fice (GCTO) is partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide water vessel (boat) registration and titling services beginning July 5. Services will initially be provided at the Galveston Island Branch office and, as training progresses, will be extended to all locations, including satellite offices, by the end of July. The La Marque TPWD office will continue to provide services to customers.
Although the County boasts more than 15,000 water vessels, registration and titling is not limited to county residents, thus, visitors from across Texas may obtain these services when visiting Galveston County. Please note that boat trailers must still be titled and registered in the resident County.
TPWD requires all motorboats, outboard motors and sailboats 14’ or larger (or those with an auxiliary engine) to be registered. Thus, canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts and other vessels less than 14’ if paddled, poled, oared or windblown are exempt, as are out-of-country temporarily using Texas waterways, those owned by a governmental entity and ship lifeboats. Those moving to Texas from other states have up to 90 days to register their boat in Texas. Registrations are valid for a period of two years.
“There are many complexities associated with water vessel ownership and registration and it may take us several months to become fully proficient,” stated Tax Assessor Collector Cheryl E. Johnson, “thus, I encourage anyone with complex questions to call TPWD Headquarters at 1-800-262-8755.”
A new page will soon be added to the www.galcotax.com website, will include extensive information along with frequently used TPWD registration and titling forms and a link to TPWD website for a complete array of forms and information.
[6-26-2017]
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