How to Get a Boating License in Tennessee
In Tennessee, boater education requirements apply to operators born after January 1, 1989, who operate a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower. Those born before that date may operate without a certificate if an adult supervisor 18 years or older is present and in control of the vessel. Individuals uncertain about their eligibility should verify their birth date against the state requirement.
To obtain the Tennessee Boating Safety Certificate, a person must complete a NASBLA-approved boater education course. Upon completion of the approved course, the individual takes the Boating Safety Exam. Passing the exam results in the issuance of the TWRA Boating Safety Certificate, which should be carried while operating a qualifying vessel.
For the current list of approved courses and official requirements, applicants should consult the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website directly to confirm which courses meet state standards and to verify all eligibility details.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: TWRA Boating Safety Certificate via the Boating Safety Exam; NASBLA-approved certificate accepted.
- Pass the test and receive your card or certificate.
- Carry it aboard whenever you operate, and confirm the current rule on the official state page.
Carry the card every time you operate
Once you’ve earned the card, keep it aboard whenever you operate — many states require you to show it on request, and a card from one state is usually honored in another. If you’ll boat across state lines, check each state’s rule, since the covered ages and accepted credentials differ. Always confirm the current requirement on the official state agency page.
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Course & fees for Tennessee → · Full requirements →
Planning to get out on the water?
Once you’ve sorted your boater-education card, SamBoat lists boats you can rent from local owners. Independent partner — an option to explore, not an endorsement, and never a substitute for your state’s requirement.
Rent a boat near you (SamBoat) →Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.