It's The Law: Before Going Out on Your Vessel

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) 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, punts, rowboats, and rubber rafts
• 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 must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is being operated.
• The registration number and decals must be displayed on the vessel as follows.
  • Number must be painted, decaled, or otherwise affixed to both sides of the bow.
  • Number must read from left to right on both sides.
  • 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 inline 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 & Wildlife 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 & Wildlife 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 decal 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's Documentation Center at 1-800-799-8362 for more information. Documented vessels also must be registered with Texas Parks & Wildlife.