Texas boat — quick answer
In Texas, a boat bill of sale is not required and notarization of the title transfer is not required. The state form used for titled vehicles is Form 130-U. Boats in Texas may be registered through the DMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency — confirm with the TxDMV.
Is a boat bill of sale required in Texas?
Not required. Transfer is by the assigned title plus Form 130-U showing the sale price; a separate bill of sale is not required but is good practice.
Seller signs the title over and the buyer files Form 130-U at the county tax office within 30 days. For boats specifically, registration authority can differ from cars — verify whether your vessel is handled by the TxDMV or a separate wildlife/parks agency.
Does a Texas boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
What to include on a Texas boat bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and length
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) — 12 characters
- Motor details (make, horsepower, serial number)
- Whether a trailer is included
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a boat in Texas
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, and date. Both parties sign and date.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller signs the title over and the buyer files Form 130-U at the county tax office within 30 days.
- 3File a notice of sale / release of liability.
The seller files Vehicle Transfer Notification (VTR-346) — file to release liability to remove liability.
- 4Register with the TxDMV.
The buyer titles and registers the boat, bringing Application for Texas Title and/or Registration. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the TxDMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Texas Boat Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a boat bill of sale required in Texas?
A bill of sale is not required in Texas. Transfer is by the assigned title plus Form 130-U showing the sale price; a separate bill of sale is not required but is good practice.
Does a Texas boat bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required for a standard private sale.
What is a HIN on a boat bill of sale?
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character code unique to the boat, similar to a VIN on a car. It is required to register the vessel and should be copied exactly.
Do I need a separate bill of sale for the boat trailer and motor?
The motor is usually described on the boat bill of sale. A trailer often has its own VIN and may need its own bill of sale and registration — use our trailer bill of sale for that.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.