All motorized boats and sailboats used in the state must be registered with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

After purchasing a boat or bringing a boat from another state, the buyer has 60 days to register, during which a “temporary registration” will be in effect. Registration may be obtained in one-, two- or three-year increments.

Renewals may be completed online or at sporting goods stores that provide TWRA hunting and fishing licenses.

Registration documents must be submitted to the office of the County Clerk in the county where the boat’s buyer resides.

• An Application for Boat Certificate of Number. This form is not available online but may be obtained through a County Clerk office or from a dealership if the boat was purchased from a Tennessee dealer
• A bill of sale
• If the vessel was purchased from an owner who had previously registered the boat in another state, proof of previous registration is needed. (A signed title form may be useful for this requirement, but boats are not titled in Tennessee)
• Proof of payment of registration fees. The amount will depend on the period of registration and the length of the vessel, as per this fee schedule