Does a Texas boat bill of sale need to be notarized?

No requirement was found for the bill of sale; notarizing is optional.

The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code on the upper right of the transom. Boats built after November 1972 must have one. Our form checks the format.

Can I include the outboard motor and trailer?

Texas requires the price of the boat, motor and trailer to be stated separately. The trailer is titled at the county tax office.

Can I get it in Spanish?

Yes. You sign the English document and also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish instructions.

Bill of Sale · Texas

Texas Boat Bill of Sale (2026)

A Texas boat bill of sale records the vessel and its 12-character HIN, any outboard motor and trailer included, the price and the parties. Texas: Seller must notify Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) within 20 days of the sale (online or Form PWD 1340). Buyer applies for title/registration (Form PWD 143 for the boat, PWD 144 for the outboard motor) and pays sales tax within 45 days. The trailer is titled/registered through the county tax office, not TPWD.

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Texas boat sale: key facts

Title and registration: Texas: Seller must notify Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) within 20 days of the sale (online or Form PWD 1340). Buyer applies for title/registration (Form PWD 143 for the boat, PWD 144 for the outboard motor) and pays sales tax within 45 days. The trailer is titled/registered through the county tax office, not TPWD.
Notary required?: No requirement was found for the bill of sale; notarizing is optional.
Motor and trailer: Texas requires the price of the boat, motor and trailer to be stated separately. The trailer is titled at the county tax office.
Coast Guard documented boats: Record the sale with the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center on Form CG-1340.

Official source: TPWD — Boat ownership transfer · Last reviewed: October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does a Texas boat bill of sale need to be notarized?: No requirement was found for the bill of sale; notarizing is optional.
What is a HIN?: The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code on the upper right of the transom. Boats built after November 1972 must have one. Our form checks the format.
Can I include the outboard motor and trailer?: Texas requires the price of the boat, motor and trailer to be stated separately. The trailer is titled at the county tax office.
Can I get it in Spanish?: Yes. You sign the English document and also receive a Spanish reference translation and Spanish instructions.

Start your document

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Selling only a trailer?