Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?
With more than 600,000 registered boats, Texas has one of the most active boating communities in the country. But do you need a boating license in Texas before taking a vessel onto the water?
The answer depends on your age, the type of boat, and whether you have completed a state-approved boating safety course. Understanding the rules can help you avoid penalties and make your time on the water safer.
Who Needs a Texas Boater’s License?
In Texas, the law does not technically require a “license” like a driver’s license. Instead, the state requires certain operators to complete a mandatory boater education course and carry proof of completion.
You must complete this course if:
- You were born on or after September 1, 1993
- You plan to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner
- You operate a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower
- You sail a wind-blown vessel longer than 14 feet
If you fall into these categories, you need to keep proof of your boating certification in Texas with you whenever you are on the water. These requirements ensure that younger and less experienced operators understand boating safety before taking control of powerful or larger vessels.
Who Is Exempt from the Requirement?
Not every Texas boater has to take the course—exemptions include:
- Operators born before September 1, 1993
- Boaters using engines of 15 horsepower or less
- Operators of sailboats shorter than 14 feet
- People supervised by someone 18 or older who either completed the course or qualifies for an exemption
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends taking the course even if you qualify for one of these exemptions. Completing it can improve your skills and reduce the risk of a boat accident.
How to Get a Boating Certification in Texas
Obtaining a boating certification in Texas is straightforward.
To get certified, you should:
- Complete a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department–approved course online or in person
- Pass the final exam covering navigation, safety, and equipment rules
- Pay a fee
- Keep your certification card with you while operating your vessel
Once completed, your Texas boater’s license is valid for life.
By taking the course, you will learn not just the legal requirements but also practical skills that can help prevent accidents on busy waterways.
Penalties for Boating Without Certification
If you are required to have a Texas boat license and do not, you could face consequences.
Possible penalties include:
- Tickets and fines issued by game wardens or other authorities
- Increased penalties for repeat violations
- Problems with insurance coverage after an accident
These penalties highlight why it is important to know and follow the law before taking your boat out.
Why Take the Texas Safe Boating Course?
Even if you qualify for an exemption, there are good reasons to complete the course:
- You gain valuable safety knowledge that helps protect passengers and other boaters
- You reduce the risk of collisions, drownings, and mechanical accidents
- Some insurance companies may offer discounts to certified boaters
- You build confidence in your ability to navigate crowded lakes, rivers, and coastal waters
In short, the course provides practical benefits that go beyond meeting the legal requirement.
Contact Our Galveston Personal Injury Lawyers at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, and plan to operate most types of motorized or larger vessels, you likely need to take a boater education course. Completing the Texas boating safety course is a legal requirement in these cases, and it is a smart choice for anyone who wants to stay safe on the water.
If you need legal help after a boating incident, call our Galveston personal injury lawyers at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
