Study Guide Lost Your Card?
Boat Ed
Log In
4.8
245 Reviews

Official Texas Boater Safety Course

Get your Texas Boater Education Certificate online, approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Developed by Boat-Ed© to meet official guidelines set by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department US Coast Guard Nasbla
Get Certified

Do I need a Boating License in Texas?

Requirements
Born September 1, 1993 or later
Motorized vessels over 15 hp
Windblown vessels over 14 feet or personal watercraft

In Texas: anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete boater education to operate a motorized vessel over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or a personal watercraft. Operators must be at least 13 years old to operate alone. Younger operators require supervision from a qualified adult. Learn more at: Texas Boating Laws and Regulations

3 Easy Steps

Your Path to Certification

01

Enroll

Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard to begin your boating safety course right away.

02

Study and Pass

Study the course material, pass the final exam, and print your temporary Texas Boater Education Certificate immediately. It’s valid for 60 days while your permanent certificate is processed.

03

Get on the Water

That’s it! You’re ready to confidently and legally operate a boat. Your certification is valid for life and must be with you while operating. You’ll also get access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products.

Enroll Today More About Your Card
How It Works

A Better Way to Learn Boating Safety

Modern visuals, clear instruction, and updated safety content help make important boating topics easier to understand and remember, with most courses completed in 3-4 hours.

Learn the parts of a boat, fueling, trailering, boat capacity, and essential preparation before getting underway. 

Understand navigation rules, markers, sound signals, lights, anchoring, and safe operation on the water.

Cover boating laws, operator responsibilities, life jackets, emergency equipment, and legal operating requirements.

Learn how to handle capsizing, cold-water immersion, fire emergencies, collisions, and rescue situations.

Explore safe participation in watersports, paddling, fishing, tubing, and other on-water activities.

Prepare with quizzes and practice tests before completing the final certification exam.

4.8 ★ 245k Reviews

What Boaters are Saying

Review provider

“Easy to study and follow on your own time”

Gina F.
Review provider

“Super convenient and easy course to follow! So glad I was able to take this course at my own pace!”

Jamie L.
Review provider

“The course was helpful and engaging, and use multiple learning tools”

Jose C.
Review provider

“Quick and simple process”

Eric H.

Protect Your Time on the Water

Stay covered with boat insurance from Progressive, a trusted leader insuring over 1 million watercraft. Get the protection you need to explore with confidence. 

Get a Quote

#1 Boating App for New Boaters

Unlock a free year of Wavve Boating and plan smarter routes, track conditions, and explore new water with ease. 

Learn More
More Than 50 Locations

Visiting Another State?

Alabama Get Certified
Alaska Get Certified
Arizona Get Certified
Arkansas Get Certified
California Get Certified
Colorado Get Certified
Connecticut View the study guide
Delaware Get Certified
District of Columbia Get Certified
Florida Get Certified
Georgia Get Certified
Hawaii Get Certified

Popular Questions

How to get a Texas boating license?

To earn your Texas Boater Education Certificate, often called a Texas boating license, you must complete an approved boater education course and pass the final exam. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate that is valid for 60 days while your permanent certificate is processed.

Is the Texas Boat-Ed course approved?

Yes. The Texas Boat-Ed course is approved and accepted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

What are the boating laws in Texas?

Texas boating laws require anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, to complete boater education before operating a motorized vessel over 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet, or a personal watercraft. Operators who are required to have a Texas Boater Education Certificate must carry it on board and have it available for inspection.

How much does a Texas boating license cost?

The total cost for the Texas Boat-Ed course is $64.95. This includes the $54.95 course fee and a $10.00 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fee.

What is the minimum age to get a Texas boating license?

You must be at least 13 years old to take the online course. Texas also requires operators of personal watercraft or motorboats over 15 horsepower to be at least 13 years old unless supervised by a qualified adult.

What are the penalties for operating a boat without a Texas boating license?

Operating without a required Texas Boater Education Certificate may result in fines and penalties. Boaters should carry proof of certification when required and be prepared to show it during enforcement checks.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Texas?

Yes, in certain cases. In Texas, required boaters must carry a Texas Boater Education Certificate. This is commonly referred to as a “boating license.”

How long does the Texas boater safety course take?

Most students complete the Texas boating safety course in 3 to 4 hours. The course is self-paced, your progress is saved, and you can start and stop at any time.

Do I have to be a Texas resident to take this course?

No. You do not have to be a Texas resident to take the online Texas Boat-Ed course.

Is my Texas Boater Education Certificate accepted in other states?

Yes. Texas Boater Education Certificates that meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements are recognized nationwide through reciprocity.

What happens if I fail a quiz or exam?

If you fail a unit quiz, you’ll restudy the unit and retake the quiz until you pass. You must score at least 70% on unit quizzes and at least 80% on the final exam, with unlimited attempts to pass.

When will I receive my permanent Texas Boater Education Certificate?

You’ll be emailed a link to get your Texas Boater Education Certificate by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 60 days after you complete all certification requirements.

How do I replace a lost or damaged Texas Boater Education Certificate?

To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Texas Boater Education Certificate, go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department certification lookup page.

Official & Approved

Join 2 Million+ Boaters Certified with Boat-Ed

Texas Parks and Wildlife United States Coast Guard  NASBLA

This official Boat-Ed course was developed with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, approved to meet state requirements, and built to follow guidelines from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the United States Coast Guard. Since 1995, Boat-Ed has helped millions of students get certified with credentials recognized nationwide.

Get Your Texas Boater Education Card Today

Complete your course and take the next step toward getting on the water.

Get Certified