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How to Catch Fish How to Tie Fishing Knots Fishing Gear and Tackle How to Fish with Lures How to Fish with Live Bait Fishing Safety Fishing Tips When to Fish Types of Fishing Fishing Terms Fishing and Conservation Fishing Resources View All

When to Saltwater Fish Saltwater Bait and Lures Saltwater Fishing Tackle Types of Saltwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing Gear Saltwater Fish Species Saltwater Fishing FAQ View All

Best Freshwater Fishing When to Freshwater Fish Freshwater Bait and Lures Learn About Freshwater Fish Species Best Freshwater Fishing Gear Freshwater Fishing FAQ View All

Fly Fishing Basics Fly Fishing Flies Fly Fishing Gear Fly Casting View All

Ice Fishing Basics Ice Fishing Gear Ice Fishing Techniques View All

Boating Basics How to Boat Boating and Water Safety Choose Your Boat Use our Boat Explorer Tool Get on the Water View All

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Get A Fishing License

Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.

⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations.

Register a Boat in Tennessee

Connect with nature and experience the great outdoors by taking a boat trip with the family on one of Tennessee’s many lakes or rivers. Just remember, before you step behind the helm of your new boat for the first time, you will need to have your TN boat registration and know the state boating regulations.

TENNESSEE BOATING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

All boat operators need to know the safe boating basics and must abide by the boating rules of the road set forth by the state. Boaters can learn more about safe boating basics, filing a float plan, what to do during times of inclement weather, environmental considerations and personal floatation devices by taking a boating education or safe boating class.

IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION

Your boat registration serves as documentation to prove that you are the rightful owner of a vessel. There are registration fees that you will need to pay when you register your boat in Tennessee; however, these fees are used by the state to help sustain our natural resources and promote responsible boating.

TENNESSEE BOAT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

When you apply for your boat registration, you will be required to pay a registration fee. The amount of the registration fee depends on the length of the boat being registered.
All mechanically powered vessels and all sailboats which are principally used in Tennessee waterways must be registered.
Documentation requirements vary from county to county, please call your County Clerk’s office prior going there to ensure you take the proper documentation in order to register your boat.

TN BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

Tennessee has its own set of boating rules to protect the waterways and keep everyone who uses them safe.

TN BOATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

RESPONSIBLE BOATING STARTS WITH YOU

Learn how to take care of your crew and your boat, while also taking care of our valuable water resources.

BOATING AND WATER SAFETY

BOATING SAFETY COURSES

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

TN BOATING RESOURCES/INFO

Additional resources and information can be found directly on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency site.

BOAT REGISTRATION RENEWALS