Quick Answer: What Is PWD 143?
PWD 143 is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department vessel/boat application used when a buyer applies for a Texas boat title, registers a boat, transfers ownership, or reports the taxable purchase price. It is the central Texas boat paperwork form for most private sales and title transfers.
| Use case | Use PWD 143? | Related form |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a used Texas boat | Yes | Signed title, bill of sale, PWD 504 if HIN verification is needed |
| Registering a new boat | Yes | Manufacturer statement of origin or dealer paperwork |
| Seller reporting a sale | No | PWD 1340 ownership transfer notification |
| Outboard motor title or tax | Sometimes | PWD 144 for the motor |
Texas boat paperwork is handled by TPWD, while boat trailers are handled separately through county tax assessor-collector offices. If you bought a boat and trailer together, expect two paperwork tracks.
When You Need PWD 143
Use PWD 143 when ownership of a Texas-titled boat changes, when you need a Texas Certificate of Title, when you register a vessel with TPWD, or when you report vessel sales tax during the application process.
The most common GSC search pattern behind this page is not broad registration research. Searchers want to know exactly which form to use and what else must go with it. That is why this page sits between the general Texas boat registration page and the detailed Texas boat title transfer guide.
PWD 143 Checklist
Before you submit PWD 143, gather the ownership documents that prove the boat can legally move into your name. For a used boat, that usually means the existing title signed by the seller, a bill of sale, and buyer identification. For a new boat, it usually means dealer paperwork or a manufacturer statement of origin.
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hull Identification Number | Links the application to the actual vessel |
| Seller and buyer names | Establishes the chain of ownership |
| Sale date and price | Used for tax and deadline calculations |
| Signed title or prior ownership document | Shows the seller had authority to transfer the boat |
| Bill of sale | Backs up price, date, and parties to the transaction |
How PWD 143 Fits With Other Texas Forms
PWD 143 is not the only form in a Texas boat sale. Sellers should look at PWD 1340, the ownership transfer notification, because it helps document that the boat left their ownership. Buyers may need PWD 144 when an outboard motor is separately titled or taxed, and PWD 504 when TPWD asks for serial number or HIN verification.
For a complete private-sale workflow, start with how to register a boat after a private sale, then use this page to understand the Texas-specific form stack.
Submission Path
Submit the completed application and supporting documents through a TPWD-approved channel. Depending on the transaction, that may be a TPWD office, a participating county office, or mail submission. Because processing rules and accepted channels can change, confirm the current route on the official TPWD boating site before mailing documents.
Do not submit incomplete paperwork just to meet a deadline. Missing signatures, mismatched HINs, unclear bill-of-sale amounts, and trailer documents mixed with boat documents are common reasons Texas boat transfers get delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PWD 143 the same as a Texas boat title?
Does the seller fill out PWD 143?
Do I use PWD 143 for the boat trailer?
Can I file PWD 143 online?
Sources
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Boat Titling & Registration (https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/)
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — Boating Forms (https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/forms/)
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and up-to-date, registration requirements, fees, and regulations may change without notice. Always contact your state's official registration agency for the most current and authoritative information before making any decisions.