How Much Does It Cost to Register a Boat in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, boat registration is handled by the TWRA (via GoOutdoorsTennessee or county clerk) and renews annually. The fee is based on boat length — from $15.86 for the smallest class up to $62.22 for the largest per year. 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.
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.