Tennessee boat registration is handled by the Wildlife Resources Agency, not the DMV

Tennessee requires all motorboats and sailboats over a certain size to be registered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), not the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can register in person at a TWRA office, by mail, or online through the TWRA website. The process takes about two weeks by mail and a few minutes in person, and costs between $25 and $100 depending on your boat's length and whether you own it outright or have a lien against it.

Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will receive a certificate of number and decals to display on your boat's hull. Tennessee does not require a title document for boats the way it does for cars, but if your boat has a lien (a loan against it), the lender's name will appear on your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Register your boat with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, not the DMV, either online, by mail, or at a TWRA office.
  • You need the boat's hull identification number (HIN), proof of ownership, and a completed process form to register.
  • Registration costs $25 to $100 depending on boat length and lien status, and is valid for three years.
  • You must display the registration decals on both sides of the boat's bow within six inches of the registration number.
  • Boats under 13 feet with no motor, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats do not require registration in Tennessee.

What boats must be registered in Tennessee

Any motorboat or sailboat 13 feet or longer must be registered. This includes jet skis, pontoons, houseboats, and sailboats. Boats under 13 feet with no motor, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats are exempt from registration but may still need a boating safety certificate if the operator is under 17.

If you own a boat with a motor of any size, or a sailboat of any size, check the TWRA website or call your local TWRA office to confirm whether your specific boat type requires registration. The rule is based on length and propulsion, not value or where you keep it.

Documents and information you will need

Before you register, gather the boat's hull identification number (HIN), which is stamped on the starboard (right) side of the hull near the top. You will also need proof of ownership — a bill of sale, previous registration, or manufacturer's certificate of origin. If someone else owns the boat with you, bring documentation showing both owners' names.

If the boat has a lien (you are still paying for it), you will need the lender's name and address. You will also need your Tennessee driver's license or ID and your Social Security number. Complete the process form (available on the TWRA website or at any TWRA office) before you arrive or submit it online.

How to register online, by mail, or in person

Online registration is the fastest option. Visit the TWRA website, select "Boat Registration," and follow the prompts. You will enter your boat information, upload a photo of your HIN, and pay the fee by credit card. You should receive your registration certificate and decals within 10 business days.

By mail, send the completed process form, proof of ownership, a copy of your driver's license, and a check or money order to the TWRA address listed on the form. Include a photo or photocopy of the HIN if possible. Mail processing takes two to three weeks. In person, visit any TWRA office with your documents and process. Registration is when ready, and you walk out with your decals the same day.

The TWRA has regional offices in Nashville, Knoxville, Jackson, and Morristown, plus smaller satellite offices across the state. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling more than 30 minutes.

Registration fees and what they cover

Fees are based on boat length. Boats 13 to 26 feet cost $25; 26 to 40 feet cost $40; 40 to 65 feet cost $65; and over 65 feet cost $100. If your boat has a lien, add $10 to the base fee. Registration is valid for three years from the date of issue, and you do not renew it — you register again when it expires.

The fee covers your certificate of number and two registration decals. You must display one decal on each side of the bow, within six inches of the registration number itself. The decals are permanent and should not be removed or transferred to another boat.

Displaying your registration decals correctly

Once you receive your decals, place one on the starboard (right) side of the bow and one on the port (left) side. Both decals must be within six inches of the registration number, which you will paint or affix to the hull in letters at least three inches tall. The number format is two letters followed by four numbers (for example, TN 1234).

Keep your registration certificate on board whenever you operate the boat. A wildlife officer can stop you and ask to see it. If you lose your certificate, you can request a duplicate from the TWRA for a small fee.

Renewing or transferring registration

When your three-year registration expires, you register again as if it were new. You do not receive a renewal notice in the mail. Mark your calendar or set a reminder three years from your registration date. Operating a boat with expired registration can result in a fine.

If you sell the boat, the new owner must register it in their name. The registration does not transfer. If you buy a used boat, ask the seller for the current registration certificate and contact information for the TWRA to confirm the boat's registration status before you complete the purchase. If the boat is registered to someone else, you cannot legally operate it until you have registered it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boating safety certificate to operate a boat in Tennessee?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you must complete a boating safety course and carry the certificate while operating any motorboat. The course is available online through the TWRA website and takes about two hours. If you were born before that date, the certificate is not required but is recommended.

What if my boat does not have a visible HIN?

Contact the TWRA office before you register. Some older boats or custom-built boats may not have a standard HIN. The TWRA can issue a number for your boat, but you may need to provide additional documentation of ownership. Call your local office for guidance on your specific situation.

Can I register a boat I am buying out of state?

Yes. If you are moving to Tennessee or buying a boat from another state, register it with the TWRA within 30 days of bringing it into Tennessee. Bring the out-of-state registration or bill of sale along with your other documents. You do not need to keep the old registration once Tennessee registration is complete.

What happens if I operate a boat without registration?

Operating an unregistered boat is a violation and can result in a fine of up to $100 or more, depending on the circumstances. A wildlife officer can stop you and check your registration at any time. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready to avoid penalties.

Do I need to register a boat I keep in another state but use in Tennessee?

If you operate the boat in Tennessee waters for more than 90 consecutive days, you must register it in Tennessee. If you use it for shorter periods, check with the TWRA about temporary use rules. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but Tennessee requires registration for most boats used in state waters.