Official Tennessee Boating License Online
Take this Tennessee–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Tennessee boating license?
You need education if you were born after 1/1/1989 and will be operating a motorized vessel over 8.5 hp in Tennessee.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass at Your Own Pace
Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Complete Additional State Requirements
Before obtaining your certification and hitting the water, you'll need to complete your states in-person requirements.
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Get on the Water!
That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!
Do you need a Boating License in Tennessee?
Tennessee law requires anyone born after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Requirements
If you were born on or before 1/1/1989, you are not required to have education but may still complete the online course and receive the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. Completing this Tennessee‐approved course allows you to boat on other state waters that require education and can also earn you a discount on your boat and PWC insurance.
If you were born after 1/1/1989, you must take an exam administered by a representative of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and cannot register for this online course. To prepare for your In-Person Exam, you may use the online Study Guide.
You must have been born on or before 1/1/1989 to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to take this online course.
What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Instruction in Tennessee boaters Safety Course
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Tennessee. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
Tennessee Approved Boating License
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Boater Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.
Did you lose your card? Replace it here.
Get Certified
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Tennessee Boating FAQs
Price and Payment
How much does the Tennessee Boat Ed Course cost?
The Tennessee Boat Ed Course fee is $44.95.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Tennessee?
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
You must have been born on or before 1/1/1989 to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Tennessee Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Tennessee Boat Ed Course approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency?
The Tennessee Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Is my Tennessee Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Tennessee Boat Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 60 days after course completion.
What is the permanent Tennessee Boater Education Certificate?
The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 2-3 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Boater Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
If you have already received the Boater Education Certificate after taking this online course and need a replacement certificate, you can order one at https://ilostmycard.com/.
If you were born after 1/1/1989 and completed the In-Person Exam to receive the TWRA-issued card, please visit https://www.tn.gov/twra/boating/boating-education.html for information about replacing your Boater Education Certificate.
We’re people, not robots.
Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!
