Paddle Boat Registration: Texas Requirements Explained

Texas has a lot of water, with 367 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline and 5,607 square miles of inland water. So, if you're planning to take your boat out on the water in Texas, you'll need to make sure it's properly registered. The good news is that not all boats need to be registered. So, do you have to register a paddle boat in Texas?

Well, it depends on the type of paddle boat and where you plan to use it. If you're taking your paddle boat out on public water in Texas, then it needs to be registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife if it's a motorized vessel or a non-motorized vessel that's 14 feet or longer. However, if your paddle boat is non-motorized and shorter than 14 feet, you're good to go without registration. Additionally, if you're visiting Texas with your paddle boat registered in another state, you can use Texas waters for up to 90 consecutive days without registering.

Do you need to register a paddle boat in Texas?

In Texas, you must have a Texas Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals to operate your vessel legally on public waters. However, there are some exemptions to this rule.

Non-motorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, and rubber rafts do not require registration, regardless of their length. Additionally, vessels under 14 feet in length that are paddled, poled, oared, or windblown are also exempt from registration. This includes sailboats under 14 feet in length.

If you plan to use your paddle boat on private waters in Texas, it is likely that you will not need to register it. However, if you intend to take your paddle boat on Texas public waters, it may need to be registered if it is over 14 feet in length.

It is important to note that even if your paddle boat falls within the exempt category, there may be other requirements or regulations that you need to comply with. These could include safety equipment requirements or restrictions on where you can operate your vessel. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or a local authority to ensure you are complying with all relevant laws and regulations.

In conclusion, while not all paddle boats need to be registered in Texas, it is important to understand the specific requirements and exemptions that apply to your vessel and your intended use.

What are the registration requirements?

If you are planning to take your paddle boat on Texas public water, you will likely need to have a current registration with Texas Parks and Wildlife. This includes when your boat is docked, moored, or stored.

All motorized vessels, regardless of length, are required to be registered. This includes any sailboat with an auxiliary engine. Motorized boats include boats propelled by a trolling motor.

All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer are also required to be registered.

USCG documented vessels are required to have state registration. However, there are some exemptions, including commercial tugboats, vessels exceeding 115 feet in length, and pilot or crew boats transporting freight, supplies, or personnel to or from cargo ships, freighters, or offshore oil infrastructure.

Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length) or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown are exempt from registration. If you add an outboard or trolling motor to any of these vessel types, they will need to be registered.

The registration is valid for two years. The cost to register a boat in Texas depends on the length of your boat:

• Less than 16 feet in length (Class A): $32
• 16 feet but less than 26 feet in length (Class 1): $53
• 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length (Class 2): $110
• 40 feet or more in length (Class 3): $150

You can register your boat by mail or in person at a Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement office or your local tax collector's office. You will need to complete certain forms, such as the PWD 143 - Vessel/Boat Application, and submit them together with any required fees, taxes, and other documents such as the title.

How do you register a boat in Texas?

To register a boat in Texas, you must first determine whether your boat requires registration. All motorized vessels, regardless of length, and all non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer, must be registered. Additionally, USCG-documented vessels are required to have state registration.

Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts, regardless of length, or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown, are exempt from registration.

If your boat requires registration, you can register it by mail, in person, or online. The registration process involves submitting the required forms, such as the PWD 143 - Vessel/Boat Application, and paying the associated fees and taxes. The cost of registration depends on the length of your boat, ranging from $32 for vessels less than 16 feet in length to $150 for vessels 40 feet or more in length.

It is important to note that Texas Parks and Wildlife cannot process trailer registrations, so you will need to contact your local tax collector's office for assistance with trailer registration.

How much does it cost to register a boat in Texas?

In Texas, almost all boats must be registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The registration fee for a boat ranges from $32 to $150, depending on the length of the vessel. Here is a breakdown of the costs for registration fees:

• Vessels less than 16 feet: $32
• Vessels from 16 feet to less than 26 feet in length: $53
• Vessels from 26 feet to less than 40 feet in length: $110
• Vessels 40 or more feet in length: $150
• Livery boats less than 16 feet in length: $32

In addition to the boat registration fee, there are other charges, including a registration ID card (Certificate of Number), a registration decal, a certificate of title, and tax. The cost for these additional fees is as follows:

• Certificate of Number: $11
• Registration decals: $22
• Certificate of title: $27
• Tax: 6.25% of the sale price

If you are relocating to Texas from another state, there is also a $15 relocation fee.

It is important to note that the registration of a boat in Texas is valid for two years.

What documents do you need to register a boat in Texas?

In Texas, all motorized vessels, all non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer, and USCG documented vessels are required to have current registration. This includes vessels that are docked, moored, or stored. Additionally, all motorized vessels, all non-motorized vessels 14 feet or longer, and all internal combustion outboard motors must be titled.

When registering a boat for the first time, you will need to complete the Texas Parks and Wildlife Title and Registration application and submit certain documents depending on how you purchased your boat. For instance, a brand new boat will require different documentation than a used boat. The specific documents you will need to gather can be found in the guides for specific transactions on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

In addition to the completed application and supporting documents, you will need to pay registration and titling fees. The registration fee is determined by the length of your boat:

• Vessels less than 16ft in length = $32
• Vessels between 16ft and <26ft = $53
• Vessels between 26ft and <40ft = $110
• Vessels 40ft or longer = $150

These fees cover two years of registration, after which you will need to renew your registration and pay the fee again.

To renew your registration, you can do so entirely online. Visit the TPWD’s online portal and provide all the relevant information to renew your registration. You can then make a payment using a credit or debit card. Once completed, a new registration certificate and decals will be mailed out to you.

In summary, to register a boat in Texas, you will need to gather the following:

• Completed Texas Parks and Wildlife Title and Registration application
• Supporting documents depending on how you purchased your boat
• Registration and titling fees

Frequently asked questions