Boating in Texas

Registration, titles, boater education and taxes, from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other official sources.

Registering agency	Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Registration fees	Class A <16 ft $32; Class 1 16-<26 ft $53; Class 2 26-<40 ft $110; Class 3 40 ft+ $150; title $27; transfer of ownership $11
Renewal	2 years
Title	yes (motorboats; non-motorized vessels 14 ft+ that require registration — confirm on title page)
Boater education	Operators between ages 13-17 years * --> [per USCG-hosted NASBLA state survey; survey date not shown, may be outdated]; born on or after Sept 1, 1993 (PWC, motorboats over 15 hp, windblown vessels over 14 ft); minimum age 13 to operate alone
Sales/use tax	6.25% of sales price (vessels 115 ft or less and outboard motors), collected by TPWD at registration/title transfer, due within 45 working days; cap: $18,750 maximum boat/motor sales tax per sale (6.25% rate)
Property tax	generally no for personal-use boats (local option)
Forms	Official forms

Sources

Checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm with the agency.