buying a boat out of state

I live in Texas and looking to buy a boat in Oklahoma. Do I still pay tax?

Im assuming on the title transfer paperwork from TPWD it has an option to transfer the title if its coming from another state?

thanks...I have never bought out of state before. Will I need any paperwork from the seller, other than his signature on the TPWD papers?

You'll pay the tax when you register it in TX.
You'll want titles/registration/bill of sale. Don't forget the motor, and registration/MSO on trailer. If you have all the paperwork it's smooth, if you don't it's painful.

What do you mean registration? I know what registration means for a boat, but what would he need to bring?

Here is a link that will help, the info you need is at the bottom of the page.

TXPWD

Pat told you, but I'll try putting it in list form in hopes you get what he said. Some things on the list vary based on procedures in the state where the boat is coming from. You need to check that yourself by looking at that state's info online. For instance, do they title boats and motors separately like TX? If yes, then you need to be looking for at least TWO titles from the seller - one for the boat, one for the motor. Is his boat trailer titled in his state? If yes, then you need to be getting a third title for that also. So you see, what you SHOULD get can vary. You need to educate yourself so you don't have problems or get caught in the middle of something that won't wash off.

1. Bill of Sale: List a price separately for the boat, motor, and trailer. Provide serial numbers for each item in this document, and ideally, title numbers for the parts for which titles exist. Ask for clear photos of the titles in advance of meeting. You can type of a detailed/accurate Bill of Sale in advance of meeting. This is the best way to do this and cover all the bases correctly.
2. Title for the boat from his state. If there is a lien listed on the title, you need to address that before you agree to the purchase and make any payment.
3. Title for the outboard from his state. This could be part of the boat title in some states. If there is a lien listed on the title, you need to address that before you agree to the purchase and make any payment.
4. Title for the trailer if his state issued one. If there is a lien listed on the title, you need to address that before you agree to the purchase and make any payment. Check this online, don't just ask the seller.
5. If there is no trailer title, then you should be given an MSO. This is the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, a birth certificate for the trailer. If he says he doesn't have either, tell him to get a replacement so the transaction can proceed. Get one or the other, or you could have serious problems. Texas may require you to title the trailer, in which case you can't without the MSO.
6. Boat registration paperwork. This is for the typical xx-xxxx-xx number on the bow of the boat with a sticker that requires renewal. Think of it like the tag for a boat.
7. Trailer registration paperwork. This is for the typical road-use tag with a sticker that requires renewal.

Check that the serial numbers on the paperwork match the property being transferred to you. They are located in rather standard places on any boat, motor, or trailer. Tell the owner to be prepared to show these to you.

Once you've bought it, your county's vehicle registration office handles registering the trailer in Texas (for tax/sticker). When you register the trailer, the itemized bill of sale will allow the county to calculate sales tax for the trailer. TPWD requires you to fill out forms PWD 143/144 to be submitted at a TPWD office along with the titles and a copy of the bill of sale. You can fill out those forms online and print them. You have 20 days I think, or you start paying penalties for late transfer. When you submit this paperwork is when you write a check for sales tax on the boat and motor part of the sale. DO NOT pay the owner any $ for sales tax; his state doesn't collect it when the boat is going out of state.

Go by a TP&W office and ask them what you need. You can also pick up any forms you might need. Better to know for sure than have problems with the transfer.

While asking at a TPWD office isn't bad, the result that gets you is limited by the knowledge of the individual you speak with. TPWD Boating division has a wealth of info posted on their internet page within the TPWD domain. Someone already posted that link and I mentioned the two required TPWD forms are there. In today's world, there's virtually no reason one must physically go to a TPWD to learn about this.

Thanks guys.