Like in any other state, the state of Texas has got its laws and regulations. These laws will run through several operations that the public might indulge in. From normal hunting, cutting of trees to the driving of motorized mobiles, the list can be endless.
So, does it end here? No. Apart from the things that I mentioned, the state of Texas again has laws that require anyone with non-motorized canoes, punts, kayaks, rowboats, and rubber rafts to register.
There are registration requirements for the other vessels under 14 feet too. Whether paddled, oared, or poled, you are oared. That’s why for anyone who owns a motorized kayak, it’s important that you understand these requirements and follow them accordingly.
Don’t worry, though. To help you get started, I have wrapped up how to register a motorized kayak in Texas just for you. Please take a look at what I have in store.
How to Register a Motorized Kayak in Texas
When it comes to how to register a motorized kayak in Texas, there are several factors that come into play. I will highlight most of them here so that you get a grip on how the registration process works.
First, the registration is done by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. They have incorporated a law that requires all motorized kayaks to be titled and again registered. Here is a step by step guide to lawful registration.
Registering a New Motorized Kayak
- Get the sales receipt of the kayak
- Get the certificate of origin
- Visit the registration offices
- You are required to pay a small facilitation fee upon arrival
- Once you have paid the fee, you are issued with a form to fill
- Fill in the information that’s requested from you
- Provide the forms for assessment and verification
- Once the information given is validated, the process is completed
You can then get issues with your vessel’s registration certificate and again valid license that allows you to legally fish in any public waters.
What You Should Know
The above process only applies to a new kayak that requires a fresh registration. However, if you are going to purchase a kayak that was previously owned by someone else, then you’d have to issue a bill of exchange or even an invoice, then with the title certificate for verification before you can fill in the main application forms for registration.
Additional Tips
Apart from what I have provided you with here, there are other crucial things that you should learn when it comes to registering a motorized kayak in Texas, which I did not have the time to list above. They include:
How Long Does My Motorized Kayak Registration Last?
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the registration of a motorized boat is valid for two years. Thereafter, you are required by law to renew the registration if you still plan on using the motorized kayak.
Which Types of Vessels Require Registration?
For the state of Texas, the following motorized vessels and boats will have to be registered for them to access any public waters in Texas.
All Motorized Vessels
Motorized vessels or boats, irrespective of their size in length, will have to be registered. These types of vessels include sailboats that have auxiliary engines.
All Non-motorized Vessels
The same type of registration will apply to all non-motorized vessels that are 14 feet in size or even longer. The same applies to any sailboats that meet the same requirement.
NOTE: These vessels that I have listed above, when it Texas, are required to have a valid certificate of registration, including when they are docked, moored, or even stored. Once your boat is registered, you are required to follow every boating law that’s set in Texas.
Are there vessels that are exempted from registration?
Yes. The state of Texas exempts some vessels from carrying a registration certificate or having to be registered. These vessels include the following.
Non-motorized canoes, non-motorized kayaks, rowboats, punts, or rubber rafts. These ones are exempted regardless of their sizes in length.
Any other vessel that’s not motorized and which falls under 14 feet in size (length) when poled, paddled, oared, and say windblown are exempted too.
Should I Register a Trolling Motor on a Non-Motorized Boat?
Yes. If you have decided to any add an outboard or even a trolling motor to any of the vessels that are exempted from registration, the vessel will then require titling and also registration.
Can a kayak come with a motor?
Yes. Kayaks today come with improved design. Some are simple, while others are complex. They are wide and offer their users enough space even to fit a motor such that you are relieved from the pain of having to paddle.
So, there are chances that you will get a kayak that’s designed for such a use in case the owner is not the paddling type. So yes, fitting a sizable trolling motor is on your kayak will definitely make up for a good idea that’s not in any way expensive at all.
However, as I mentioned above, once you have added a trolling motor to your kayak, the kayak will require titling and registration. Failure to do this will mean breaking the law and could attract fines.
Conclusion
In Texas, there is no escape. If you have a vessel that you intend to operate in water, then you must get the Texas Certificate of Number, in other words, the registration card for your vessels. Again, you’d have to get the validation decals that allow you to operate the vessel legally on any public water that you choose to.
The only vessels that are exempted from this type of registration are any sailboat under 14 feet (length) in addition to that are non-motorized vessels too, such as canoes, kayaks, oared boats, rowboats, and rubber rafts.
That’s why you should learn how to register a motorized kayak in Texas. Eventually, you’ll find it easy to ride your vessel without any form of hassle. If you don’t, you’d have broken the law, and you will be charged.