Registration Requirements

Vessels Requiring Registration

A Texas boat registration is valid for two years. The following vessels/boats are required to have current registration when on Texas public water, including when docked, moored, or stored:

• All motorized vessels, regardless of length (including any sailboat with an auxiliary engine);
• All non-motorized vessels (including sailboats) 14 feet in length or longer; and
• USCG documented vessels.

Vessels Exempted from Registration

Non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts (regardless of length), or other vessels under 14 feet in length when paddled, poled, oared or windblown. Adding an outboard or trolling motor to any of these vessel types negates the exemption.

A non-motorized vessel may have previously been titled as a motorboat. You can query ownership to check whether a title has been issued.

Registration of USCG Documented Vessels

Effective January 1, 2004, vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are required to have state registration.

Exempted USCG Documented Vessels

• Commercial tugboats;
• Vessels exceeding 115 feet in length; and
• Pilot or crew boats transporting freight, supplies, or personnel to or from cargo ships, freighters, or offshore oil infrastructure.