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How to Catch Fish Fishing Gear & Tackle Fishing with Lures Fishing with Live Bait Fishing Knots and Rigs Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing View All

Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fishing Tackle & Knots Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Species When to Saltwater Fish View All

Types of Freshwater Fishing Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Bait and Lures Freshwater Fishing FAQ Learn About Freshwater Fish Species When to Freshwater Fish View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Gear Fly Fishing Flies Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

Register a Boat in Texas

Boats allow you access to offshore fishing reefs, enclosed estuary areas and drop-offs that can be some of the best places to catch fish. Once you learn what type of fishing you enjoy the most, you can better determine what type of boat to buy. Then, you will need to make sure you get your Texas boat license, vessel registration and abide by the state boating laws.

TEXAS BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Whether you are pleasure boating on a small local lake or trolling on a 46-foot sport fishing vessel out in the Gulf, Texas has boating laws in place to preserve the state waterways for everyone who uses them. These laws and regulations are an important part of protecting our natural resources so that boaters and anglers can use them for years to come.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat license (or vessel registration) serves as proof that your boat belongs to you and that it is a valid vessel to have on state waters. Keep in mind that you will also need to pay a fee with your registration. This fee helps the state to sustain resources and promote safe, responsible use of our waterways. The quickest and easiest way to get your Texas boat license is to apply for your license online.

Family boating and fishing on a lake in Texas

TEXAS BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All motorboats and all outboard motors must be titled, including sailboats 14 feet and over in length must be titled.
Effective January 1, 2004, vessels documented by the U.S. Coast Guard are required to have state registration.
Boat registrations are valid for a two-year period.