Indiana does not call it a “boating license,” but the Indiana DNR requires anyone 15 or older who operates a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) without a valid driver’s license to first complete a state-approved boater safety course and carry the printed Indiana Boater Education Card. Hoosiers who already hold a current driver’s license…
Do you need a boating license in Illinois? Yes — but only for specific operators. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must hold an Illinois Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorized watercraft over 10 horsepower, including personal watercraft (PWC). The certificate is valid for life, costs between $34.95 and $59.95 through IDNR-approved…
Most adults do not need a license to operate a recreational boat in Idaho, but you may still want one. Unlike states with a hard mandate, Idaho treats the boater education card as voluntary for general boating but mandatory for PWC renters and under local county rules in parts of the Panhandle. Quick Facts: Idaho…
No, Hawaii does not issue a traditional “boating license.” What the state requires is a Boater Safety Education Card for anyone operating a motorized vessel over 10 horsepower, plus a separate Thrill Craft Operator Certification for jet skis and PWCs. You must be at least 15 years old to operate any thrill craft in state…
Do you need a boating license in Georgia in 2026-2027? Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1998 and you operate a motorized vessel on Georgia waters, you generally need a Georgia-approved boater education card or accepted equivalent. Georgia does not treat this exactly like a yearly driver-style recreational boating license; in…
Do you need a boating license in Florida in 2026-2027? Florida does not issue a true recreational boating license, but many operators must carry a Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card or another accepted proof of boater education. In general, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel with a motor…
Do you need a boating license in Delaware in 2026-2027? Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1978 and operate a motorized boat on Delaware waters, you need a state-approved boating safety education certificate. Delaware does not treat it like a DMV driver’s license endorsement; in real-world use, it is your boater…
Do you need a boating license in Connecticut in 2026-2027? Yes, many boaters do — but Connecticut typically issues a boating certificate, not a traditional annual boating license. If you are a Connecticut resident, own Connecticut property, register your vessel in Connecticut, or operate long enough to trigger state requirements, you generally need either a…
Usually, no separate license is required for adults 18 and older. In Colorado, the main mandatory operator rule applies to motorboat and PWC operators ages 14-17, who must complete a state-approved boating safety course and carry proof of completion. Children under 14 cannot legally operate a motorboat. Your biggest recurring costs are usually boat registration…
If you plan to operate a recreational motorized vessel in California in 2026 or 2027, you need a California Boater Card. Many people call it a “California boating license,” but the legal credential is the California Boater Card. The rule already applies to all operators regardless of age, the card is valid for life, and…