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Tennessee Boating License Requirements

In Tennessee, the requirement applies to anyone born after 1 January 1989 operating a vessel of more than 8.5 hp. The credential is the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate, issued by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Who needs itborn after 1 January 1989
Applies tomore than 8.5 hp
What it is calledTennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate
Issued byTennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Tennessee issues the certificate itself after a proctored exam, and it is valid for life.

Buying a boat in Tennessee?

A licence makes you legal to operate. It tells you nothing about the boat itself. Run the hull number free — it decodes the builder and model year, and flags any US Coast Guard recall campaign on record for that manufacturer.

Frequently asked

Do I need a boating license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires the Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born after 1 January 1989 operating a vessel of more than 8.5 hp.

Official source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

Compiled September 2026 from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and NASBLA-aligned sources. Boating law changes, and this page is a summary rather than the regulation — confirm with the agency before relying on it. See the states covered here.