Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Buying and Selling A Vessel
The procedure for buying or selling, or otherwise acquiring, a
vessel or motor is outlined here. The steps are essentially the
same whether the “seller” is a marine dealer or the “buyer” is
an individual purchasing a pre-owned vessel from an individual “seller.”
- The seller completes the appropriate application forms.
- Form 143, the blue-striped form, is used to buy or sell
a new or used vessel.
- Form 144, the green-striped form, is used to buy or sell
an outboard motor.
- The buyer reviews and signs the form(s), and the seller assigns
title(s) to the buyer (if titles have been issued).
- This procedure must be completed no later than 20 days from
the date of purchase in order to avoid a penalty. The following
items are submitted to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
(TPWD).
- Completed and signed blue and green application forms.
- Assigned titles, bill of sale, or proof of registration
(supporting documents, Manufacturer’s Statement of
Origin (MSO), titles, etc.).
- All required state fees and sales tax (listed on back of
the forms). Note: fees are based on the size of your vessel,
so be sure you know the length before selling or buying a
vessel.
- TPWD will send the buyer a new title and Certificate of Number
in the buyer’s name.
Form 143:
The blue-striped form

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Form 144: The green-striped
form

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Forms 143 and 144 can be obtained:
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