USA Boating Exams
What are the boating license requirements by state?
In the United States, the requirement for a boating licence or pleasure craft operator card varies by state. Some states require boaters to take an exam, while others do not have a boating license requirements by state. Here is a link to the national boating study guide and below is a list of required boating license for all USA states… And a silly little poem at the bottom!
Below are the 50 states (plus, territories) in the United States of America: (If the State is crossed out below - then a boating test is not mandatory in the state at this time)
Alabama
Alaska
American Somoa
Arizona
Arkansas
California California Boat Course
To operate a motorized vessel in California, you will be required to have a California boating card, which is being phased from 2018-2025 based on year of birth. Complete this accredited course to get your California Boater Card that is good for life! Don't wait - secure your certification today and sail with confidence on California's beautiful waters!
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Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
DC — District of Columbia Boat Course
Any person operating a vessel on any District of Columbia waterways is required to have taken an approved Boating Safety Course and obtained the certificate. Don't risk fines or penalties - ensure you're compliant with the regulations by completing our accredited Boating Safety Course today!
Florida — Florida Boat Course
All boat operators in Florida who were born on or after January 1st, 1988, must have a Florida Boater Education I.D. Card to operate any motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more. Don't delay - get certified today and enjoy safe and legal boating in Florida's beautiful waterways!
Need a Florida Boating Temporary Certificate? For rentals, you can take a Florida Temporary Boating Exam for $13.95.
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii — Hawaii Boat Course
If you operate a power-driven vessel propelled by a motor greater than 10 horsepower, or even vessels primarily wind/sail equipped with an auxiliary engine, Hawaii law mandates that you successfully complete a boating safety course approved by NASBLA. Ensure you're compliant with Hawaii's regulations and enhance your boating knowledge by enrolling in our approved boating safety course today!
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky — Kentucky Boat Course
In Kentucky, all boaters between 12 to 17 years old must have a Kentucky boater education card to operate a motorized vessel above 10 horsepower. Don't wait until you're on the water - ensure you're prepared and compliant by enrolling in our course today!
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Louisiana
Maine— Maine Boat Course
All boat operators 16 and 17 years of age must take and approve a safety education course before being able to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.
Need a Maine Boating Temporary Certificate? For rentals, you can take a Maine Temporary Boater Safety Exam for $12.99.
Maryland — Maryland Boat Course
Unlock a lifetime of safe boating in Maryland! Complete our course to obtain your Maryland Boater Education Card, ensuring you're ready to navigate the waters with confidence. In Maryland, all boaters born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a Maryland Boater Education Card to operate a motorized vessel. Don't risk fines or penalties - enroll in our course today and sail with peace of mind!
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Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada — Nevada Boat Course
Attention all boaters born on or after January 1, 1983! If you plan to operate motorized watercraft on Nevada's interstate waters, you are required to have a Nevada Boater Education Card. Don't wait until you're on the water - ensure you're compliant with Nevada's regulations by signing up for our course today! Don't delay - sign up now!
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico — New Mexico Boat Course
Attention all boaters born after January 1, 1989! If you're planning to operate any motorized watercraft in New Mexico, it's essential to have a New Mexico boater education card. Ensure you're prepared to navigate New Mexico's waterways safely and legally by signing up for our course today! Don't delay - sign up now and sail away with peace of mind!
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New York — New York Boat Course
Attention all New York boaters born on or after May 1, 1996! If you're planning to operate a watercraft in New York, it's crucial to complete an approved boater education course. Stay compliant with New York regulations and ensure your safety on the water by signing up for our course today! Don't miss out - sign up now and embark on your boating adventure safely!
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North Carolina — North Carolina Boat Course
Attention all North Carolina residents born on or after January 1, 1988! If you're planning to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 horsepower or more, it's mandatory to have a North Carolina Boater Education Card. Stay compliant with North Carolina regulations and ensure your safety on the water by signing up for our course today! Don't miss out - sign up now and embark on your boating adventure safely!
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North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
US Virgin Islands
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia: — West Virginia Boat Course
Attention all boaters born after December 30, 1986! If you plan to operate a motorized watercraft in West Virginia, it's essential to have a West Virginia Boater Education Card. Ensure you're prepared to navigate West Virginia's waterways safely and legally by signing up for our course today! Don't delay - sign up now and sail away with peace of mind!
Continue to West Virginia Boat Test
Wisconsin
Wyoming
A SILLY POEM:
Ready to make some waves in the BIG ol’ US of A - without getting soaked?
Get your state Boating Licence, it's a no-joke!
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So what are you waiting for, give it a try, find your boating license by state above and say goodbye to the sky!
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