Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

[ShawnQ]

I just bought a boat from my friend's father (not shady at all), and I was under the impression that all boats/motors have their own title.<br /><br />He gave me two forms, one for the engine, one for the boat. I was told to fill them out, take them to TPWD, and they would transfer it to my name. He said that when he bought the boat, he never had a title, just a little I.D. card stating the serial#'s, etc..which he gave me.<br />He said he didn't have any trouble getting the boat registered in his name, or any of that, and the previous owner didn't give him any type of a title.<br />He said he thought he had heard of something about a boat being a certain age not having a title, or something like that. <br /><br />Can anyone confirm anything? If I DO need a title, how would I go about getting it? Both of the previous owners are easily accessible if the need be, and willing to help as well.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[JB]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Boy, are you about to learn the meaning of "red tape"!<br /><br />Take the forms he gave you to your court house. They will give you a bunch more forms to have previous owners notarize.<br /><br />I had to go through that when I imported boats or engines from non-title states.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Red Tape?<br /><br />If my friend's dad got the boat registered in his name, w/out a title, w/no problems, why couldn't I?<br /><br />Not trying to be a smart ass, being serious. He got it registered in his name w/no title...he said all he did was go and sign two papers.<br /><br />Thanks for the help!<br />Shawn

 

[roscoe]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Shawn, try doing what seller told you. You may be ok. It may have to do with the age of the boat, as your Chrysler was probably built before there were any titling provisions. Here in Wisconsin, titles were not issued until maybe 20 years ago. Older boats don't need a title here. And when newer used boats are brought in from out of state, we register them, and the state issues a registration number and title.<br /><br />Just walk in with a .45 strapped to your hip and swagger like John Wayne and you won't have any problems

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

It's worth a trip to the courthouse, papers in hand, to find out what you legally need to do to run that boat in Texas waters. You may get by like your friend's dad, or they may have changed the rules by now...check in person at the courthouse. Out on the lake getting a ticket is no place to learn what rules now apply...it'll ruin your day. Stay on the safe/legal side and check it out beforehand.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Roscoe, Tim,<br /><br />He said that's the reason why it wasn't titled, becuase it is so old (1968). He said if they are 25yrs or older, they dont have titles. I've known him since I was in diapers, and he's a good family friend that wont try to hide anything, so I trust his word. He told me to wait until the current registration runs out, and then do it (april 03)...so that's what I'll do.<br /><br />THanks!<br />Shawn

 

[pspencer]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

The trailer gets registered through DPS, and you will need a current and clear tiltle regardless of age. <br /><br />The boat goes through Texas Parks and Wildlife and all you need are two forms I believe. All the info you need are on the respective dept's web sites, as well as, all the forms you need.<br /><br />Not too bad of a process, but do yourself a favor and get all the info off the web first..it will save alot of headaches.<br /><br />Paul Spencer<br />Dallas, Texas

 

[SCO]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

You have to transfer the boat title within 2 weeks or so post purchase, or you will have to pay a penalty. You will also have to pay state sales tax, which is a main point of this little exercise.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Shawn-- not to spoil your day, but all boats and motors in the state of Texas have to be Titled..I had a 1956 boat and a 1959 motor and they had titles. When Texas started titling all boats and motors, if you did not have titles you had to apply and get title in the owners name before registering. They only did this for about 6 years , since then all boats and motors are required to have titles. The cards your friend gave you are for registration only. I just went through some of what you are going to go through. Go to the Parks and Wildlife Department, show them what you have and ask EXACTLY what you need to get title transferred. Hint talk to only one person there and stay with that person. I ended up going back and forth about 6 times until I finally talked to the person I started with and explained every thing to, found out I had made three trips to many.<br /><br />If at all possible , when you get ready to take the final paperwork back have the last registered title owner go with you. This will save alot of time and frustration. <br />Good Luck

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

So, does the owner hold a physical 'title'? An actual, tangible piece of paper like an auto title? <br /><br />Or is the title just in the TPWD's records? <br /><br />The friend I bought the boat from NEVER had a tangible title in his hands, and it was registered in his name without any hassle.<br /><br />Thanks for helping!<br />Shawn

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

I need a title for my trailer??All I have is the registration paper. Am I in for a headache?The reg. runs out in April. Should I start the process now?<br /><br />Wichita Falls TX.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

Shawn yes there is a tangible title. As I previously posted, you need to take what you have and both serial numbers for the boat and motor and GO to the Texas Parks and Wildlife department. They will tell you what you will need to have. For $1.50 each they will run the serial numbers and tell you who the last registered titled owner was and their address at the time. If this is not the individual from who you bought the boat and motor you will have to find that person and get the title from them and them to sign the transfer paperwork which the TPaW office will give you. Depending on what all you need some of them might need to be notorized. Good luck.<br /><br />Boatingfool-Take your current registration to the county tax office with proof of insurance on the towing vehicle and they will re register(tag)your trailer. Normally you will get a three part form just like you get for your vehicle about a month before the month the tag is due.<br /><br />Hope this helps you both.

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

RICKRICK1,<br />A definate help! <br />Thanks for the info.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

This is kind of for everybody buying a boat. A title is a pretty good idea if your state has any kind of system for it.<br /><br />When I bought my boat last year, the salesman told me that because it was under 17 feet, Iowa did not require a title. However, he recommended titling it (10 bucks). He said that this way, if somebody stole it, they would have a tough time selling it because the registration shows that it's titled. I keep the registration with the boat but the title is locked up. Interestingly, the county gave me kind of a tough time about wanting a title on a boat that didn't require it. I told them I really felt strongly about having a title.

 

[totalivewire]

Re: Getting a Title for a boat in Texas, 1968 Model

ive got a question roughly on the same topic.my cousin gave me his 14' 1972 boat with a '72 trailor that hasnt been registered for 2 or 3 years.but i figure if its been this long i might as well wait for spring. But my question is how much roughly is this gonna cost me to register the boat and trailor including penalties?