South Carolina does not issue a traditional “boating license.” It issues a South Carolina Boating Safety Certificate (commonly called a boater education card) through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). In 2026-2027, you are only required to hold the certificate if you were born after July 1, 2007, before operating a boat, personal…
Do you need a boating license in Rhode Island in 2026-2027? No — Rhode Island does not issue a traditional recreational boating “license.” Instead, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) requires eligible operators to carry a Boating Safety Certificate (often called a “Boater Card”) obtained by completing a state-approved boating safety course. If…
Do You Need a Boating License in Pennsylvania? If you’re asking whether you need a boating license in Pennsylvania in 2026-2027, the short answer is: not a traditional license, but many operators do need a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate. You need it if you operate a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski at…
Do You Need a Boating License in Oregon? Yes, Oregon requires a Boating Safety Education Card for almost anyone operating a motorized watercraft over 10 horsepower. You must be at least 12 years old to obtain the card. Operators 16 and over must carry the card whenever they take the helm of a motorboat (including a personal watercraft) over 10 hp. The…
Do you need a boating license in Oklahoma? Usually, not as a blanket requirement for every adult boater. In Oklahoma, the key rule is that operators ages 12-15 must complete approved boater education before operating a motorized boat over 10 horsepower, a personal watercraft, or a sailboat 16 feet or longer. Costs depend on the…
Do You Need a Boating License in Ohio? If you were born on or after January 1, 1982 and you operate a powercraft over 10 horsepower in Ohio, you need approved boater education or a passed proficiency exam before operating legally. In everyday search terms, that’s what most people mean by an Ohio boating license,…
Do You Need a Boating License in North Dakota? If you’re trying to figure out whether North Dakota requires a boating license in 2026-2027, here’s the short answer: most adults do not need a general boating license. North Dakota’s mandatory boater education rule is mainly for operators ages 12-15 who want to run a motorboat…
Do you need a boating license in North Carolina? Yes—if you were born on or after January 1, 1988 and you operate a boat with a motor of 10 HP or greater, you must meet North Carolina’s boating safety education requirement. In practice, that usually means carrying a boating education certificate/card, not a traditional plastic…
Do you need a boating license in New York in 2026-2027? Yes—if you operate a motorized vessel in New York in 2026 or 2027, you need a boating safety certificate under Brianna’s Law. You must be at least 10 to operate a mechanically propelled recreational vessel, and at least 14 to operate a personal watercraft…
Do You Need a Boating License in New Mexico? New Mexico does not issue a traditional “boating license.” The state requires a Boater Education Card for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat, sailboat (13 ft or longer), or personal watercraft. The card is good for life, costs $39.95–$54.95 through…