Attention All Documented Vessel Owners
Effective January 1st, 2004 all recreational vessels, shrimp boats and commercial fishing boats 115’ or less in length, operating on Texas waters are required to be registered with the Sate of Texas.
If the vessel continues to be documented, the Texas registration “decal” must be attached and displayed in the appropriate place on the vessel. The Texas Registration number does not have to be attached and displayed on the vessel.
The Texas House Bill 2926, Legislative Session (78)R passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor of Texas June 20, 2003. The legislation took effect September 1, 2003, however, the legislation allowed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department time to develop implementing instructions, procedures, update computer systems, etc.
Section 14(a) states “Not later than January 1, 2004, the Parks & Wildlife Commission shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Act.”
An application must be made and the appropriate two-year Texas registration fee must be paid for the documented vessel. Vessel/Boat Application for Texas Certificate of Title & Registration can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/boat/pwd143.pdf
For a listing of Registration offices go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/boat/boatlist.phtml
A Bill of Sale that includes the sales tax paid or other acceptable tax document indicating that a sales tax has been paid on the vessel is required at time of application, along with a copy of the current USCG Documentation Certificate and registration fee.
If sales tax has not been paid, a Bill of Sale or invoice showing date of sale, sales price, description of vessel and/or outboard motor (make, TX or serial number and year built), purchaser(s) name and seller(s) signature is also required.
Vessels purchased prior to October 1, 1991 are exempt from payment of sales tax.
This legislation will be enforced effective January 1, 2004 for all recreational vessels, shrimp boats and commercial fishing boats 115’ or less in length.
Section 13(a) states “A person who violates or fails to comply with any provisions of this chapter, … commits an offense that is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.”
Two year Texas Boat Registration Fees:
Less than 16 feet $30.00 – 16 to 26 feet $50.00 - 26 to 40 feet $70.00 – 40 feet or more $90.00
Livery (rental) $30.00 – Duplicate Registration Card $10.00 – Registration Transfer $10.00 –
Titles $25.00 – Quick Titles $60.00
HB2969 is available on line at: Texas Legislature Online: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/78R/billtext/HB02926F.HTM
Watch this web site for more information as we gather the 411 on this legislation
Thank you,
Highport Marina