The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) issues certificates of number for boats. The TWRA also may authorize the county clerk to issue certificates of number for boats. The TWRA issues to the county clerk, a block of numbers and certificates, and upon issuance, the county clerk is entitled to a fee of twenty-five cents (25¢) for each certificate issued. All registration monies, except the twenty-five cents (25¢) fee allowed, must be remitted monthly to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission, on or before the 10th of each month. T.C.A. § 69-9-208.
All vessels propelled by sail or machinery, or both, on the waters of Tennessee are required to be numbered, except those set out in T.C.A. § 69-9-206:
All exempt vessels must prominently display identification by name on the vessel. T.C.A. § 69-9-206. A violation of the boat registration laws is a Class C misdemeanor. T.C.A. § 69-9-219.
Certificates are valid for one (1) year, or upon application of the owner, up to three (3) years. The fees for certificates of number are set out in T.C.A. § 69-9-207.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission issues rules and regulations governing the numbering of boats, including regulations for the issuance of special registration numbers for use by boat manufacturers and dealers for demonstration and transportation purposes, and the issuance of special numbers to the owners of fleets of boats for hire or rent. T.C.A. § 69-9-209.