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.