Boats & Outboard Motors Bonds
For vessels and outboard motors regulated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
Complete the TPWD review and obtain the official required amount before buying. Reviewed September 1, 2026.
When Do You Need This Bond?
If ownership documents for a boat or outboard motor are missing or incomplete, the bonded-title process may be an available path. The applicable state agency must review the facts and determine eligibility before a bond is purchased.
The 1.5x Rule
State law dictates that the bond amount must be exactly 1.5 times the appraised value of the vessel. You do not decide this value—the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) dictates the value after you submit your initial paperwork. Read the official TPWD review form.
The Process Overview
- Attempt Contact. Send a certified letter with return receipt requested to the last known recorded owner and lienholder (if any).
- Submit Documentation to TPWD. If you cannot reach the previous owner, submit the Statement of Fact for Bonded Title Review (PWD 388), photographs, and proof of your certified mail attempt.
- Get State Approval. The TPWD will review your submission and, if approved, provide the required bond amount based on their valuation in the approval package described in PWD 388.
- Purchase Your Bond. Use that exact amount to purchase your Texas Boat/Motor Title Bond.
- Finalize with TPWD. Submit the purchased bond back to the TPWD along with your title application and fees as described in the PWD 388 final-submission instructions to receive your bonded title.
Official sources for this boat and outboard-motor process
Reviewed September 1, 2026. These agency forms and instructions support the process above; current agency determinations and requirements control.
- TPWD Form PWD 388
Statement of Fact for Boat and/or Outboard Motor Bonded Title Review, including the certified-mail, approval, valuation, and final-submission steps.
- TPWD Boat Title, Registration, Tax & ID Requirements
TPWD's official boating title, registration, tax, and identification requirements.
Ready to Purchase Your Bond?
If you have already received your official determination letter and know your required bond amount, you can proceed to purchase.
Buy Your BondPurchases are processed securely through Bond Titan.