Texas Boating Regulations and Laws

The Texas boating safety education certificate (commonly known as the Texas boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

Operators must meet age and education requirements in order to operate a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length. A person less than 13 years of age may operate only if he or she is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older. A person 13 through 17 years of age may operate only if he or she has passed a boating safety education course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or is accompanied on board by a person who is 18 years of age or older. All persons required to have passed a state-approved boating safety education course must carry with them on the vessel photographic identification, such as a driver's license, and a boating safety education certificate issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Even if not required by law to get the Texas boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Texas a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Texas course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Texas?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the Texas online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater education certificate issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is mailed to your home.
• Video at Home: Study at home with the Texas video home-study course. Then take the Certification Exam at home and mail it in for grading and certification.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat Texas online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Texas safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Texas boater education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Texas boater's license;
• Contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Texas boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Texas boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater education certificate?

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