Boat Bill of Sale Form - Texas

Do You Need a Bill of Sale for a Boat in Texas?

There is no government-issued form you can use to record the sale of your watercraft. However, it is essential to document the deal because the purchaser must register the vessel once the bill of sale is signed and the title is transferred. Moreover, a bill of sale serves as a purchase receipt and material evidence of the transaction.

You are also required to fill out Form PWD 1340, Vessel/Boat or Outboard Motor Ownership Transfer Notification. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department must be notified of a sale or gift of a watercraft or outboard motor, so a seller has to submit the boat or outboard motor information and a parties' personal details within 15 days of the date of a transaction.

How to Fill Out a Texas Boat Bill of Sale?

The bill of sale is the most important document you must prepare when selling a boat in Texas. Include the following information in your template:

1. Seller and buyer details - their full names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers;
2. Description of the boat or outboard motor. Add its registration number, serial number, hull identification number or motor identification number, make, and year. Mention if the item is being sold in its current condition or if the seller provides any guarantees;
3. Date of the sale and the sum of money paid;
4. Loans or encumbrances, if the transferred vessel has any;
5. Signatures of the parties.

When a bill of sale is filled out, the seller must complete the Vessel Application Form (PWD 143) or the Outboard Motor Application Form (PWD 144). It is also necessary to give the purchaser a valid title if the boat has any. Once the buyer has all the documents, it is required to submit them along with proof of paid fees to a Texas Parks and Wildlife field office within twenty working days.

Does a Boat Bill of Sale Have to Be Notarized in Texas?

The state of Texas does not require a notary public's certification for boat sales but it is generally a good idea to have a notary or witness to a sale in order to confirm the transaction has taken place. This can save any potential trouble which might occur should the seller or buyer contest the transaction at a later date.

Haven't found the form you're looking for? Take a look at these similar forms below:

• Texas Bill of Sale Templates;
• Boat Bill of Sale Templates;
• Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Forms.