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Hello, boater! Texas's online boating course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat Texas course—the official boating safety course of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Texas certification.

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 an individual or whether the “buyer” is purchasing a new or pre-owned vessel.

  • The seller completes the appropriate application form(s).
    • PWD 143, the blue-striped form, is used to buy or sell a new or used vessel.
    • PWD 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 the 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 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
    • 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.

PWD 143: The blue-striped form

Form 143

PWD 144: The green-striped form

Form 144

Forms 143 and 144 can be obtained:

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Online boating license and certification course last modified: April 14, 2011
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