It's The Law: Before Going Out

All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel's registration, titling, and operation.

Registering Your Vessel

• You must have a Texas Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters in Texas. The only exceptions are:
  • A sailboat under 14 feet in length
  • Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and rubber rafts
  • Vessels registered in other states and using Texas waters for 90 consecutive days or less
    
• The Certificate of Number and validation decals are obtained by submitting the proper applications, titles, and fees by mail or in person.
• This certificate or a copy of it must be on board and available for inspection by an officer whenever the vessel is being operated.
• The registration number and validation decals must be displayed as follows.
  • Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
  • Number must read left to right on both sides of the bow.
  • Number must be in at least 3-inch-high BLOCK letters.
  • Number’s color must contrast with its background.
  • Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: TX 3717 ZW or TX-3717-ZW.
  • No other numbers may be displayed.
  • Decals must be affixed on each side, three inches behind (towards the stern) and in line with the number.
    

    

Other Facts About Titling and Registration

• You must obtain a title for all outboard motors, just as you would a vessel. Battery-operated trolling motors are an exception.
• A Certificate of Number is valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice about three months prior to the expiration date. The expiration date is on the certificate and the decals.
• If you have changed addresses within those two years, you must call or write Texas Parks and Wildlife Department within 15 days of your change of address in order to get your renewal notice.
• If you abandon or destroy your vessel, you must report it to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department within 15 days and surrender your Certificate of Number and title if applicable.
• If you lose or destroy your Certificate of Number, you must complete a “duplicate form” and submit a processing fee.
• To apply for a Certificate of Number and decals for a homemade vessel, you must submit the following, in addition to completed application forms and title fees:
  • An affidavit regarding the origin of the vessel and receipts for materials used in its construction
  • An inspection and certification by a Texas game warden
• Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Call the USCG at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels also must be registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.