What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Texas Boating License?
The minimum age to get a Texas boating license (also called a Texas Boater Education Certificate) is 13 to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft (PWC). Texas also ties the education requirement to your birth date — anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must hold a Boater Education Certificate to operate qualifying vessels.
Operators under 13 may still be on the water, but an adult who is at least 18 and legally qualified to operate the vessel must be onboard and in direct supervision. Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs a certificate, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Texas?
Texas law sets 13 as the minimum age to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft (PWC). Operators under 13 may not operate these vessels unless directly supervised onboard by a person who is at least 18 years old and legally qualified to operate the watercraft.
The education requirement is separate from the age rule. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, a PWC, or a sailboat over 14 feet in length must complete a TPWD-approved boater education course and carry a Boater Education Certificate.
Who Needs a Texas Boating License?
Do you need a boating license in Texas this season?
If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and you operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, a PWC, or a sailboat over 14 feet in length on Texas public waters, state law requires you to hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate. The certificate is valid for life and never requires renewal.
Operators born before September 1, 1993, are exempt from the education requirement. For a full overview of Texas boating laws and regulations, visit the Boat-Ed Texas boating law page.
Texas Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
Texas boating regulations set requirements based on age, birth date, and vessel type. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Texas Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 13 | Motorboat (15+ HP) or PWC | Supervised only | Must have an adult 18+ onboard who can lawfully operate |
| 13+ (born before 9/1/1993) | Motorboat (15+ HP) or PWC | Yes | No certificate required |
| 13+ (born on or after 9/1/1993) | Motorboat (15+ HP) or PWC | Yes | Must hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate and valid photo ID |
| 13+ (born on or after 9/1/1993) | Sailboat over 14 ft | Yes | Must hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate and valid photo ID |
| Any age (born before 9/1/1993) | Sailboat over 14 ft or motorboat (15+ HP | Yes | No certificate required |
| Any Age | Motorboat (15 HP or less) | Yes | No certificate required |
| Any Age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No certificate required |
Exemptions from the Texas Boating Education Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Texas Boater Education Certificate requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
Texas Boating Certificate Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Born before 9/1/1993 | Operators born before September 1, 1993, are not required to hold a certificate |
| Direct supervision | Operators born on/after 9/1/1993 who have not yet completed the course may operate if directly accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 and can lawfully operate the vessel |
| USCG license | Anyone who holds a valid U.S. Coast Guard operator's license |
| Non-qualifying vessels | Operators of motorboats with a motor of 15 HP or less, non-motorized vessels, or sailboats 14 feet or less |
How to Get Your Texas Boater Education Certificate
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Texas.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 13 years old to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a PWC in Texas. The minimum age to take the Boat-Ed course is 13.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Texas course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam after completing the boater safety course to earn your Texas Boater Education Certificate.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate valid for 60 days. Your permanent lifetime Boater Education Card will be available for download from TPWD within approximately one to two weeks.
- Carry your certificate and photo ID on the water. Texas law requires you to have both your Boater Education Certificate and a valid photo ID with you anytime you operate a qualifying vessel.
Does Texas Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes. Non-residents born on or after September 1, 1993, may operate qualifying vessels on Texas public waters using a valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificate from their home state. You must carry both your certificate and a valid photo ID while on the water.
Operators born before September 1, 1993, are exempt from the education requirement regardless of their home state.
Start Your Texas Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Texas Boater Education Certificate is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Texas course is approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Texas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a PWC in Texas is 13. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates these vessels must also hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Texas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower in Texas is 13. Operators under 13 may only operate if directly supervised onboard by an adult who is at least 18 and legally qualified to operate the vessel. Operators born on or after September 1, 1993, must also hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Texas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in Texas is 13. Operators under 13 may not operate a PWC unless directly supervised onboard by a qualifying adult who is at least 18. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must hold a Texas Boater Education Certificate to operate a PWC.
Q: Can a child under 13 operate a boat in Texas?
A: A child under 13 may not independently operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a PWC. They may operate only if directly supervised onboard by a person who is at least 18 years old and legally qualified to operate the vessel. There is no minimum age restriction for operating a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or less.
Q: Do I need a Texas Boater Education Certificate if I was born before September 1, 1993?
A: No. Operators born before September 1, 1993, are exempt from the Texas boater education requirement. However, all operators must still be at least 13 years old to independently operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower or a PWC.
Q: Do I need a Texas certificate if I already have one from another state?
A: Non-residents born on or after September 1, 1993, may use a valid NASBLA-approved certificate from their home state to operate qualifying vessels on Texas public waters. You must carry the certificate and a valid photo ID while on the water.
Q: How much does the Texas boating safety course cost?
A: Course fees across approved providers generally range from $30 to $80. When taking the course through Boat-Ed, the cost is $54.95. You will also pay a $10.00 Texas Parks and Wildlife fee.
Q: Does the Texas Boater Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The Texas Boater Education Certificate is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Texas Boater Education Certificate the same as a boating license?
A: Texas does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boater Education Certificate serves the same purpose. It is proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate qualifying vessels on Texas public waters.
