How Can I Get My Tennessee Boating License
You can obtain your Tennessee Boater Education Card in 3 easy steps:
Hull Number Correction Information
The U.S. Coast Guard has mandated that all registered vessels in the State of Tennessee provide a properly formatted Hull Identification Number to TWRA.
The Hull Identification Number is a 12-character serial number that uniquely identifies a boat and is formatted according to US Coast Guard standards. The HIN is similar to the VIN on a car. Vessels manufactured or imported before 1973 are EXEMPT because they often do not have a HIN. All boats manufactured or imported after 1972, must have a HIN, and this HIN must be identified during the boat registration process. HIN numbers are typically located:
- On sport and fishing boats, they can be found on the back right outside corner.
- On pontoons, they can be found on the right side of the frame above the pontoon, but below the deck.
- On personal watercraft, they can be found under the seat as well as on the lip of the footrest.
If you are unable to locate the HIN number in any of these locations, photos of these areas of the vessel will be required.
Customers with an invalid HIN may renew their boats but within the next three years, our system may decline these renewals and any new owner applications in order to comply with the Agencys Coast Guard deadline.
It is imperative to correct these numbers in the system before that deadline.
Driver License Knowledge Test Online
Teenagers between the ages of 15 to 17 seeking to obtain their driver’s license who are required to take a written test can now take that test online under the proctor’s supervision via Tennessee Proctor Identification App. Note that you must comply with the testing rules and follow the instructions listed on the web test portal.
What is the Tennessee Proctor Identification App?
The Tennessee Proctor Identification App allows eligible Tennesseans to securely proctor online knowledge tests by obtaining a highly secure personal identification via the Proctor Identification App. Personal identification information must be registered by verifying themselves against their Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security record.
How to get a Tennessee Proctor Identification App
In the Apple/Google play store search engine, type Tennessee Proctor ID, look for the following PID App icon, and follow the steps to download/install the PID App.
Note: The PID App requires an iPhone 6 or a newer device for iPhone users.
Note 1: The person that serves as the proctor must accompany the minor to the driver services center to be issued the learner permit.
Note 3: By taking the Online Knowledge Test, the minor understands that a retake of the test may be required by the department at one of the driver services centers.
Knowledge Test Rules and Eligibility
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Tennessee Boating Rules And Regulations
The TWRA has laid out a number of boating regulations and rules to govern Tennessee waterways and keep boat occupants and swimmers safe at all times. Tennessee law is very clear about the boat requirements that operators are obligated to meet to stay up to safety standards.
Here are some of the boating laws set out by the TWRA that drivers must be familiar with before taking the licensing exam or attempting to drive a boat. Some important boating laws that Tennessee boat operators should be aware of include:
- All boats registered in Tennessee must have at least one USCG-approved wearable personal flotation device , for each person on board.
- One throwable PFD must also be on board at all times.
- Children 12 years of age or younger must wear a PFD at all times.
- All vessels over 26 feet in length must have a Type B fire extinguisher on board.
- Most boats must carry some form of day and night signaling system for emergencies.
There are other Tennessee boating laws that govern appropriate boating behavior on the waterways and the consequences for breaking these rules. In effect, any operator boating without a license is expected to follow the same basic rules as when operating a motor vehicle on the road. Consuming alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited when driving a boat. Other important TN boating rules for drivers to note include:
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 dont complete the exam in one session, dont worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
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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.
Do You Need A License To Drive A Boat In Tennessee
According to Tennessee state law, getting a boat license is necessary for any person who was born after January 1, 1989 and who would like to operate a boat with eight and a half or more horsepower in Tennessee waters without the supervision of a licensed adult. Adults born before January 1, 1989 are encouraged to complete boaters education but not required to legally drive a boat.
This boat safety certificate requirement applies both to residents and non-residents of the state of Tennessee. Non-resident boat operators can provide proof of taking an acceptable National Association of State Boating Law Administrators course to meet this requirement.
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Impaired Boat Operation Psa
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.
Out of State Boaters If you were born after January 1, 1989, TWRA will accept any NASBLA approved boating safety certificate.
Free Tennessee Dmv Permit Practice Test 2023
Ready to become a licensed driver and operate a motor vehicle in Tennessee? Make sure you pass the required written knowledge test first. With nearly half of all applicants failing the exam, the need for an effective study tool is essential. Start preparing now with our Tennessee permit practice test. Practice tests have proven to not only boost confidence levels but scores as well. The practice test features 40 multiple choice questions from key areas of the Tennessee Drivers Manual. The manual is published by Tennessee Driver Services to give you a general understanding of safe, lawful driving.
Youll need to become well-acquainted with the concepts found in our TN permit practice tests if you want to pass the written knowledge test. Some of the topics covered include:
- Traffic Signs, Signals, and Lane Markings
- Basic Rules of the Road
- Being a Responsible Driver
- Getting Familiar with Your Vehicle
- Tennessee Seat Belt Laws
- Driving at Night and in Inclement Weather Conditions
Once you have familiarized yourself with the content of the TN Driver License Manual, you can see how youll do on the actual test with our TN permit practice tests. Whether you seek a musical escape to Nashville or a camping trip to the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee is a fun place to be a licensed driver. Prepare using these two resources, and a drivers license will be within your reach.
- Identify Knowledge Gaps
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Frequently Asked Questions For The Boating Safety Education Requirements
I was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, and want to operate a boat in Florida. Do I need a license?
In order to operate a motorboat of ten horsepower or greater, Florida law requires anyone who was born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 to successfully complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the FWC.
Florida does not have a “boating license.” The Boating Safety Education Identification Card is proof of successful completion of the educational requirements and is valid for life.
I’ve heard there were some changes in the law regarding the requirements to operate a boat in Florida. What were the changes?
Effective Jan. 1, 2010, boat operators who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card to operate a motorboat with 10 horsepower or more. The requirement to take an approved boating safety course and to obtain an FWC-issued identification card did not change, but the age threshold for the educational requirements is now be based on whether or not you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988.
- The new law also created an exemption from the educational requirements for an operator if he or she is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel and has available for inspection aboard that vessel a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46, Florida Statutes.
Online Boater Safety Course
No matter how skilled you are having proper boating knowledge is important for your safety and of your fellow passengers. Boater’s Academy is a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized and an NASBLA-approved online boat safety course. Available in more than 40 states, our boating education course has been designed to comply with the different state and federal rules.
Our course allows boaters to learn the basic operation and safety regulations that are required to obtain a boat or jet ski license. Our online course has been created with easy-to-read instructions and colorful illustrations for a fun and interesting learning experience. Students are given a chance to take tests for each chapter individually and are awarded a boat safety certificate once they’ve completed the entire safety course.
Boater’s Academy also offers a free guide for boating safety to help you familiarize yourself with boating education basics. The format is easy to access from anywhere and quite simple to use. There’s no minimum time requirement, so you have plenty of time to familiarize yourself with the boating safety regulations. Learn everything you need to know to have fun and stay safe on the waterways.
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Is The Tennessee Boater Card Accepted Outside Of The State
For those travelling outside of Tennessee, many US states, US territories, Canadian provinces, and Canadian territories will recognize boater eduation cards that meet NASBLA and Transport Canada’s Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards requirements. You should reach out to the state body to confirm that your card is accepted in the state you are visiting.
Boating Safety And Education
While Florida does not have a boating license, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved boating education course or have passed an equivalent course or temporary certificate examination. Additionally, they must have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of ten horsepower or more in Florida.
Florida visitors must comply with the boating safety education requirements. If a non-resident can show proof of having successfully completed a boater safety course or equivalent exam that meets or exceeds Floridas requirements , a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card is not required.
Visitors wanting to rent a vessel while in Florida may obtain a temporary certificate. These certificates are issued by vendors around the state. Visit www.myfwc.com for a list of approved vendors. The temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not intended to be a permanent replacement for the Boating Safety Education Identification Card.
For more information on Florida boating laws, boating safety and the Florida Boating Safety Education Program, visit www.myfwc.com.
Vessels
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With The Online Vessel Registration System You Can:
- View/Manage Your Current Vessel Registration Records and Check the Status of Pending Vessel Applications.
- Renew Existing Registrations in Your Name Online Using a Debit / Credit Card .
- Upload Your completed Application for Boat Certificate of Number certified by a TN County Clerk or TN boat dealer to complete your first-time registration.
- Submit & Pay for Your Application Online .
Renewing a registration that does not involve a change of ownership
Renewals can be done online. You may also renew instantly by going to any business that sells TWRA hunting and fishing licenses or any of the TWRA Regional Offices in Jackson, Nashville, Crossville, or Morristown. You must have the boat registration TN number and the license agent will ask for your last name, date of birth, and last 4 of your SSN. You will receive a temporary registration which will allow you to operate your boat until your new decals and registration card arrive by mail, in about 2 weeks.
Auto Renew for Vessels
Getting A Boat License In Tennessee
Boat drivers can find out where to get a boating license in their area by looking at the TWRAs list of available contacts. Drivers must be at least 12 years of age to sign up for a state-approved education program.
How long does it take to get a boating license for eligible drivers in Tennessee? Boaters who would like to receive the necessary boating course certification can take the following steps:
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Tennessee Boat License Requirements
There is a boating license age of 12 to legally operate a boat independently without any supervision in Tennessee waters. The specific boating license requirements that are applicable to a driver vary depending on the age of the driver. Drivers who would like to operate a boat and who were born after January 1, 1989 must meet one the following requirements:
- Successfully complete the TWRA Boating Safety Exam and receive a Boating Safety Education Certificate.
- Provide proof of completing an equivalent NASBLA-approved course for non-residents.
Tennessee Boat Registration Basics
A valid Tennessee boater registration, in the form of a Certificate of Number, if required for all water vessels with more than 8.5 horsepower. A boat title or registration is not required by any type of paddleboat in Tennessee. Unlike a TN maritime license, the registration of a boat expires within a period of one, two or three years after application submission.
Boat owners in Tennessee can get their boat tags by visiting a TWRA office and paying the necessary tax fees before mailing or dropping off a registration application directly to the TWRA. Once registered and titled, the driver should keep these documents with the vessel at all times to be available for immediate inspection by officials if requested.
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How Do I Get My Tennessee Certificate
To get the official, wallet-sized TWRA Boating Safety Eduation Certificate you must take a proctored exam at any official exam location. For information on enrollment visit www.tn.gov/twra/.
To get your official TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate, follow these simple steps:
For More Information Or To Receive A Home Study Book: Call The Boating Education Office At 781
Note: People who rent any type of watercraft are exempt from having the certification. The renter is determined by the name that appears on the rental agreement.
If your parents or someone else purchases the permit for you to take the exam, they must give your information to the sales agent. Otherwise the proper information will not match and you will not receive the boating safety certificate.
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How Do I Replace My Boater Education Certificate If Ive 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 .
If you were born after 1/1/1989 and completed the In-Person Exam to receive the TWRA-issued card, please visit for information about replacing your Boater Education Certificate.
For Those Born After January 1 1989
This online boating safety course is approved by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency as a study tool for those persons required to take a proctored exam in a classroom setting . Successfully completing this exam will prepare you to obtain the Tennessee Boating Safety Certificate.
If you are under 11 years of age, you can use the course and exam as a study tool but you are not able to take the proctored exam until you are at least 11 years old.
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