How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Tennessee?
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.
Cost by boat size
| Boat | Per year | One-time (title etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| 14-ft motorboat | $15.86 | — |
| 20-ft motorboat | $30.50 | — |
| 28-ft motorboat | $46.36 | — |
| Kayak/canoe (no motor) | Free — exempt from registration | |
- 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.
Tennessee: common 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.
Estimate your exact Tennessee cost
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.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration.html — last reviewed 2026-07-16.