A Texas boat bill of sale form is a receipt for the private sale of a used vessel and is required during the boat registration process. All motorboats, sailboats measuring at least fourteen (14) feet, and sailboats with auxiliary motors must be registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to be legally operated in state waterways. When the buyer registers the boat in their name, they will need to present the bill of sale to calculate the sales tax they need to pay. The completed form will need to include the purchase price, date of sale, and a description of the boat, as well as the contact information and signatures of the buyer and the seller.

Texas Boat Registration/Titling

In Texas, boats must be registered within forty-five (45) days of purchase for the buyer to avoid paying late fees. Registration and titling can be achieved by completing the following steps:

1. Obtain the boat’s original Certificate of Title from the seller. The title must be assigned to the buyer.
2. Complete the Boat Bill of Sale.
3. Complete the Vessel/Boat Application (requires the seller’s signature).
4. If the boat has never been titled or registered in the state, the buyer must complete an Affidavit of Fact and use the Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number to trace the vessel’s HIN.
5. Go to the TPWD office in their area and submit the following paperwork and documentation:
   • Certificate of Title
   • Boat Bill of Sale
   • Vessel/Boat Application
   • Affidavit of Fact and Verification of Vessel or Outboard Motor Serial Number (if applicable)
   • Texas driver’s license or state-issued photo ID
6. Pay registration and titling fees.
7. Pay sales tax.