Tennessee Boat Registration Fee Calculator
Registering a boat in Tennessee costs $15.86–$62.22 per year, based on length. It's handled by the TWRA (via GoOutdoorsTennessee or county clerk) and renews annually. Non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes are generally exempt (check local rules for sailboats). Boats with motors — including trolling motors on otherwise unpowered craft — almost always require registration.
Verified against official Tennessee sources on 2026-07-16. How we verify fees.
Your boat
- Registration fee (by length)$30.50
Estimate only — actual fees are set by your state and county at the time of registration. Data last reviewed 2026-07-16. This state's full local formula is not yet implemented; see the notes below the calculator.
Tennessee boat registration fees by length (per year)
| Boat length | Registration fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 16 ft | $15.86 |
| 16–26 ft | $30.5 |
| 26–40 ft | $46.36 |
| 40 ft and over | $62.22 |
Fees shown are the Tennessee state schedule, verified 2026-07-16. Use the calculator above for an itemized estimate including title and one-time fees.
Good to know
- Fees rose 22% on July 1, 2025 — the first increase since 2015. 1-year term shown; 3-year terms run $42.70–$173.24.
- Tennessee does not title boats. County clerk issuance fees are extra.
What determines boat registration cost in Tennessee?
- Boat length (fee tiers)
- Motorized vs. non-motorized
- New registration vs. renewal (title/transfer fees apply once)
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register a kayak or canoe in Tennessee?
Generally no — unpowered craft are exempt in Tennessee. But the moment you mount any motor, including an electric trolling motor, registration is required.
How often do I renew a boat registration in Tennessee?
Annually.
Do I have to register my boat trailer separately in Tennessee?
Yes — in Tennessee the boat and the trailer are two separate registrations. The boat's fee is above; the trailer registers as a utility trailer with the motor-vehicle agency, priced by the trailer's weight (often a low flat fee or a one-time permanent plate). See our Tennessee trailer registration calculator for that cost.
Do I need a title for my boat in Tennessee?
No — Tennessee does not title boats. Your Certificate of Number (the registration) serves as the ownership record, so there's no separate title fee.
Do I have to register a jet ski or PWC in Tennessee?
Yes — personal watercraft (jet skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners) are motorized vessels, so they register just like boats in Tennessee, usually in the smallest length class. The same TWRA (via GoOutdoorsTennessee or county clerk) handles them, and the same fee schedule applies.
Where do I register a boat in Tennessee?
Boat registration in Tennessee is handled by the TWRA (via GoOutdoorsTennessee or county clerk). You can generally register in person, by mail, or online, and you'll need proof of ownership (a bill of sale or title) plus the fee shown above. Renew every year before your decal expires.
More Tennessee calculators
Boat Registration calculators for other states
More Tennessee fees
boat registration in nearby states
Official Tennessee resources
Estimates here are informational — the state is the only source of an official quote.
Data last reviewed 2026-07-16.