Texas Boating License

Texas Boater Safety Course

Texas has a mandatory education law for certain boaters. All boaters born after August 31, 1993, must complete a TPWD-approved course and be certified with the TPWD to operate:

  • Any vessel over 15 horse power.
  • Any windblown vessel over 14 feet.
  • All personal watercraft

Additional Information

Exemptions for those born after August 31, 1993 include:

  • Operating your motorboat on private waters
  • Boaters who are accompanied by a person 18 or older who is exempt from mandatory education
  • Boaters who are residents of another state that have passed a TPWD-approved course in another state

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Age Requirements

12 years of age or younger:
An adult (18 years of age or older) must be present on the watercraft while anyone 12 years of age or younger is operating a PWC.

13 - 17 years of age:
An adult (18 years of age or older) must be present on the watercraft while anyone 13 - 17 years of age is operating a PWC. Unless, the operator has successfully completed a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Approved Safe Boating Course. *

* Persons subject to this law must have a picture identification card and a boater certification card issued by the department in their possession.

Get your Texas Boater Card in
3 Easy Steps

Get your Texas Boater Card in
3 Easy Steps

Take your Boater Exam and be certified for life!


Study the Course

Watch, listen and learn

Pass the Exam

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$34.95 + $10 State fee

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Study on Any Device

From laptop to mobile phone to tablet, choose when and where to take your boating course and get your Texas Boating Card.

Visual Exam Questions Help You Learn

Visual Exam Questions

Visual Exam Questions
Help You Learn

We found out a long time ago that people learn best when they can see what they're learning. Shouldn't you be tested the same way? Every one of our exam questions is illustrated to help you get your boating licence.

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Hundreds of Engaging Videos

Engaging Videos

Hundreds of
Engaging Videos

Our Texas boating license course features hundreds of rich engaging boating videos and animations. That means you aren't just reading: You're watching, listening and learning.

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BOATERexam.com® is trusted by agencies across the United States to deliver the best of quality in boating safety education. Our courses consistently receive the highest level of approval from agencies and from boaters.

This official Texas boating safety course is approved by the State of Texas' Parks & Wildlife Department.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, Texas, 78744
tpwd.texas.gov




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