fishfordollars]

I agree a lot of the laws seem senseless; however, they are for our protection.

(We're from the government, and we are here to help you).

[CGH]

I just went through the same actions with my canoe.

Any question drop me a PM or we can posted here in the form

Here are the steps to get it done fast and simple!

Get these forms and have the father fill them out (Don't even mention the fact that the boat was given to the son)

Take it to TPWD office and you will leave with your title receipt in hand.

TPWD will be able to vertify ownership of the boat via the TX #### on the boat.

On the PWD 314 have the dad write a statement that the title has been lost/misplaced over time, and that this tranaction is in no way an act of fraud or a means to cover up a thefh.

Also download the form that is used to do a pencile tracing of the boats vin number.

Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number

PWD 504 media download(PDF 241.8 KB)

Take pictures of Boat vin, TX number, and the boat itself.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/forms/

Affidavit of Facts

PWD 314 media download(PDF 232.5 KB)

* This form is used to provide written explanations of specific situations.

* Form is used as a support document. Submit with applicable form(s): PWD 143 media download(PDF 485.6 KB), PWD 143M media download(PDF 414.3 KB), PWD 144 media download(PDF 479.8 KB), PWD 144M media download(PDF 313.2 KB), PWD 403 media download(PDF 305.2 KB).

Vessel/Boat Application: Title and Registration, Registration for USCG, or Sales Tax Only

PWD 143 media download(PDF 485.6 KB)

This form is used to:

   * Apply for Texas title and registration for a brand new vessel/boat.

   * Transfer ownership (registration & title) of a used vessel/boat.

   * Apply for Texas registration for a USCG documented vessel.

   * Pay "sales tax only" on vessels 65 feet and under.

[AverageJoeBass]

Thanks CGH!  I will try and go that route.  Fortunately the person I purchased it from works at the same company as I do, though not at the same location.  I am going to ask to see if his dad would be willing to fill out the paperwork needed.

Thanks again!  The only other way I read to get it done was to have it registered over in LA (their laws are not as strict) then have it brought back to TX to be registered here.

[CGH]

Yea the La route is easier but they will still ask you for the "Blue form"  (I have two boats in Bossier City, near Shreveport ) The blue form is the PW 143, and they may still ask you for the form PW 314

Good Luck!!