Boat Donation — Tennessee - TN — Donate A Boat
Boat Registration and Title Information
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Tennessee - TN - boat registration and title information.
1. Does my boat have to be titled in Tennessee?
2. Does my trailer have to be titled in Tennessee?
3. What boats must registered?
4. How do I initially register a boat?
5. What fees are associated with registering my boat?
1. Does my boat have to be titled in Tennessee?
Boats are exempt from title titling. You must, however, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Division at (615) 781-6522, relative to the registration of your boat.
2. Does my trailer have to be titled in Tennessee?
Trailers used for the transportation of boats are exempt from both title and registration.
3. What boats must registered?
Tennessee law requires that all mechanically powered vessels (including documented vessels) and all sailboats which are principally used in Tennessee must be registered. Mechanical propulsion includes electric trolling motors but does not include boats powered only by oars or paddles. Boats which require registration must be properly registered before using them upon any public water of Tennessee. Currently registered boats from other states may use Tennessee waters for a period not to exceed 60 consecutive days. Exception: Sailboats brought into Tennessee by persons from states that do not require numbering of sailboats are exempt from registration provided that Tennessee is not the state of principal use and that the vessel will not be used on Tennessee waters over 60 consecutive days.
4. How do I initially register a boat?
The Tennessee Department of Revenue requires that boats which have never been registered before must show certification that their sales tax was paid when purchased. The owner needs to have the appropriate county court clerk's office or boat dealer stamp the application verifying that the tax was paid. The registration form is then mailed to or taken to the address shown on the form for processing.
5. What fees are associated with registering my boat?
Registration fees are determined by the length of the boat. The vessel may be registered for one, two or three years upon option by the owner. However, if an owner acquires another boat, there is no transfer of fees from one boat to another.
Size
Years
1
2
3
16 feet and under
$10
$19
$28
Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet
$20
$38
$56
26 feet to less than 40 feet
$30
$57
$84
40 feet or more
$40
$76
$112
Dealer/Manufacturer
$25
$50
$75
Duplicate certificate
$5
