Boater Card Rules

All states

Boating license rules in Tennessee

Residents born after January 1, 1989 who operate a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower need a Boating Safety Education Certificate. Non-residents need a NASBLA approved certificate.1

The details

Engine size covered
More than 8.5 horsepower1
Cards from other states
TWRA will accept any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.1
Exemptions
Not required with an adult born before January 1, 1989 aboard who can take immediate control. Anyone born on or before January 1, 1989 is exempt.1

The official pages we read do not say: personal watercraft (jet skis), minimum age to operate, card and course cost. Ask the agency.

The rules are set by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

Sources

  1. Boating Education In Tennessee, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, checked 1 November 2026

Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.