How to Sell a Boat Privately in Tennessee (2026)
| Titling agency | Tennessee DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 30 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 7% (Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Tennessee — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Tennessee requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Tennessee DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Tennessee uses RV-F1310801 or Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Tennessee registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Tennessee dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Tennessee registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Tennessee DMV — buyer must register within 30 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Tennessee DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Tennessee lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes Form RV-F1310801 or the lien release section on the existing Tennessee title.
- Owner submits the lien release with the title and title application at a county clerk's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Tennessee title.
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Start My Tennessee Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Tennessee?▾
Yes. Tennessee requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Tennessee DMV.
What is the Tennessee boat title transfer deadline?▾
Tennessee requires the buyer to transfer registration within 30 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee charges 7% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Tennessee DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Tennessee boat bill of sale?▾
Tennessee does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Tennessee?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Tennessee DMV and pays the registration fee plus 7% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 30 days of the sale date.
Source: Tennessee DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07