Tennessee Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Tennessee.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

7.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Tennessee

Tennessee requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Apply at a county clerk's office within 60 days. TN charges sales tax on boats. Bring the out-of-state title and completed Form RV-F1301901.

Lien Search in Tennessee

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Tennessee Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Tennessee requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Tennessee

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Tennessee

Tennessee charges 7.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Tennessee agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Tennessee

USCG documentation applies to vessels on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers used commercially.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Tennessee may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →

Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee

Does Tennessee require a boat title?▾

Yes — Tennessee requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. Apply at: https://www.tn.gov/twra/boating.html

What is the boat sales tax rate in Tennessee?▾

The sales tax rate on boats in Tennessee is 7.00%.

Is a bill of sale required in Tennessee?▾

Yes — Tennessee requires a bill of sale to transfer boat ownership.

How do I search for liens on a boat in Tennessee?▾

Use the official Tennessee lien search at https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/. For USCG-documented vessels, also check the NVDC at nvdc.uscg.mil.