Tennessee doesn't title boats, so there's no title to sign over. The bill of sale, with the seller's old registration, is the buyer's proof of ownership, which makes its contents matter more than in a title state.
What TWRA wants on the bill of sale
For a boat bought from an individual, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) asks for a complete bill of sale with:
- The date of sale and the price, with a full description of the boat: year, make, model and HIN.
- The name, address, telephone number and signature of both buyer and seller.
If the HIN is missing or isn't in the Coast Guard format, TWRA wants photos. Check the number against the bill of sale with our HIN decoder before money changes hands.
Which boats are registered
TWRA requires registration for all mechanically powered boats used mainly in Tennessee, including boats with only an electric trolling motor and federally documented recreational boats, and for all sailboats. Boats powered only by oars or paddles are exempt.
Registering a used boat
- Take the bill of sale to the county clerk's office. The Department of Revenue needs certification that sales tax was paid on a boat never registered to you, and the clerk certifies the application.
- Submit the certified Application for Boat Certificate of Number online through Go Outdoors Tennessee, or at a TWRA regional office in Jackson, Nashville, Crossville or Morristown. A temporary registration is valid for 60 days while it's processed. Online applications get an approval or a request for more information within 7 days by email.
TWRA's page sets no transfer deadline and doesn't mention a notary. The clerk's certification does that job.
Before you sign
With no title behind it, a Tennessee bill of sale should also name everything that goes with the boat: engines with serial numbers, the trailer, the tender. Our free boat bill of sale template has a line for each. And have the boat surveyed first: a pre-purchase survey finds what the paperwork can't.