What you need to do to register a boat in Tennessee

Boat registration in Tennessee is handled by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and the process depends on whether your boat is new, used, or already registered elsewhere. Most boats need a Certificate of Number — the state's version of a boat title — before you can legally operate them on Tennessee waters. You'll submit your paperwork to TWRA either in person at a regional office, by mail, or through an authorized agent like a boat dealer or marine retailer.

The basic steps are: gather your documents, fill out the registration form, pay the fee, and receive your Certificate of Number. The whole process typically takes one to two weeks if you mail it in, or same-day if you go to a TWRA office in person. Once you have your Certificate of Number, you'll receive registration decals to display on your boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee requires a Certificate of Number from TWRA for most boats before you operate them on state waters.
  • You'll need proof of ownership (bill of sale, manufacturer's certificate, or previous registration), your Tennessee driver's license or ID, and the hull identification number (HIN) from your boat.
  • Registration fees vary based on boat length and whether it's new or used, ranging from around $20 to $100 annually.
  • You can register at a TWRA office in person, mail your paperwork to TWRA headquarters in Nashville, or use an authorized agent like a boat dealer.

Documents you'll need before you start

Gather these items before you contact TWRA or visit an office. You'll need proof of ownership — this is a bill of sale, a manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) for new boats, or your previous boat registration if you're transferring from another state. You'll also need a valid Tennessee driver's license or state ID to prove residency, and the hull identification number (HIN), which is stamped on the boat itself, usually on the starboard (right) side near the top of the transom.

If someone other than the owner is registering the boat, bring a notarized power of attorney. If the boat is titled to a business or trust, bring documentation showing the legal structure. Have your Social Security number or federal employer identification number (EIN) ready as well.

How to fill out the registration form

TWRA uses form HQ 78-1, the "process for Certificate of Number." You can read it from the TWRA website or pick one up at any TWRA office. The form asks for the owner's name and address, the boat's HIN, the boat's length, the type of boat (sailboat, motorboat, jet ski, etc.), the hull material, and the engine type and horsepower if it's a motorboat.

Fill in every field completely and legibly. If you're unsure about any detail — like whether your boat counts as a sailboat or a motorboat — call the TWRA office before submitting. Incomplete forms get sent back, which delays your registration by another week or more.

Registration fees and how long they last

Tennessee boat registration fees are based on the boat's length. Boats under 16 feet typically cost around $20 to $30 annually; boats 16 to 26 feet run roughly $40 to $60; and boats over 26 feet cost $75 to $100 or more. These are approximate ranges because fees can shift year to year. Contact TWRA directly or check their website for the exact current fee for your boat's length.

Your registration is valid for one year from the date it's issued. You'll need to renew it annually. TWRA will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your registration expires, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person.

Where to submit your paperwork

You have three main options. The fastest is to visit a TWRA regional office in person — you'll walk out with your Certificate of Number the same day. TWRA has offices across Tennessee; the main headquarters is in Nashville at 5107 Edmondson Pike. You can find the address and hours of your nearest regional office on the TWRA website.

If you prefer to mail your paperwork, send the completed form HQ 78-1, your proof of ownership, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the registration fee to TWRA headquarters in Nashville. Include a return address so they can mail your Certificate of Number back to you. This route usually takes one to two weeks.

Many boat dealers and marine retailers are authorized TWRA agents and can process registration for you on the spot. If you're buying a boat from a dealer, ask whether they handle registration — many include it as part of the sale.

What happens after you're registered

Once TWRA processes your paperwork, you'll receive a Certificate of Number in the mail (or in person if you applied at an office). This certificate is your proof of registration and should be kept on the boat or with you when you're operating it. You'll also receive two registration decals — stickers with your registration number — that must be displayed on both sides of the boat's bow, roughly 12 inches behind the HIN.

Display the decals correctly and keep your Certificate of Number accessible. Tennessee Wildlife Officers can stop you on the water to check your registration, and operating an unregistered boat can result in a fine. If you lose your Certificate of Number, contact TWRA to request a replacement.

Special situations: transfers, out-of-state boats, and non-motorized vessels

If you're buying a boat that's already registered in Tennessee, the seller should provide you with the Certificate of Number. You'll need to transfer it into your name by submitting a transfer form (also available from TWRA) along with proof of the sale and your ID. This protects you legally and ensures the registration is current.

If you're moving to Tennessee with a boat registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Tennessee. Bring your out-of-state registration, proof of ownership, and your Tennessee ID to a TWRA office. Non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and sailboats under 16 feet without motors may have different registration rules — check with TWRA, as some are exempt from registration entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register a kayak or canoe?

Non-motorized boats under 16 feet are generally exempt from registration in Tennessee, but there are exceptions. If your kayak or canoe is used commercially or on certain waters, registration may be required. Contact TWRA to confirm whether your specific boat needs to be registered.

What if I buy a used boat from a private seller?

Get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, showing the purchase price and date. Bring this bill of sale, your ID, and the boat's HIN to TWRA to register it in your name. If the boat was previously registered in Tennessee, ask the seller for the old Certificate of Number so you can transfer it.

Can I register my boat online?

TWRA does not currently offer full online registration for new boats, but you can renew an existing registration online if you have your Certificate of Number. For new registrations, you'll need to explore in person, by mail, or through an authorized agent.

What if my boat doesn't have a hull identification number?

All boats manufactured after 1972 are required to have a HIN. If your boat is older or the HIN is missing or illegible, contact TWRA before explore — they may require an inspection or have alternative documentation options.

How do I renew my registration?

TWRA sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew by mail, online (if you have your Certificate of Number), or in person at any TWRA office. The renewal process is simpler than initial registration and usually takes just a few days.