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Tennessee Boat Registration Summary

          Our boat registration summary contains a quick overview of boat titling, registration, loan perfection, and operational requirements for the State of Tennessee. More detailed information, forms, guidelines, and a complete listing of resources are obtainable by downloading a Boat Registration Kit for this state. You will also find an extensive listing of generic state level boat registration, boat trailer, and general purpose forms on our Forms Page . Please visit our State Page for additional articles and information regarding state level boat registration, titling, and operational requirements.

The information presented here is subject to change and should be confirmed with the respective state agency.
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Boat Registration Statistics There are approximately 272,000 boats registered in the State of Tennessee.
State Numbering The registration number prefix for the State of Tennessee is "TN"
Registration Agency Wildlife Resources Agency.
Registration Requirements Registration is required on all boats except paddle boats in Tennessee. Coast Guard documented boats must also become registered. Certificates are available on a 1 to 3 year option.
Title Requirements Tennessee does not issue boat titles, this is a registration only state.
Conditional Registrations Tennessee does not have provisions for bonded or conditional boat registrations.
Registration Records Boat records are maintained indefinitely. Detailed information on how to obtain verbal and written reports can be found in our boat registration kit for this state.
Tax Requirements Sales tax is required on all boat transactions in Tennessee.
Loan Perfection A security interest on a non-documented boat in Tennessee is perfected with a UCC financing statement. If the vessel is Coast Guard documented, a preferred vessel mortgage must be recorded with the National Vessel Documentation Center.
Ownership Designations Tennessee does not designate types of ownership on boat registration records.
Reporting Requirements Transfers or abandonments must be reported within 15 days.
Hull Inspections The boat must be inspected by a Tennessee law enforcement official if there is a hull number discrepancy.
Outboard Motors Tennessee does not issue titles or registrations for outboard motors.
Boat Trailers Titling and registration are optional for boat trailers in Tennessee.
Notary Requirements A $10,000 notary bond is required in Tennessee and the notary must affix an. embossed or inked stamp seal to all notarized documents.
Visitation Period Currently registered boats from other states may use Tennessee waters unless Tennessee has become their state of principal use. Exception: Sailboats brought into Tennessee by persons from states that do not require numbering of sailboats are exempt from registration provided that Tennessee is not the state of principal use. State of principal use means the state on whose waters a vessel is used or to be used most, whether moored or underway, during a calendar year.

Tennessee Boat Registration
Tennessee Boat Registration

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