Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Tennessee, what many people call a “boating license” is the TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate (a boater education card). If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 and you operate a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, you must pass the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and carry your TWRA-issued wallet card while operating. Non-residents born after January 1, 1989 may operate in Tennessee with a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate.
Tennessee’s mandatory education pathway is exam-based. You can prepare by studying Tennessee boating safety materials and/or taking a boating safety course that covers the required topics. If you are a Tennessee resident who needs certification, the key requirement is earning the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate by passing the TWRA exam.
If you are a visitor (non-resident), Tennessee generally accepts a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate from another state (or an equivalent NASBLA-approved course credential) when you are operating a boat that meets the power threshold.
To receive Tennessee’s boater education certificate as a resident, you must:
The TWRA Boating Safety Exam is typically designed to be completed in about an hour, and Tennessee requires a passing score to be issued the certificate.
After you pass, TWRA issues your Boating Safety Education Certificate as a wallet card. Tennessee residents who are required to be certified must have this TWRA-issued card on their person while operating. If you passed in an instructor-led class/testing environment, your validated permit/receipt may serve as temporary proof until your wallet card arrives.
Online learning is a common way to prepare for Tennessee’s boater education requirements. In Tennessee, many online options are used for study and preparation, but Tennessee residents who need certification must still complete the state’s required step: passing the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and receiving the TWRA-issued card.
For non-residents, an online course that results in a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate may be accepted in Tennessee (as long as it meets Tennessee’s requirements for your situation and vessel type).
TWRA and partner organizations offer instructor-led boating safety classes that typically include the official Tennessee exam at the end. These classes can be a great option if you want structured instruction and the ability to ask questions in real time.
Even for in-person testing, you generally must have your TWRA Boating Safety Exam Permit before you can take the exam.
Yes. If you are a non-resident born after January 1, 1989 and you are operating a boat that is more than 8.5 horsepower, Tennessee generally accepts a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate issued by another state.
Important: Tennessee’s rule is different for residents—if you are a Tennessee resident who is required to be certified, Tennessee requires the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate (wallet card) as proof of compliance.
If you’re visiting Tennessee:
In Tennessee, boater education requirements depend on residency, date of birth, and vessel power:
Tennessee also requires exam permit purchase before you take the TWRA exam. The Boating Safety Exam Permit (Type 600) is commonly a $10 fee, and replacement cards are typically available for an additional fee through TWRA licensing channels.
Tennessee sets minimum operator ages and restrictions for younger boaters:
If a minor is operating, Tennessee rules may require an adult to be on board in certain situations (especially for PWCs). Always confirm supervision requirements for the vessel type you plan to operate.
Tennessee does not issue a driver-style “boat license,” but it does require a boater education certificate for many operators. If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 and you operate a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, you must pass the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and carry the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate while operating.
To earn Tennessee’s boater education credential via TWRA, you generally must be at least 12 years old to take the TWRA Boating Safety Exam. Separately, Tennessee also limits operation by younger boaters—most operators must be 12 or older to operate motorized vessels without falling under narrow low-horsepower or special exceptions.
Costs depend on what you need. The required TWRA Boating Safety Exam Permit (Type 600) is commonly a $10 fee. Course costs vary by provider and format (some study options and classes may be free). If you need a replacement TWRA boating safety card later, TWRA typically offers replacements for an additional fee through its licensing system.
You can complete online boater education for study and preparation, but Tennessee residents who need certification must still complete the state requirement: pass the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and receive the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate. Non-residents may use a NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate from another state when it meets Tennessee’s rules for their situation.
