Frequently Asked Questions About the Tennessee Boater's License

• What is the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate?
• Do I have to get a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?
• What is the minimum age to obtain a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate?
• How do I get my Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?
• How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate cost?
• When will I receive my Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail?
• Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
• How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
• Is anyone exempt from getting the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?
• What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorized vessel on Tennessee waters?

What is the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate?

• The Tennessee boater education certificate (also referred to as the Tennessee Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.

Do I have to get a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?

• Anyone born after January 1, 1989 must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.

  • If you were born after January 1, 1989: After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase for $10 a Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit from any license agent (businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses). The receipt from this transaction is your "ticket" for admission to a TWRA certification exam location.
    • Exam locations will be available across the entire state. Visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for locations, dates, and times, or call 1-615-837-6013.
    • When you pass the exam, you will receive your TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail within a few weeks. Until it arrives, your validated receipt will serve as a temporary certificate.
    • If you do not pass the exam, your receipt/"ticket" can continue to be used to take the exam as many times as it takes to pass. Try not to lose it!
  • If you were born on or before January 1, 1989: You are not required by Tennessee law to take the exam or carry the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate. If you wish obtain a boating safety education certificate in order to apply for a reduced boat insurance premium or any other reason, you may take the online exam found on this website.

What is the minimum age to obtain a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate online?

• You must have been born on or before January 1, 1989 to take the online boating test.

How do I get my Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?

• The steps required to get your Tennessee boaters license are as follows:
  • Study the Tennessee boating safety course material
  • Take the Tennessee online boating exam
  • Pay $24.50—one time only, after you pass
  • Upon passing, you will receive a Boat Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail. This card is commonly known as the Tennessee boating license.
• For a detailed explanation of the Tennessee online boating exam process, please visit our Tennessee boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate cost?

• The online Certification Exam costs $24.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate.

When will I receive my Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate in the mail?

• Your Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate will be mailed to your home within 5 -7 business days after you pass the exam.

Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?

• If you need your course certificate very quickly, after you pass the Certification Exam you will be given the option to have a temporary course certificate expedited to you for an additional fee.

How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

• A duplicate can be issued for a $5 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat Tennessee online course. To obtain a duplicate Tennessee card, mail the request with a check for $5, payable to Boat Tennessee, to:
  
  Boat Tennessee
  2906 Ladybird Ln.
  Dallas, Texas 75220
• Be sure to include the student's full name and date of birth in the mailed request for a duplicate card. You may also phone Customer Service to request the duplicate and pay by credit card.

Is anyone exempt from getting the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate (Tennessee boater's license)?

• Any exemptions from the mandatory boater's license requirement are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.

What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat on Tennessee waters?

• Tennessee's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.