Boat Registration

The County Clerk collects sales tax on boat transactions between individuals. An Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers (Low Price/Gift Form) is required if the purchase price is less than the retail value according to NADA records. If you would like to check the value of the boat, you may do so online at www.nada.com.

When a boat is purchased from an individual, the buyer will need to submit the following to the County Clerk’s Office:

If the boat has been registered in Tennessee before:

  • Proof of identification
  • The TWRA boat registration card
  • Bill of Sale including: Signature and address of the seller, buyer’s name, purchase price, and the description of the boat to include the year, make, model, hull or serial number**
  • Low Price/Gift Form (Required if the purchase price is less than retail value according to the NADA records.)

If the boat has never been registered in Tennessee:

  • Proof of identification
  •  Boat registration or title* from previous state
  • Bill of Sale including: Signature and address of the seller, buyer’s name, purchase price, and the description of the boat to include the year, make, model, hull or serial number**
  • Low Price/Gift Form (Required if the purchase price is less than retail value according to the NADA records.)

The individual listed as the buyer MUST be present at the time the boat is registered. If not, the buyer will need to supply a Power of Attorney for the individual that will be acting on their behalf.

If you are a current boat owner requesting to transfer your out-of-state registration to Tennessee, the following will need to be submitted to the County Clerk’s Office:

  • Proof of identification
  • Boat registration or title* from previously registered state
  • Proof of sales tax paid (You may be responsible for additional taxes.)

IMPORTANT:
*If the boat is currently titled in another state, the original title MUST be submitted to the County Clerk’s Office at the time of registration. The previous registration card alone will not be sufficient. If a transfer of ownership has taken place, the title must be signed by the seller.
**Boats built after 1972 are required to have a Hull Identification Number (HIN).

Boat Registration Renewals

  • To renew a Tennessee boat registration at the County Clerk’s Office, the current owner must provide their TWRA registration card or renewal notice. If neither document is available, the owner will be required to present acceptable identification.
  • To renew your boat registration online, click here.

Helpful Information

  • A check or money order, made payable to TWRA, is required for first-time registration fees. The transfer fee of $2.00, plus sales tax (if applicable), can be paid to the County Clerk’s Office with cash, check, money order, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover.
  • For up to date information regarding Boating Rules and Regulations, you may visit the TWRA website at www.tn.gov/twra.