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State Cert Guide

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Do I need a boater card to run a boat in Texas?

Yes, if you were born on or after September 1, 1993. You need it to run a personal watercraft, a sailboat over 14 feet or a boat with a motor over 15 horsepower. Born earlier? You don't, unless a court orders it.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Published · Updated Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who runs a covered boatA covered boat has a motor over 15 horsepower, is a sailboat over 14 feet, or is a personal watercraft.
Verified. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department · Boater Education (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026
Minimum age
13 to run a covered boat aloneYou also need the card if the birth-date rule covers you.
Same source and date as above
Cost
From $10On TPWD's online course page, that's the state fee, and each course adds its own fee.
Same source and date as above
Temporary certificate
After any course you get a temporary certificate valid for 60 daysYour permanent certificate is in TPWD's system within about two weeks, so you can print it before the temporary one runs out.
Verified. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department · Boater Education (opens state website) · checked Nov 12, 2026

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your birth date and your boat against the rule. It covers anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who runs a vessel over 15 horsepower, a wind-blown vessel over 14 feet or a personal watercraft. If that isn't you, you can stop here and pay nothing.

  2. Step 2. Pick a course from TPWD's online courses page, or an in-person class from its classroom listings. The page shows each online course with its price.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course.

  4. Step 4. When you finish, you get a temporary certificate. TPWD says the permanent one is in its system within about two weeks, and you can print it from TPWD's card page.

Before you pay

Compare the total of each course on TPWD's page before you pay, not only the lowest fee. Ask what extras a provider can add.

Pick a course that is on that page. TPWD also accepts NASBLA approved state courses from other states. Ask TPWD how to check that a course from elsewhere is one.

Ask the provider whether your access to the course runs out.

Check that you can print your permanent card from TPWD's card page about two weeks after you finish. We haven't confirmed whether the temporary certificate meets the rule to carry a card on board, so ask TPWD through its boater page.

Questions

I'm visiting from another state. Does my boater card count in Texas?

Yes, if it came from a NASBLA approved state course. TPWD says Texas accepts those from every state and the US territories, and boaters visiting from another state must follow Texas boater education laws. You need proof of your course and proper ID on board.

I was born before the date in the table. Do I still need a course?

No, unless a court orders it. TPWD's rule covers people born on or after September 1, 1993, so it doesn't list you. A court can order a boater course after certain offenses.

Do I have to carry the card on the boat?

Yes, if the rule covers you. TPWD says people under it must have a photo ID and their boater card with them.

Can I take the course in a classroom?

Yes. TPWD lists in-person classes on its classroom page, and its FAQ calls them approved classroom courses.

Can I operate a personal watercraft before I finish the course?

Yes, if an adult who can legally run it is with you. TPWD says a person who needs the course and hasn't finished it must be accompanied by an adult who can legally operate a personal watercraft. You can also buy a one-time 15-day boater education deferral wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

What to do next

Match your birth date and your boat to TPWD's rule first. If it names you, choose your course from TPWD's list.

tpwd.texas.gov

Sources we read