Quick answer
In Tennessee, registration is required for: All boats propelled by a motor or sail on public waters of Tennessee. Registration is handled by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, and fees are summarized as $15.86 to $173.24; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) · Source status: Manual verify · Last checked in site data: March 13, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Tennessee, registration is required for: All boats propelled by a motor or sail on public waters of Tennessee. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: All boats propelled by a motor or sail on public waters of Tennessee
Exempt from registration:
- Human-powered vessels (canoes, kayaks, rowboats)
- Boats registered in another state temporarily on Tennessee waters (if TN is not state of principal use)
Registration Fees & Costs
Tennessee boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $15.86 to $173.24. Sales/use tax: Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount. Title fee information: No separate boat title fee listed.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 16 ft and under (1-yr) | $15.86 | $15.86 |
| 16 ft and under (3-yr) | $42.70 | $42.70 |
| Over 16 ft to < 26 ft (1-yr) | $30.50 | $30.50 |
| Over 16 ft to < 26 ft (3-yr) | $86.62 | $86.62 |
| 26 ft to < 40 ft (1-yr) | $46.36 | $46.36 |
| 26 ft to < 40 ft (3-yr) | $130.54 | $130.54 |
| 40 ft and over (1-yr) | $62.22 | $62.22 |
| 40 ft and over (3-yr) | $173.24 | $173.24 |
Sales Tax: Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount
Title Fee: No separate boat title fee listed
How to Register Your Boat in Tennessee
To register a boat in Tennessee, follow the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) process and complete registration before operating on public waters. Go Outdoors Tennessee supports online vessel application or renewal, but tax, ownership, or transfer documents may still require county clerk or TWRA review. Registration is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Tennessee Boat Title & Title Transfer
Tennessee does not list a separate boat title requirement in current state data; use the official registration and ownership documents the agency requests. No separate boat title fee listed. No separate boat title-transfer fee listed.
Title required: No — Tennessee does not title boats
Title application fee: No separate boat title fee listed
Title transfer fee: No separate boat title-transfer fee listed
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Previous state registration (for out-of-state transfers)
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of sales tax paid
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Tennessee
If you are selling a boat in Tennessee, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in TN |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. Because no separate boat title is listed in current state data, keep the prior registration and sale documents requested by the agency. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | No separate boat title is required in the current state data. |
| Tax | Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Tennessee Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1, 2, or 3 years
Tennessee boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Go Outdoors Tennessee supports online vessel application or renewal, but tax, ownership, or transfer documents may still require county clerk or TWRA review. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Tennessee requires a boater safety course. Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989, must pass a Boating Safety Exam and carry a TWRA-issued certificate.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989, must pass a Boating Safety Exam and carry a TWRA-issued certificate
Accepted courses: TWRA approved courses and approved online options
Course cost: TWRA exam/card and course provider fees vary
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: TN 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Place validation decals according to TWRA materials issued for the Tennessee registration number
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States
| State | Min. Fee | Validity | Title Req. | Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $15.86 | 1, 2, or 3 years | No | Tennessee sales/use tax may apply; county clerk, local tax, and single-article rules can affect the final amount |
| Alabama | $25.00 | 1 year (October 1 – September 30) | Yes | 4% state sales tax; local tax and county charges may also apply |
| Arkansas | $7.50 | 3 years | Yes | Sales tax is collected when due; Arkansas does not charge sales tax on casual individual-to-individual boat sales |
| Georgia | $45.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4% state sales/use tax base; local rates, exemptions, and proof-of-tax rules may also apply |
| Kentucky | $25.00 | 1 year (expires April 30) | Yes | 6% state sales/use tax base when due; county property tax, title, lien, and clerk charges are separate |
| Mississippi | $10.99 | 3 years | No | 7% state sales/use tax base when due; proof-of-tax, local tax, or exemption documents may be required depending on the purchase |
| Missouri | $25.00 | 3 years | Yes | 4.225% state sales/use tax base plus applicable local tax when due; personal property tax is separate |
| North Carolina | $34.00 | 1 year or 3 years | Yes | Taxes or highway-use tax, if due, are handled outside the NCWRC vessel fee table; confirm with NCWRC or NCDMV before filing |
| Virginia | $32.00 | 3 years | Yes | 2% Virginia Watercraft Sales Tax on watercraft and motor, capped at $2,000; confirm credit and taxable value with DWR |
Tennessee Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Tennessee?
Does Tennessee require boat titles?
Is boater education required in Tennessee?
Can I register my boat online in Tennessee?
Do non-residents need to register boats in Tennessee?
Where do I handle Tennessee boat sales tax?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Tennessee? Visit the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
- Alabama Boat Registration
- Arkansas Boat Registration
- Georgia Boat Registration
- Kentucky Boat Registration
- Mississippi Boat Registration
- Missouri Boat Registration
- North Carolina Boat Registration
- Virginia Boat Registration
- Compare Registration Costs Across All States
- How to Register a Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
- Boat Title Transfer Guide
- Registration Fee Calculator
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) at 615-781-6500 for the most current information.