My dad is looking at getting a used boat/trailer from a guy, and we are trying to determine what exact paperwork is needed to fully complete the transaction? The seller has the title to the boat & motor, and the certificate of origin for the trailer in his name.

Do I just need a Bill of sale and the certificate of origin on the trailer to re-register it in our name?

Thanks in advance.

[This message has been edited by agrams (edited 10/30/2012 7:28a).]

Just the bill if sale. I have a certificate of origin on a horse trailer and the tax office didn't care to see it.

Was your bill of sale notarized, or just signed by both parties.

Just signed by the seller.

All you need is a bill of sale and the trailer serial number. Then you register it with DPS (IIRC you use the form 130-U). The amount of tax you pay will be based on the the weight capacity of the trailer.

What about TPW title/registration for the boat and motor?

TPW Website reccomendations on buying/selling used boats

My dad is concerned with spending 10K on a used boat, paying in cash, and just covering all of his bases.

quote:

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In a private sale, whenever possible, both the seller and buyer should go to the nearest participating office to transfer the boat title and registration and outboard motor title into the name of the purchaser. Trailers are registered/titled separately through your County tax office.

Seller – by accompanying the buyer to the local office you are assured that the record is transferred out of your name and future liability for the vessel eliminated. The vessel and outboard motor title will remain in your name until a new title is applied for and processed by the local office or through the mail. If you do not accompany the purchaser to your local office, be sure to submit a Vessel/Boat or Outboard Motor Ownership Transfer Notification form PWD 1340 to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Purchaser – you can avoid unwanted surprises about your purchase by having the seller accompany you to the local office. If there are any problems with the title, they can be resolved by the seller at that time. Do not purchase a used boat or outboard motor without receiving a signed title from the person(s) listed on the title or from their legally documented representative. If a legal representative signs the title for the recorded owner(s), you must obtain a copy of the documentation authorizing them to act on behalf of the owner(s). Purchases or gifts of boats or outboard motors that do not acquire the title and bill of sale will not be eligible for immediate transfer. These may be titled through a more expensive and lengthy bonded title process.

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This seems excessive. Unless I had cause for concern on the title, or the seller was shady, I think face to face with all paperwork should be sufficient. Though who knows what my father's opinion will be...

[This message has been edited by agrams (edited 10/30/2012 2:04p).]

Not all trailers in Texas are titled, or require it. They all require registration for the license plate.

I am sure someone can provide more guidance but make sure you understand the vocabulary.


There is a difference between titled, registered, licensed, etc.

See this thread for an example of what can go wrong.


http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?forum_id=46&topic_id=2120822&page=1&nomobile=1