Do you need a boating license in Texas? Vacationers may commonly ask this as they plan the fishing trip of their dreams to the Intracoastal Waterway. It is important to have all the necessary documents on board before setting sail, as this is the only way to relax fully.
Here is everything you need to know about boating worry-free in the glassy waters of Corpus Christi Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Texas’s Gulf Coast.
Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?
Anyone over 13 years old with a birthday after September 1, 1993, must carry a Texas Boater Education Card and a valid photo ID to operate the following types of boats in Texas:
- Personal watercraft
- Sailboats longer than 14 feet
- Boats with motors of 15 horsepower or more
You will receive your card after you complete a Texas Boater Education course. While many people refer to the Texas Boater Education Card as a boating license, it is not an official state license because it never expires.
Do I Need a Boating License in Texas if I Am Above the Minimum Age?
No, only people older than 13 and born after September 1, 1993, need a Texas Boater Education Card.
Texas Parks and Wildlife authorities assume people above a certain age are already experienced boaters. However, they still recommend that all boat operators undergo the training and receive a card.
Can You Drive a Boat With a Driver’s License in Texas?
No, a driver’s license does not allow you to drive a boat in Texas. However, if you were born after September 1, 1993, your driver’s license can serve as your required photo ID.
You need a boating license in Texas, but you may instead show proof of boater education from another state or any vessel operator’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard. Children under 13 without photo IDs may operate a boat if an adult on board who may legally drive the boat supervises them.
How Hard Is It To Get a Boating License in Texas?
It is easy to get a boating license in Texas by taking a boater education course.
The course takes approximately three hours, and you may complete the requirements in person or online. Be sure the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approves any online option you choose. If you do not have time to take the course before your trip, you may apply for a one-time 15-day boater’s education deferral.
Why Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?
As you prepare to attend one of our famous events or come for a quiet getaway, taking a boater safety course may seem unnecessary on your already long to-do list. But as you reel in flounder, redfish, and other Gulf Coast specialties, you will rest assured that fellow captains of vessels you share the water with understand safe boating techniques. This knowledge can give you peace of mind and prevent accidents.
Contact us today for more information about whether you need a boating license in Texas or have any other questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!