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

4 min read

Asked by: Justin Alvarez

What do you have to have to register a boat in Texas?

Submit the following to obtain Texas registration and title for a vessel:

  • Form PWD 143 (PDF 259.5 KB )
  • Form PWD 504 (PDF 62 KB ) (pencil tracing of hull identification/serial number); and.
  • Out-of-state title (if title state) OR out-of state registration card (if registration only state)

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

Vessel Registration

Vessel Description Vessel Class Fee
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
Livery Boat less than 16 feet in length Class A $32

Do all boats have to be registered in Texas?

In Texas, pretty much every single boat on the water must be registered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife office. All motorized vessels regardless of length (including sailboats with an auxiliary engine) as well as all non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet or longer must be registered.

Is insurance required to register a boat in Texas?

Unlike auto insurance, there are no laws in Texas that require insurance for your boat or watercraft. However, if you’re considering purchasing a boat, jet ski, personal watercraft, or any other type of watercraft, having insurance is still essential.

What is the tax on a boat in Texas?

6.25 percent

The boat and boat motor sales and use tax rate is 6.25 percent. The tax is based on the sale price less any allowance for the trade-in of another boat or boat motor.

What size boat requires a license in Texas?

To operate a vessel alone in Texas, a boater must be 13 years of age to operate a vessel of more than 15 horsepower; or windblown vessel over 14 feet in length; and meet the requirements as stated above.

Do boat trailers require inspection in Texas?

Trailer Inspection Requirements
If your trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) that is more than 7,500 pounds, an inspection is required. This includes trailers, semitrailers, boat trailers, pole trailers, mobile homes, and travel trailers.

Do you have to title a boat trailer in Texas?

Manufactured Boat Trailer Registration
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and your County Tax Office handle Texas boat trailer registration. You’ll also be required to title the trailer if it weighs more than 4,000 pounds. Trailers under that weight do not need to be titled.

How much does it cost to get plates on a trailer in Texas?

The annual registration fee for a trailer or travel trailer (if the trailer requires registration) with a gross vehicle weight of 6,000 lbs. or less is $45.00, plus applicable fees and local county fees. The annual registration fee for a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 6,001 lbs.

Can passengers drink on a boat in Texas?

Unlike in a car, it is perfectly legal to consume alcohol while out on the water. According to open container law in Texas, having an open container in a boat is perfectly legal not only for the passengers, but for the operator of the watercraft (as long as you keep it within the legal limit).

How long is Texas boat registration good for?

two years

A Texas boat registration is valid for two years.

How much is insurance on a boat in Texas?

With so many factors playing a role in individual insurance coverage costs, it is hard to estimate a policy cost without more information. However, on average, personal boat insurance runs $500 to $1,000 a year with the average boat insurance policy in Texas costing around $348 per year.

How much should I insure my boat for?

How Much Is Boat Insurance? The average cost of boat insurance is $200 to $500 a year—although for a really big or expensive boat (like a yacht or sailboat), insurance can cost around 1–5% of the boat’s value. For example, you may pay about $2,500 a year to insure a $100,000 yacht.

How do you insure an old boat?

Classic boat insurance is typically offered by specialty insurance companies, meaning they focus on or have expertise in insuring classic and antique boats. To insure your classic, get a quote from a specialty insurer and make sure your policy includes the coverage you need for peace of mind.