Mariners Learning System
FeaturedOnline USCG captain's license courses (OUPV and Master) completed entirely online, including an at-home proctored exam.
OnlineFrom $695USCG-approved
Boating requirements · Tennessee
Boating license requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee requires boater education for younger operators. A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower…
Last verified: June 10, 2026Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Tennessee requires boater education for younger operators. A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the wallet-sized Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Tennessee boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 operating a vessel powered by more than 8.5 HP must pass the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and carry the TWRA-issued certificate. Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 may use any NASBLA-approved certificate. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | Persons 12 and under may not operate a motorized boat over 8.5 HP unless accompanied by an adult who can take immediate control; a PWC may not be rented to anyone under 16. |
| Typical course cost | A Boating Safety Exam Permit must be purchased before the exam; 2025 legislation (SB6561, amending TCA 69-9-226) capped the certificate/replacement fee at $15 and removed the in-person proctor requirement (online exams now allowed). No clean official total published. |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) |
| Card validity | Not yet verified — confirm with the agency below |
Do you need a boating license in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires boater education for younger operators. A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the wallet-sized Boating Safety Education Certificate.
A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 operating a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must show the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of passing the TWRA Boating Safety exam, and must carry it while operating. The certificate is not required if an adult 18 or older, born before January 1, 1989, is on board to take immediate control.
Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a boat over 8.5 horsepower must carry a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate.
What boating courses are accepted in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires passing the TWRA Boating Safety exam; approved study courses (online and in person) help you prepare. Non-residents may use a NASBLA-approved certificate from their home state.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Tennessee?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Tennessee are set by state statute and enforced by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Tennessee?
Recreational boating in Tennessee is overseen by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the authoritative source for current requirements. BoatingClasses.com is an independent directory — not a government or certifying body. Boating laws change, so always confirm current requirements with the official agency before operating a vessel.
Where can Tennessee boaters take a course?
Providers serving Tennessee — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Tennessee before you enroll.
4.5
BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
OnlineFrom $0NASBLA-approved
The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
OnlineFrom $29.95NASBLA-approved
Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
OnlineFrom $595
A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
HybridFrom $600
A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
OnlineFrom $39.95NASBLA-approved
The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
Never miss your renewal
Not sure you're ready for Tennessee's rules? Find out before it counts.
Take our free readiness check — real NASBLA/USCG questions on navigation rules, lights, and distress signals — and see exactly what you don't know before you enroll.
Explore boating courses in Tennessee by type
Next steps for Tennessee boaters
Tennessee boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Tennessee?
- Tennessee does not issue a boating license, but residents born after January 1, 1989 must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the Boating Safety Education Certificate to operate a vessel over 8.5 horsepower.
- Who must be certified to boat in Tennessee?
- Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower must carry the TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate while operating.
- Is there an exception to Tennessee’s requirement?
- Yes. The certificate is not required if an adult 18 or older, born before January 1, 1989, is on board and able to take immediate control of the vessel.
- Do non-residents need a certificate in Tennessee?
- Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 operating a boat over 8.5 horsepower must carry a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate.
Protect your time on the water
Compare boat insurance quotes in minutes — many quotes are free with no obligation.