Texas Bonded Title: How to Register a Boat Without a Title (2026)

When You Need a Bonded Title in Texas

Buying a boat without a proper title happens more often than most people expect. You find a great deal on a bass boat from a neighbor, inherit a vessel from a family member, or purchase a fixer-upper from someone who lost the paperwork years ago. In each of these situations, Texas law provides a legal path to ownership through the bonded title process.

A bonded-title review may be the path when standard ownership documents cannot be obtained: the original title is missing and the previous owner cannot get a duplicate, the title was never properly transferred, or the chain of ownership is incomplete. Abandoned boats and outboard motors have a separate TPWD bonded-title review path, so do not treat every no-title purchase as the same case.

The bonded title process is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD reviews the facts first and then tells you whether a bond is appropriate, what amount is required, and which final forms and fees apply.

The Bonded Title Process: Step by Step

The Texas bonded title process usually follows these steps, but TPWD can require different documentation based on the ownership history:

Step 1: Gather Proof of Ownership

Before starting the formal process, collect every document that supports your claim to the boat. Useful documents may include a bill of sale, purchase invoice or receipt, canceled check or bank statement showing the transaction, prior registration records, storage or marina records, or other proof TPWD can evaluate.

The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case. Even if none of these documents alone constitutes a legal title, together they build a pattern of legitimate ownership that TPWD can evaluate.

Step 2: Request Ownership History (PWD 763)

If the boat was previously titled in Texas, request an Ownership/Lien Holder Printout using Form PWD 763. This document shows the last recorded owner and any liens against the vessel. TPWD can search their records using the Hull Identification Number (HIN) or the Texas registration number.

This step is important because it identifies who TPWD considers the legal owner. If the last recorded owner is different from the person who sold you the boat, you will need to document the chain of ownership more thoroughly.

Step 3: Contact Previous Owners (PWD 1347)

TPWD requires you to attempt contact with the last recorded owner and any lienholders. Use Form PWD 1347 (Request for Release of Ownership Interest) and send it via certified mail, return receipt requested. This creates a documented record that you attempted to reach the previous owner.

If the previous owner responds and signs a release of interest, it significantly simplifies your bonded title application. If they do not respond, keep the certified mail receipts and follow the TPWD bonded-title instructions for documenting the attempt.

Step 4: Submit PWD 388 (Statement of Fact)

Form PWD 388 (Statement of Fact for Boat and/or Outboard Motor Bonded Title Review) is the core application form. On this form, you explain in detail how you acquired the boat and why you cannot obtain the proper title or supporting documents.

Along with PWD 388, submit Form PWD 504 (Verification of Serial Number) with a clear photograph of the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the transom of the boat. Also include all supporting documentation gathered in Step 1 and the certified mail receipts from Step 3.

Submit this package to TPWD for review. Do not purchase a surety bond until TPWD approves your application — if your application is denied, a prematurely purchased bond cannot be refunded.

Step 5–6: TPWD Approval and Surety Bond

Once TPWD reviews and approves your PWD 388 application, they will notify you of the required surety bond amount. Do not buy the bond before this step because TPWD must first decide whether bonded title is appropriate and what value to use.

The bond amount is not the same as the premium you pay. Treat it as a TPWD-directed amount, then ask the surety company for the actual premium after TPWD approves the review.

The bond premium is the amount you pay the surety company, and it varies by surety provider, applicant, and bond amount. Confirm the premium directly with the surety company after TPWD approves the bonded-title review and tells you the required bond amount.

The surety bond protects any third party who may come forward within the bond period to prove they are the rightful owner. If someone successfully proves ownership during the bond period, the surety company compensates them up to the bond amount.

Step 7: Final Submission and Title Issuance

With TPWD approval and your surety bond in hand, submit the following to TPWD:

The original surety bond certificate, completed Form PWD 143 (Vessel/Boat Application) in your name, Form PWD 504 with HIN verification when required, all applicable fees (TPWD lists a $37 bonded title fee), registration fees, lien recording fee if applicable, and 6.25 percent sales/use tax when due.

After processing, TPWD issues registration documents and a Texas Certificate of Title. Timing depends on review status, missing documents, mail, lien issues, and TPWD workload.

The 3-Year Bond Period

The surety bond remains active for three years from the date of title issuance. During this period, anyone who believes they are the rightful owner can file a claim against the bond.

After the 3-year period expires, follow TPWD instructions if you want to request a title without the bonded title notation.

The bond period exists as a legal safeguard and cannot be shortened or waived. Keep the bonded title approval, bond certificate, release-attempt records, and final TPWD receipts for the full period.

Boats vs. Outboard Motors: Separate Titles

Texas titles boats and qualifying outboard motors separately. TPWD generally requires title for internal-combustion outboard motors, with an official exception for motors that are 40 years old or older and 25 horsepower or less.

If you acquired a boat and a titled outboard motor without proper ownership documents, you may need separate TPWD review for the vessel and the motor.

Each item may require its own review, bond amount, title fee, and final application documents. This can significantly increase the total cost of the bonded title process.

Do not assume a motor is exempt just because it is small. Check the motor age, horsepower, serial number, and TPWD title rules before buying a no-title boat-and-motor package.

Required Forms Summary

All forms are available as free PDFs on the TPWD Boating Forms page. For a general overview of the title transfer process, see our Texas Boat Title Transfer Guide.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Do not buy the bond before TPWD approval. If your application is denied (e.g., the boat is reported stolen, or there is an active lien), a prematurely purchased bond cannot be refunded. Wait for the official approval letter specifying the bond amount.

Use certified mail for PWD 1347. Regular mail does not create the documented proof of attempt that TPWD requires. Keep the certified mail receipts — you will need to submit them with your PWD 388 application.

Check for theft records. Before purchasing any boat without a title, ask the seller for the HIN and check it against the NICB VINCheck database to see if the vessel has been reported stolen. TPWD will deny a bonded title for stolen property.

Budget for sales tax. Even though the boat has no title, 6.25 percent Texas sales/use tax may still be due. TPWD collects applicable tax as part of the final submission in Step 7.

Consider the total cost. For very low-value boats, the surety premium, TPWD bonded title fee, registration, and sales/use tax may approach or exceed the boat's value. Confirm the premium with the surety company after TPWD approves the bond amount.