Form PWD 143 at a glance
What it is: Vessel/Boat Application (PWD 143) is used to request a Texas title and/or registration for a vessel/boat or to pay tax on vessels 115 feet and under.
Who signs: In Section O, the previous owner(s) must sign their name and date this section. Original signatures are required in Section P, Applicant(s), New Owner(s) or Lawful Representative, and copies will not be accepted. The applicant(s) must sign their name and date this section.
Where to get it: Additional forms and information may be obtained at www.tpwd.texas.gov under the “Boating” category.
Effective 1/1/94, all vessels/boats and outboard motors are required to be titled unless exempt.
Registration is required for use on all Texas public waters.
What to bring and attach to Form PWD 143
Supporting documents, original signatures and payment for fees and taxes must accompany this form for processing.
A filled-in Form PWD 143 example: a used boat bought from a private seller
How to fill out Form PWD 143, box by box
Is the vessel new or used
New is defined as: Brand new vessels purchased from a Dealer, Distributor, or Manufacturer; or a newly built homemade vessel.
Used is defined as: Any vessel with an existing TPWD title or registration record, any vessel that is recorded in another state or country, any USCG documented vessel, or any vessel that is not currently on record and does not have a Manufacturers Statement of Origin or is not newly homemade.
Is the vessel from out of state or USCG documented
If the vessel is coming from another state or country, check “yes,” attach completed PWD 504, and enter the name of the state or country. Enter the title or registration number or if the vessel was not registered or titled, leave the “title/registration number” field blank.
Common mistake: If the vessel is titled in another state, you must submit the original out-of-state title with this application (form PWD 143). If the vessel is registered in another state that does not title vessels, you must submit the original out-of-state registration certificate with this application (form PWD 143).
If the vessel is United States Coast Guard (USCG) documented, check “yes” and enter the USCG documentation number, vessel name, and the hailing port city and state. (Proof of documentation is required.)
Serial/hull ID number and Texas registration number
In the space provided, enter the vessel serial/hull ID number permanently affixed to the vessel.
If the vessel is currently recorded with TPWD enter the Texas registration number in the space provided. Example: TX-0001-GG. If you do not have this number, leave this space blank.
If a Game Warden inspection is required, check the box. If the vessel is newly homemade, or if the vessel is manufactured but has no serial number, a Game Warden inspection is required.
Texas Marine Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer license number
If the vessel was acquired from a Texas Marine Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer enter their license number in the space provided. Example: TX-0321-AA. If this vessel was not acquired through a Texas Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer, leave this blank.
If the vessel was acquired from a Dealer, Distributor or Manufacturer from outside of Texas, check the box. If it was not, leave this box blank.
Select one transaction
Please select only one of the following transactions from the list in box D.
Title and Registration - Titling a vessel provides a Certificate of Title.
Title only - Titling a vessel provides a Certificate of Title, which is the legal documentation of ownership. Selecting this option will not add or renew registration on a vessel.
Pay Sales or Use Tax Only - This applies when the vessel is exempt from titling and registration or you have a qualifying reason to pay tax only. A qualifying reason must be chosen from the list provided.
How the vessel was acquired
Make one selection that best describes how the applicant acquired the vessel.
Applicant/New Owner
Provide the name, citizenship information, phone number, identification information [driver's license/state ID and date of birth for individuals/trustees, OR Employer Identification Number (EIN) for companies], email address, principal residence address, and mailing address for the primary owner to whom the vessel will be registered/titled or who is paying tax only.
Co-Owner
For Rights of Survivorship, check the Rights of Survivorship box on the application and attach a completed Rights of Survivorship Ownership Agreement for a Boat and/or Outboard Motor (PWD 790).
First lien holder
If you have financed the purchase of this vessel, provide the name, address, phone number, and the date the lien was issued for the first lien holder of the vessel.
If you have not financed the purchase, leave this section blank.
Vessel description
If your vessel has an outboard motor, you must title the outboard motor separately by completing an Outboard Motor Application (PWD 144).
Previous owner (seller, donor, trader)
Provide the name, address, and phone number of the person(s) or company that previously owned the vessel.
Qualifying exemptions from payment of tax
Section L, Qualifying Exemptions from Payment of Tax: if any exemption is checked, enter $0 in Section N item 9. (checked October 20, 2026)
If the ownership change is the result of a gift or inheritance, no tax is owed and the donor must check this box. Complete Section N items 11-16.
If you are a new resident to Texas and are transferring title/registration from another state, check this box. Complete Section N items 10-16 (new resident tax applies - $15). (checked October 20, 2026)
Trade-in information
Trade-in Information - If you have traded a vessel or outboard motor towards the purchase of the vessel, the seller must complete Section M.
Date of sale, sales price, taxes and fees owed
Any alterations in Section L item 1, Section M or Section N items 1-3 will void the application.
Date of Sale - The seller must fill in the date that the purchaser took delivery of the vessel in Texas or if purchased elsewhere, the date brought into Texas (proof is required).
Sales Price - The seller must fill in the sales price for the vessel.
Taxable Amount - Subtract the amount of the trade-in from the sales price and enter that value on this line.
Sales or Use Tax - Multiply the amount on item 4 by .0625 or use form PWD 930 to calculate this amount for you. Enter that amount here.
Tax Penalty and Interest - If you do not owe a penalty, enter zero ($0). If you have not paid sales or use tax by the due date, you will owe a tax penalty and interest may be due. (checked October 20, 2026)
Game Warden Inspection - If you are paying for an inspection by a Texas Game Warden, enter $25 on this line. (checked October 20, 2026)
A fee chart can be obtained: online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/forms; by telephone utilizing the Boat Information System (800) 262-8755; at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin; from any of the 28 TPWD Law Enforcement field offices across the state.
Signatures
The seller must complete Section J and the applicable items in the Tax Affidavit Section L item 1, Section M and Section N items 1-3 and sign Section O.
I hereby certify that all statements in this document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
More rules for Form PWD 143
Complete in blue or black ink.
Titles print 21 days after being processed and are mailed from TPWD Headquarters in Austin.
Common questions about Form PWD 143
How do I change ownership of a boat?
If you are transferring ownership of a titled vessel, you must submit the original title along with this application (form PWD 143).
Where do I file it?
The form PWD 143 must be completed and submitted with any supporting documentation and appropriate fees to TPWD Headquarters in Austin, a TPWD local law enforcement office, or a participating County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Is there a penalty?
Falsifying information on documents is a punishable offense - Texas Penal Code Chapter 37, Section 37.10.
Where to get help with Form PWD 143
For telephone assistance contact TPWD at (800) 262-8755 or (512) 389-4828.
Sources
[1] Form PWD 143 (9/25), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (the Official source link on this page).