TX · State boating guide

Texas
boating laws

Last verified October 28, 2026

At a glance

Boater card: Required for specified operators; operators born on or after September 1, 1993, running a personal watercraft, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower, or a sailboat over 14 feet
Operating age: No one may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 15 horsepower unless they are at least 13 and have completed boater education, or are supervised on board by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the boat.
Life-jacket age rule: Passengers under 13 must wear a Type I, II or III life jacket while a boat under 26 feet is underway.
BUI / BAC limit: 0.08 BAC
Registration fee: $32.00–$150.00; Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
Registration term: 2 years

The short answer

Do I need a boating license in Texas?

Boater Education Certification Card is required for operators born on or after September 1, 1993, running a personal watercraft, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower, or a sailboat over 14 feet.

Confirm with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ↗

Texas requires a TPWD-certified boater education course and a photo ID for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 who operates a personal watercraft, a boat with a motor over 15 horsepower, or a sailboat over 14 feet. All motorized boats and non-motorized boats 14 feet or longer must be registered, and registration lasts two years. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway on boats under 26 feet, and the legal limit for boating while intoxicated is 0.08 BAC.

Before you operate

Boater education & operating age

Texas boater education requirements
Requirement	Details
Education required	Yes — see who needs a card below
Who needs a card	operators born on or after September 1, 1993, running a personal watercraft, a motorboat with more than 15 horsepower, or a sailboat over 14 feet
Card or certificate	Boater Education Certification Card
Minimum operating age	No one may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 15 horsepower unless they are at least 13 and have completed boater education, or are supervised on board by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate the boat.
Out-of-state cards	Boater education courses from other states are accepted if approved by NASBLA. A USCG vessel operator's license also satisfies the requirement. A one-time 15-day boater education deferral is sold for $10.

Find an officially approved course

Your boat’s paperwork

Boat registration & fees

All motorized boats of any length (including sailboats with an auxiliary engine), non-motorized boats 14 feet or longer, and USCG-documented vessels. Paddled, poled, oared or windblown canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rafts are exempt unless a motor is added. Registration is valid for two years.

Less than 16 feet (Class A)$32.00
16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1)$53.00
26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2)$110.00
40 feet or more (Class 3)$150.00

Registration fee data and sources

Texas registration fees · USD
Boat / fee category	Fee	Term	Source
Less than 16 feet (Class A)	$32.00	2 years	Official source: Less than 16 feet (Class A) ↗
16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1)	$53.00	2 years	Official source: 16 to less than 26 feet (Class 1) ↗
26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2)	$110.00	2 years	Official source: 26 to less than 40 feet (Class 2) ↗
40 feet or more (Class 3)	$150.00	2 years	Official source: 40 feet or more (Class 3) ↗

Published registration fees in USD. Bar lengths compare the listed amounts; terms and official sources appear in the data table below.

Registration details from the agency

Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules

Everyone on a personal watercraft, including anyone being towed, must wear a USCG-approved life jacket; inflatable life jackets are not approved for PWC use.
PWC may not be operated at night (sunset until sunrise).
Stay at headway speed within 50 feet of another PWC, boat, platform, person, object or shore.
Children under 13 may not operate a PWC unless accompanied on board by someone at least 18 who can lawfully operate it.
If the PWC has an engine cut-off switch, the operator must wear the lanyard or wireless device whenever it is underway.

Towing & watersports

A rearview mirror at least 4 inches by 4 inches is required when towing a person, unless an observer at least 13 years old (not the operator) is on board watching.
A PWC must seat at least two people to tow skis, a tube or similar devices.
No water skiing or similar towing from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, except at lighted, recognized ski events.

Life jacket rules

Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket of the right size for each person on board.
Passengers under 13 must wear a Type I, II or III life jacket while a boat under 26 feet is underway.
Inflatable life jackets count only when used according to their USCG approval label, and never on a PWC.