How Long Does It Take To Get a Lost Boat Title in Texas?

On this page:

1. It Takes Up To Six Weeks to Get a Lost Boat Title
2. Missing Information and Other Possible Delays
3. Duplicate Title, Admin Fees, Lien Settlement, and Mailing Fees

It Takes Up To Six Weeks to Get a Lost Boat Title

In the event you lose your boat title, it's important to take action immediately. You can recover a lost or stolen boat title in Texas by applying for a replacement through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A title application must be submitted no later than 45 days from the boat purchase date. This way, you practice responsible boat ownership and protect your investment in the long run.

The six-week timeframe for obtaining a lost boat title in Texas is an estimate provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The actual time it takes to receive a lost boat title may vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of the application, the accuracy of the information provided, and the volume of applications being processed at the time.

The six-week timeframe includes the time it takes to complete all the steps that we'll outline below, as well as any delays that may occur due to high volume or other factors. During this time, the boat owner may be contacted by the TPWD for additional information or to provide updates on the status of the application.

Initial steps to reclaim a lost title

The first step is to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). They are the agency responsible for issuing a new title for your vessel. Before diving into the paperwork, ensure there are no existing liens on your boat. If there are, the lien holder will be the only entity allowed to hold the title until the lien is resolved.

Complete an application for a replacement title

To begin the process, you'll need to fill out a Duplicate Title Application Form, which can be obtained from the TPWD website or through a regional TPWD office. Make sure to include all necessary information, such as your boat's make, model, year, and hull identification number (HIN). You should also provide your personal details, such as your name and mailing address. It's essential to double-check the information on the form to ensure accuracy, as any discrepancies may delay the process.

Does your boat have a hull identification number? If not, here's our article on how you can get a HIN for your boat.

Submit your application to your local TPWD office

Cost Item	Cost
Duplicate boat title	$27
Administrative fees	$5 to $10
Certified mail costs	$3.50

It's a good idea to make copies of the completed forms and any additional documents for your records. After submitting your application, you will need to pay a fee to cover the processing and handling of your request. After the TPWD receives your application and fee, they will process it and issue a new title for your boat. The processing time may vary depending on their workload and other factors. Generally, it takes a few weeks for the department to process the application and mail out the new title.

Once the application is submitted, the TPWD will review it to ensure that all required information is included and accurate. If any information is missing or incorrect, the TPWD may contact the boat owner to request additional documentation or clarification. Once the application is complete and accurate, the TPWD will process the application and issue a replacement title.

Obtaining a lost boat title in Texas can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to ensure that the boat owner has legal proof of ownership in order to avoid any legal issues or complications in the future.

Missing Information and Other Possible Delays

It may take some time to get your lost boat title in Texas. A title applicant must submit their application no later than 45 days from the boat purchase date. However, there could be possible delays in processing, such as:

Incomplete or incorrect information

If your application has missing or incorrect information, it will take longer to process, and the TPWD will need to contact you to request additional documentation or clarification. This can cause delays in processing the application and issuing a replacement title. Make sure to double-check all the entries before submitting them.

High volume of applications

During peak boating seasons, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may receive numerous applications for lost boat titles. This can cause delays in processing times as the TPWD staff works to review and process all the applications in a timely manner.

Need for additional documentation

If extra documentation or verification is needed, the process may take longer. Be prepared to provide any required documents. In some cases, the TPWD may require additional documentation to verify ownership of the boat before issuing a replacement title. This can include bills of sale, registration documents, or other proof of ownership. If the boat owner does not have this documentation readily available, it can cause delays in processing times.

Do you have your registration documents? If not, here's our article on how you can register a boat online for 50 states in the US.

Here's what to do while waiting

While waiting for your lost boat title, you can take some steps to make the best use of your time:

• Keep a copy of your application: Make sure to keep a copy of the application you submitted for your lost boat title. You may need it for reference or proof of submission.

• Stay informed: Check your email and mailbox regularly for any correspondence from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Respond promptly if they require any additional information or documentation.

• Use temporary registration: If you need to use your boat before receiving your lost title, consider applying for a temporary registration. This will allow you to operate your boat legally until your title arrives.

Duplicate Title, Admin Fees, Lien Settlement, and Mailing Fees

Obtaining a lost boat title in Texas involves a few steps, and it's important to understand the costs associated with each step. Here's what you should expect:

First, you need to submit an application for a duplicate title to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). You can find the required forms on their website. The cost of a duplicate boat title in Texas is $27.

Additionally, there may be administrative fees, which typically range from $5 to $10, depending on the complexity of your case. Furthermore, if there is a lien on your boat, you'll need to work with the lien holder to settle it before obtaining a duplicate title. This cost will vary depending on the lien agreement you had initially.

Don't forget about the mailing fees, too. You'll want to send your application and payment to the TPWD through certified mail; this adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that your documents reach their destination. Certified mail costs start at around $3.50.

Keep in mind that fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check the TPWD website for the most up-to-date information before submitting your payment.

Why you might lose your boat title

Losing your boat title might happen for various reasons, such as misplacing it during a move, accidentally throwing it away, or even falling victim to theft. Regardless of the reason, it's essential to address the issue promptly to ensure the legal ownership of your boat.

Preventing future loss

To prevent losing your boat title in the future, here are some tips to follow:

• Keep it safe: Store your boat title in a secure location, such as a safe or a fireproof box. This protects it from damage and minimizes the risk of misplacing it.
• Make copies: Create digital and physical copies of your boat title. This can be helpful if you need to provide the information for any reason, and it's always good to have a backup in case the original goes missing.
• Stay organized: Maintain an organized filing system for important documents, including your boat title. This makes it easier to find when you need it and reduces the risk of losing it among other paperwork.