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how do i get my boating license in tennessee

by Yasmin Bogisich Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How to Get a Boat License in Tennessee

  1. Carefully review the Study Guide for Tennessee Boater Education Certificate. This is the information that will be on the state licensing exam.
  2. Go to a hunting and fishing licensing agent near you to purchase a Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit. You will need to provide your Social ...
  3. Locate your nearest TWRA exam location and sign up for an exam spot. Only drivers born BEFORE January 1, 1989 can enroll in an online boating course.
  4. Take the exam. It should last about an hour.
  5. If you pass, you will receive a temporary certification to use while you wait to receive your permeant certification document in the mail within a ...

Full Answer

How do you get a boating license in Tennessee?

  • Carefully review the Study Guide for Tennessee Boater Education Certificate. ...
  • Go to a hunting and fishing licensing agent near you to purchase a Type 600 Boating Safety Exam Permit. ...
  • Locate your nearest TWRA exam location and sign up for an exam spot. ...
  • Take the exam. ...

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What are the boating laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee Personal Watercraft Laws

  • Personal watercraft are considered boats and must follow the same laws as a normal boat.
  • Anyone ages 12 and younger cannot operate a personal watercraft unless an adult is on board to take control if necessary.
  • Jumping the wake within 100 feet of a boat is considered reckless driving.

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Do you have to have boating insurance in Tennessee?

You are not legally obligated to have boat insurance in the vast majority of states. However, you will likely be required to have insurance if you finance your boat. Regardless of where your mooring is, or whether you’ve financed your boat or not, you’ll want to be covered in the event of an accident.

How to obtain a boating license?

Moreover, a boating education course is not required if the applicant is:

  • Operating a rental vessel.
  • Visiting from another state or country and operating a vessel for less than 60 days. In addition, the requirements of their own state or country must be met.
  • Involved in a regatta, water ski or vessel race.
  • In possession of a commercial fishing license.
  • In possession of a marine operator license.

Can you take the boating license test online in Tennessee?

Take your TENNESSEE. Boater Exam Online. Who needs a Tennessee Boater Education Card? All boaters born after January 1, 1989 must have a Tennessee Boater Education Card to operate any motorized watercraft.

How do you get a vessel license in Tennessee?

The Tennessee mandatory boating education law is similar to the driver's license law. You acquire the study materials, study, and then take an approved boating safety exam administered by an approved representative of the TWRA. Find a boating safety course near you!

Does Tennessee require a boaters license?

Who needs a Tennessee boating education certification? If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, and operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, then you need the certification.

How do I get a new boating license in Tennessee?

If your Tennessee Boater Education Card is lost or damaged, please visit www.ilostmycard.com to order a replacement.

Can passengers drink on a boat in Tennessee?

Passengers over the age of 21 are permitted to drink while on a boat in Tennessee. Passengers, for the safety of others, should consume alcohol responsibly to avoid any alcohol-related boating injury or accident.

How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Tennessee?

12 years of agePersons under 12 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft unless an adult is on board who can take immediate control of the boat. Persons who allow an under-aged operator to use a personal watercraft may be prosecuted in addition to, or in lieu of, the operator.

How much is it to register a boat in TN?

Boat Registration Fees Have First Increase In A DecadeSize1 Year3 Years16 feet and under$13$35Over 16 feet to less than 26 feet$25$7126 feet to less than 40 feet$38$10740 feet or more$51$1423 more rows•Jun 18, 2008

Is it hard to drive a boat?

Driving a boat is more complicated than driving a car, so it's not surprising that you're nervous about your trip. But it sounds like your friend has quite a bit of experience driving a boat (he or she is a boat owner after all), so you should have guidance to help you along the way.

Do you have to register a boat trailer in Tennessee?

REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATE FOR BOAT TRAILER The State of Tennessee does not require boat trailers to be registered or licensed; however, other states may require boat trailer owners to do so.

How do you register a boat?

How to Register a BoatResearch the boat registration requirements in your state.Complete a registration form—either online, through the mail, or in person.Provide proof of ownership—including a title and/or bill of sale.Pay the registration fee, which varies by state and the size of the vessel.More items...

Do you have to register a kayak in Tennessee?

Tennessee Kayak Registration – Kayaks, canoes, and all other vessels powered only by paddles or oars are exempt from registration. Motorized Kayak Registration – All motorized watercraft must be registered and display valid decals. This includes a trolling motor on a canoe or kayak.

Can you register a boat with a Bill of Sale in Tennessee?

To register a boat bought from an individual, please submit the previous owner's Boat Registration Card* (if possible) and a Bill of Sale. The Bill of Sale must include the make, year, hull number, manufacturer's number, and length. It must also specify whether the boat is made of fiberglass, aluminum, etc.

How much does the Tennessee Boat Ed Course cost?

The Tennessee Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Tennessee?

See the restrictions here.

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...

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.

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 Plea...

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 at...

What is the law in Tennessee for boating?

Tennessee law requires that all mechanically powered vessels (including federally documented recreational vessels) and all sailboats which are principally used in Tennessee must be registered. (Boats are not titled in Tennessee.) Mechanical propulsion includes electric trolling motors but does not include boats powered only by oars or paddles. Boats that require registration must be properly registered before using them upon any public water of Tennessee.

What are the buoys in Tennessee?

Tennessee uses the uniform system of buoys and markers that are standard in the United States. These buoys and markers are placed for your assistance and safety. In addition to written messages on the buoys, there are a variety of colors, shapes, and symbols that aid in the recognition of a particular buoy. Take a minute to study the diagram showing how the buoys may be used.

What are the buoys and markers used in Tennessee?

Tennessee uses the uniform system of buoys and markers that are standard in the United States. These buoys and markers are placed for your assistance and safety. In addition to written messages on the buoys, there are a variety of colors, shapes, and symbols that aid in the recognition of a particular buoy.

How close can a boat go to the flag?

Boats must not come closer than 50 feet of the flag and must operate at a slow, no-wake speed within 200 feet. B. Alpha Flag: Means a vessel is engaged in diving operations or is restricted in its ability to navigate. Boaters must use extreme caution and are advised to look for a diver's-down flag.

Is boating education legal in Tennessee?

The Tennessee mandatory boating education law is similar to the driver’s license law. You acquire the study materials, study, and then take an approved boating safety exam administered by an approved representative of the TWRA.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Tennessee?

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.

Can I get my boating license online?

In most cases the boat license course can be completed online, and is followed by a boat license test that is also completed online. The boating safety certificate courses are not as comprehensive as those for an automobile driver’s license; there’s usually no on-water driver’s education required, for example.

How much is a boating license in TN?

First, you must be at least 12 years old to take the exam. After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase, for $10.00, a Type 600 boating safety exam permit from any business (license agent) that sells hunting and fishing licenses (WalMart sporting goods, bait stores, marinas, etc.).

Does TN require boat insurance?

Tennessee law does not require boat insurance; however, it is wise to purchase insurance. Boat insurance policies, for instance, can include coverage for collision damages, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, and protection against vandalism, theft, and non-collision damages.

What size boat requires a license?

Vessels that are less than 16 feet in length and have a motor of 10 horsepower or less and are used on non-federal waters only. All motorboats of any size or horsepower that are used on waters under federal jurisdiction must be registered.

How long does I learn to boat take?

How long will it take to complete the course? Typically, it takes about 3 hours to go through the online course, excluding any quizzes and/or exams and re-studying that you may choose to do.

Can you have alcohol on a boat in TN?

Can You Drink on a Boat if it’s Anchored? Yes, anchored and moored boats are exempt from BUI. This is the biggest difference between BUI and DUI in Tennessee. If you want to drink while on the water, do it while anchored or moored – and let a sober person drive the boat back to the boat ramp or dock.

Who needs a boating education certification in Tennessee?

Who needs a Tennessee boating education certification? If you are a Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, and operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower, then you need the certification.

What is a wallet boating certificate in Tennessee?

Any Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989, must show the TWRA-issued wallet Boating Safety Education Certificate as proof of successful completion of the TWRA Boating Safety exam. No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law.

How much does a 600 boating safety permit cost?

After studying the boating safety material, you must first purchase, for $10.00, a Type 600 boating safety exam permit from any business (license agent) that sells hunting and fishing licenses (WalMart sporting goods, bait stores, marinas, etc.).

Is a boating license required in Tennessee?

No other certificate will be accepted as meeting the requirements of the law. The Tennessee mandatory boating education law is similar to the driver’s license law. You acquire the study materials, study, and then take an approved boating safety exam administered by an approved representative of the TWRA. The certification is not required ...

How to get a boater's license?

Get boater certified in 3 steps. 1 Study and pass the $34.95 online course. 2 Print your online course completion document. 3 Get ready to go boating!

What is the law in Tennessee for boaters?

Tennessee law requires anyone born after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

What is boat ed?

Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Is boating safety certification the same as boating license?

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.

How To Get A Boat License In Tennessee? (Correct answer)

Complete the following 3 steps to get your Tennessee Boating Certificate.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Tennessee?

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.

How much does it cost to get a Tennessee boating license?

A. You can obtain your Tennessee Boater Education Card in 3 easy steps: Pay the one-time fee of $29.95 — unlimited free retries of the final exam. Study the Tennessee Boating Safety Course and pass the final exam.

Can you drink on a boat in Tennessee?

This includes alcohol and any drugs which may be prescribed to you. Passengers over the age of 21 are permitted to drink while on a boat in Tennessee. Passengers, for the safety of others, should consume alcohol responsibly to avoid any alcohol-related boating injury or accident.

Do you have to have insurance on a boat in Tennessee?

Even though Tennessee does not require boat insurance, there are many excellent reasons to carry it. Insurance generally protects you against loss from theft, fire, storm damage, and many other threats.

Can I get my boating license online?

In most cases the boat license course can be completed online, and is followed by a boat license test that is also completed online. The boating safety certificate courses are not as comprehensive as those for an automobile driver’s license; there’s usually no on-water driver’s education required, for example.

How many questions is the boat test?

Test your boating knowledge with this 10 question boating safety practice test. You need to answer 8 out of 10 questions correctly to pass!

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.

Hundreds of Engaging Videos

Our Tennessee 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.

Tennessee Approved, Trusted Nationwide

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.

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Need help? Contact Us!

We've helped over 2 million people get certified online. So we know what it takes. Think of us as a coach who you can call or email if you ever need help.

How long can a boat be registered in Tennessee?

Rowboats. Boats registered out-of-state operating in TN for no more than 60 days. Vessels from another country temporarily using Tennessee waters. Lifeboats. If you aren't sure if your vessel requires registration, call the Wildlife Resources Agency's boat registration number, (615) 781-6585, for assistance.

How old do you have to be to get a boating safety certificate in Tennessee?

You must be at least 11 years old to earn a boating safety education certificate. Additionally, the following age restrictions apply to TN boaters, regardless of boating education course completion. If you're: Younger than 12 years old you can drive motorboats with greater than 8.5 HP IF you're supervised by an adult.

How much does a 600 boating permit cost?

Once you've studied enough, you'll need to purchase a Type 600 boating safety exam permit ($10) from any business that sells TWRA hunting and fishing licenses. The permit receipt acts your admission to the written boating exam, which you will need to take at any TWRA testing location.

What to include in a bill of sale for a boat?

The bill of sale, to include: The boats's make, model year, hull identification number, and building materials. Signatures from the buyer AND seller. Payment for the applicable boat registration fees.

How old do you have to be to get a boat license in West Virginia?

Boat License Requirements. The boating license age for boat drivers varies significantly from state to state. In many cases, boat license requirements are divided up according to age groups. The boating age to independently operate a motor vehicle is 16 years of age in West Virginia, for example, although minors from 12 to 15 years ...

What is a boat driver course?

Boat drivers living anywhere in the United States can enroll in an online boaters safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to learn more about the best practices for operating a variety of types of water vessels and local regulations and policies concerning the student’s state.

What are the rules for boating?

Many of these regulations concern making sure that water vessels meet boat requirements like having the necessary Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and emergency signaling systems. Examples of boating rules that are very common amongst various states include: 1 All water vessels must have at least one wearable, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket on board for every person on the boat at all times. 2 All life jackets must fit appropriately according to the age, weight and activity of expected occupants and be in proper, usable condition. 3 All water vessels of certain classes must have at least one throwable USCG-approved personal flotation device. 4 All boat passengers of any age aboard any type of personal watercraft (PWC) must wear a life jacket at all times. 5 Passengers on all water vessels who are young minors must wear an USCG-approved life jacket at all times when the boat is in motion. 6 All motorboats, houseboats and some other categories of water vessels must have a proper fire extinguisher on board. 7 All motorized watercraft and sailboats must display the necessary lights at an appropriate strength from sunset to sunrise, visible 360 degrees. 8 All motorized water vessels must have a suitable sound producing system on board to signal for help in the case of an emergency. 9 Boating under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal throughout the United States. Drivers found to be operating a boat while intoxicated will face criminal penalties akin to driving a car while under the influence.

What should a boater education card teach?

A typical boating education program should teach drivers everything they need to know to stay safe while boating. Holders of a boater education card should also be aware of how to leave a minimal impact on their surrounding environment.

What are some examples of boating rules?

Examples of boating rules that are very common amongst various states include: All water vessels must have at least one wearable, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jacket on board for every person on the boat at all times.

Why are boating rules created?

Boating rules throughout the United States were created with the purpose of keeping boaters, swimmers and other enjoying the water safe while sustainably using our natural resources. Most boating regulations are created on a state by state basis, but many basic best practices are the same across state boundaries.

Do you need a boat license to drive a boat?

Do you need a license to drive a boat in the United States? Getting a boat license is not a requirement in every state of the U.S. In fact, many states like Tennessee, Texas and Washington state require that most boat drivers complete a state-approved boaters safety course instead of applying for a formal license.

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Who Needs A Tennessee Boating Education Certification?

  • Persons who wish to register a boat must complete a certified Application for Boat Certificate of Number, acquired through a Tennessee county court clerk's office or from the dealer that sold you the boat. This will include a yellow temporary registration that is valid for 60 days from the date of certification to allow for processing.
See more on tn.gov

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