I'm a bit confused at how the titles work.. I'm buying a used bass boat and he showed me two titles: one for the boat and the other for the outboard.

Am I required to get both transferred over?

So I have to fill out both PWD 143 (Boat title transfer) and PWD 144 (Outboard title transfer)?

I'm trying to find out how much money I need to finish the transaction, if I'm reading it right: $27 for boat title, $27 for outboard title, Transfer of ownership $11, and the new boat registration in my name $53.

So... $118 + sales taxed based on what I bought the boat for multiplied by 6.25%.

Then I have to register the trailer, right? Do I use 130-U, I'm a bit confused about the trailer part.

Any help would be super appreciated.

Found an old post on here about the titles, still confused on the trailer part though.

Go to local tax accessor and pay 50 bucks and get a tag it's really that easy

Others have told me I need a bill of sale for the trailer, and others are just telling me to go to the tax office.

Any idea if I actually need a BoS for specifically the trailer?

I have registered many trailers with out a bill of sale. Just go up there and hope you don't get the crabby old lady lol

Get paperwork from the TPWD before you buy the boat & motor. Then if the trailer has a title you will have to get it. Some trailers have titles and some do not. Go to the tax accessors office and give the plate number, they will be able to tell you wether or not the trailer has a title. Get the proper trailer paperwork from them while you're there.


If you want to make it simple as possible, take the seller with you to the tax office at the time of purchase.

I just did this and went to tax collector office to pay sales tax not he trailer sale, it was already registered and was too small to title. I did not have a BoS, and she took it with no questions.

The previous owner did give me a copy of his registration as well as the certificate of origin (?) for the trailer. I think that helped.

BTW, trailers less than 800# do not need to be titled in texas.

Awesome info, thanks guys! Helpful as always. :]