Texas § PW.31.046 - APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § PW.31.046 — APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ PW.31.046. APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE. Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2028 (a) Except as provided in Subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the purchaser of a vessel or an outboard motor shall apply to the department or to a county tax assessor-collector for a certificate of title not later than the 45th day after the date of the sale of the vessel or outboard motor. Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2028 (a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), the owner of a vessel or outboard motor for which this state is the state of principal use shall deliver to the department or to a county tax assessor-collector an application for a certificate of title for the vessel or outboard motor, with the applicable fee, not later than the 20th day after the later of: (1) the date of purchase or transfer of ownership; or (2) the date that this state becomes the state of principal use. Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2028 (a-1) For purposes of Subsection (a), the state of principal use of a vessel or outboard motor is the state on whose waters a vessel or outboard motor is or will be used, operated, navigated, or employed more than on the waters of any other state during a calendar year. Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2028 (b) A manufacturer or a dealer who sells a vessel or an outboard motor to a person other than a manufacturer or a dealer shall apply to the department or to a county tax assessor-collector for a certificate of title for the vessel or outboard motor in the name of the purchaser not later than the 45th day after the date of the sale. Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2028 (b) A manufacturer or a dealer who sells a vessel or an outboard motor to a person other than a manufacturer or a dealer shall apply to the department or to a county tax assessor-collector for a certificate of title for the vessel or outboard motor in the name of the purchaser not later than the 20th day after the date of the sale. (c) A dealer who acquires a vessel or an outboard motor, other than a new vessel or outboard motor, is not required to apply for a certificate of title in the name of the dealer, but on resale of the vessel or outboard motor shall apply for the subsequent purchaser under Subsection (b) of this section and shall submit to the department or to a county tax assessor-collector the endorsed certificate of title acquired by the dealer. (d) The department or county tax assessor-collector may not issue a certificate of title unless the tax due on the vessel or outboard motor under Chapter 160 , Tax Code, is paid. Added by Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 1253, ch. 484, Sec. 1(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1977. Amended by Acts 1979, 66th Leg., p. 1353, ch. 607, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 27, 1979; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 5, Sec. 7.06, eff. Oct. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 450, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1249 (H.B. 4032 ), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2019. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 185 (S.B. 1267 ), Sec. 10, eff. January 1, 2028.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § PW.31.046
What does The Texas Constitution § PW.31.046 cover?
Section PW.31.046 ("APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TITLE") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § PW.31.046?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § PW.31.046" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § PW.31.046 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.