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Tennessee Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Any Tennessee resident born after Jan 1, 1989 must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the Boating Safety Education Certificate.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: tn.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Tennessee

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • AlabamaConditional

    Alabama requires a vessel operator's license to operate any motorized vessel; applicants pass an exam or show an approved boating-course certificate, and no one under 12 may operate.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: alea.gov · Full Alabama rule →

  • ArkansasConditional

    Arkansas requires anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1986 (and of legal operating age) to complete an approved AGFC Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: agfc.com · Full Arkansas rule →

  • GeorgiaConditional

    Georgia requires all persons born on or after Jan 1, 1998 to complete a DNR-approved boat education course before operating any motorized vessel on state waters.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: georgiawildlife.com · Full Georgia rule →

  • KentuckyConditional

    In Kentucky, those 12-17 may operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp only if they passed an approved boating safety course and carry the certificate, or are accompanied by a person 18 or older.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →

  • MississippiConditional

    Any person born after June 30, 1980 must complete an MDWFP-approved boater education course before operating a boat on Mississippi's public waterways.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mdwfp.com · Full Mississippi rule →

  • MissouriConditional

    Any person born after Jan 1, 1984 must pass a Missouri boater education course before operating a motorized vessel on the lakes of the state and carry the Boating Safety Education Card.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov · Full Missouri rule →

  • North CarolinaConditional

    North Carolina requires anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988 to complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 hp or greater.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina rule →

  • VirginiaConditional

    Virginia requires all operators (any age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine, and all PWC operators 14+, to carry a boating safety course completion card.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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