There is no national boating license in the US. Most states instead require boaters to pass a boating safety course and carry the certificate, and the rules depend on the state, your age and the type of boat.
Most states accept another state’s certificate when the course is NASBLA-approved, but some do not, so check the state where you will be on the water. Find your state below.
Last checked October 2026. Every state section was rechecked against that state’s agency or statute that month and links its source. Rules change, so confirm with your state agency before you go.
Alabama
Alabama is one of the few states with a boat operator’s license. To operate a motorized vessel you need a vessel operator’s license, added to your driver license as a “V” class. You must be at least 12 to get one and cannot operate alone until 14.
Operators 12 or 13 may operate only with someone 21 or older on board who also holds a vessel operator’s license and can take immediate control. Operators 14 and older with the license may operate without supervision, and must have it in their possession. Applicants pass a written exam or show proof of an exemption, such as a boating course certificate.
Source: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, checked October 2026.
Alaska
Alaska does not require boating education for any boater. The Alaska Office of Boating Safety recommends a course anyway: an approved one earns an optional Alaska Boater Education card, which can lower your boat insurance and is accepted in some states that do require a card.
Source: Alaska Office of Boating Safety, checked October 2026.
Arizona
Arizona has no mandatory boater education requirement for recreational operators in its statutes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers boating safety courses in classroom, home study and online formats.
A child under 12 may not operate a watercraft with a motor over 8 horsepower unless a parent, legal guardian or another person 18 or older is on board, except in an emergency. All children 12 and younger must wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever the vessel is underway.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes 5-341, checked October 2026.
Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department, checked October 2026.
Arkansas
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must complete an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission boating education course to operate one on Arkansas water. Once you have the certification it is good for life, and you can buy a hard card from the AGFC if you prefer physical proof.
To operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a person must be 12 or older, or be under the direct supervision of someone at least 18. To operate a personal watercraft, a person must be 16 or older; 12 to 15-year-olds need direct supervision by someone at least 18, and anyone under 12 needs direct supervision by someone at least 21.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, checked October 2026.
California
Since January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized vessel in California must complete a boating safety course and carry a California Boater Card, regardless of age.
Operators of a rental vessel and holders of a valid US Coast Guard operator license do not need the card. The full list of exemptions and approved courses is at CaliforniaBoaterCard.com.
Source: California Division of Boating and Waterways, checked October 2026.
Colorado
In Colorado, anyone operating a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, must be at least 18 years old. People aged 14 to 17 who want to operate a motorized vessel must complete and pass a state-approved boating safety course.
Operators over 17 are strongly encouraged, but not required, to take a boating safety course.
Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, checked October 2026.
Connecticut
Residents, people who own real property in Connecticut, and owners of Connecticut-registered vessels must hold a Safe Boating Certificate, a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation or a valid US Coast Guard vessel operator license to operate a motorized boat or a sailboat 19½ feet or longer. The certificate must be aboard whenever you operate, and it is valid for life.
Personal watercraft operators need a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, or one from a reciprocal state (New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Rhode Island). That applies to nonresidents too. Anyone under 16 may operate a boat other than a personal watercraft without a certificate if directly supervised by someone 18 or older who has held a certificate for at least two years. On inland waters with a 10 horsepower limit, a certificate is not required for an electric-motor boat in daylight hours.
Source: Connecticut DEEP, checked October 2026.
Delaware
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat, including a personal watercraft, on Delaware waters. Personal watercraft operators need proof of completing an approved Boating Safety Course.
The free paddlesports course is not a Delaware Boating Safety Course and does not meet the requirement. You can look up your boater safety card on DNREC’s online card site.
Source: Delaware DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, checked October 2026.
Florida
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a boat with an engine of 10 horsepower or more in Florida waters must complete an approved boating safety course and get a Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card. The card does not expire, and it is not a boating license.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, checked October 2026.
Georgia
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 who operates a motorized vessel on Georgia waters must have completed a boating education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources. Exempt: people licensed by the US Coast Guard as a vessel master, people operating on a private lake or pond, and non-residents with proof of a NASBLA-approved course from another state.
Under 12: may not operate any vessel over 16 feet. May operate a vessel under 16 feet that is non-motorized or has a motor of 30 horsepower or less only with a competent adult. Ages 12 through 15: may operate a vessel under 16 feet, including a personal watercraft, only after passing an approved course or with a competent adult, and may not operate a vessel over 16 feet. Age 16 or older: need photo identification on board and, if born after January 1, 1998, the course card.
More on young boaters: boating with kids and choosing a smaller boat.
Source: Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division, checked October 2026.
Hawaii
Anyone operating a motorized vessel with an engine over 10 horsepower in Hawaiʻi state waters, including a sailboat with an auxiliary engine over that size, must hold a state-approved boating safety credential. The rule covers state waters from the shoreline out to three miles. Operators under 16 must be directly supervised by a certified adult 21 or older.
Exemptions include a valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential, vessels of 10 horsepower or less, rental operators who received a state-approved safety briefing, and out-of-state visitors on a voyage from elsewhere who stay fewer than 60 calendar days. Carry your certificate or proof of exemption. Violations carry a fine of $50 to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail. The state says the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules are the official authority.
Source: Hawaiʻi Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, checked October 2026.
Idaho
Idaho has no statewide boater education requirement for most operators, and no statewide minimum age to operate a vessel. Some counties, including Benewah, Bonner and Kootenai, set their own age rules, so check locally.
Education is required in a few cases: personal watercraft rental businesses must educate each renter, and the operator must carry a verification wallet card; boat operators convicted of operating under the influence must pass a boating course; and repeat offenders of any boating law or rule must pass one too.
Source: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation boating handbook, checked October 2026.
Illinois
No one under 10 may operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft. Ages 10 and 11 may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft, only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian or an adult at least 18 designated by the parent or guardian.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 needs a valid boating safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft. People born before that date are not required to have one. A parent, guardian or designee born on or after January 1, 1998 must hold a certificate to supervise a 10- to 17-year-old operating a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower.
Source: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Indiana
To operate a motorboat of more than 10 horsepower in Indiana, you need either a valid driver’s license, or to be at least 15 years old, have passed a boater education course and hold an identification card from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Iowa
Anyone 12 to 17 can operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft if they have completed a boater education course approved by the Iowa DNR, or if an experienced operator at least 18 years old is on board with them.
The DNR page sets no education requirement for adults. You earn the certificate by taking an approved online course.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Kansas
Anyone under 21 must complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat, personal watercraft or sailboat without direct and audible supervision. That means an adult at least 18 years old on board, close enough to take control, who has completed a course or is over 21.
No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel without that supervision, even with a course certificate. A course is not required for a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard.
Source: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, checked October 2026.
Kentucky
A person must be 12 or older to operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, with 10 horsepower or more on Kentucky public waters. Operators 12 to 17 must have a Kentucky Safe Boating Certificate Card or a certificate showing they completed a NASBLA-approved boater education course.
The Department’s boating guide sets no education requirement for adults and lists no exemptions. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket in the open part of a boat that is underway.
Source: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, checked October 2026.
Louisiana
Anyone born after January 1, 1984 must complete an LDWF-approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, unless accompanied by someone over 18 who has completed an approved course. To operate a personal watercraft, a person born after January 1, 1984 must complete a course, and every operator must be at least 16.
You must carry your certification of course completion on the boat. A US Coast Guard licensed captain does not need the course. At the Office of Motor Vehicles you can add a Boater Education endorsement to your driver license for free, which lets you leave the card at home.
Source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, checked October 2026.
Maine
A person born on or after January 1, 1999 may not operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower for recreation on Maine’s inland or territorial waters unless they are at least 12 and have completed a boater safety and education course. They must carry the certificate and show it to a law enforcement officer on request.
People in that age group must also complete a course and be at least 16 to operate a personal watercraft, or to supervise a child under 12 who is operating a motorboat. The department notes a few exemptions in its FAQ. The course takes about six hours, online or in person.
Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, checked October 2026.
Maryland
Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 must have a certificate of boating safety education to operate any motorized vessel. The certificate does not expire, and you must carry it whenever you operate a vessel.
If you cannot produce it, the fine is at least $25 for a first offense and up to $500 for each offense after that.
Source: Maryland Natural Resources Police, checked October 2026.
Massachusetts
Under the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act, mandatory boater safety education for motorboat operators took effect April 1, 2026. People born after January 1, 1989 must have a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat. People born on or before January 1, 1989 must have one by April 1, 2028.
Carry the certificate on board, unless you are operating under the direct supervision of a person with a certificate or are exempt. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 16 and have a certificate. No one under 18 can supervise another person operating a motorboat. A paddlecraft without a motor does not need a certificate. Exemptions include a valid merchant mariner credential and non-residents with a certificate from another US state, a territory or Canada.
Source: Massachusetts Environmental Police, checked October 2026.
Michigan
Anyone born on or after July 1, 1996 may operate a boat with a motor of more than 6 horsepower only with a boating safety certificate (boater education card).
Under 12: up to 6 horsepower with no restrictions; more than 6 and up to 35 horsepower only with a certificate on board and supervision by someone at least 16; more than 35 horsepower not allowed. For a personal watercraft the minimum age is 14. Operators 14 or 15 need a certificate and a parent or designated adult (21 or older) on board or nearby. A certificate is required unless you were born on or before December 31, 1978.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Minnesota
Minnesota is phasing in a watercraft operator’s permit by birth date. Since July 1, 2026, anyone 12 or older born after June 30, 2000 needs a permit to operate any motorboat, including a personal watercraft. The requirement reaches people born after June 30, 1996 on July 1, 2027, and after June 30, 1987 on July 1, 2028.
Without a permit you may operate a boat only with an accompanying operator on board: a person 21 or older, within immediate reach of the controls, who holds a permit or is exempt. Children under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower, and may operate a smaller motorboat only with an accompanying operator. US Coast Guard-licensed operators and non-residents using Minnesota waters for up to 60 days are exempt.
Source: Minnesota DNR, checked October 2026.
Mississippi
Anyone born after June 30, 1980 must complete a boater education course before operating a boat in Mississippi. A person under 12 must be accompanied on board by someone 21 or older to operate the boat.
The department says all persons operating a boat or personal watercraft on Mississippi’s public waterways must have proof of completing a boater education course in their possession.
Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, checked October 2026.
Missouri
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says an amendment to the boater education law took effect August 28, 2026. Anyone born after January 1, 1984 and before January 1, 2006 who operates a motorized boat or a sailboat over 12 feet on the state’s lakes must carry a NASBLA-approved boater safety card, or have a boater safety endorsement on their driver license and have that license on the boat.
On January 1, 2027 the requirement expands to all waters of the state and to anyone born on or after January 1, 2006. The operator of a boat must be 14 unless accompanied by an adult on board, and a child under 14 operating with an adult still needs a card.
Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division, checked October 2026.
Montana
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks page sets a rule for young operators: youths 13 and 14 may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft powered by a motor rated at more than 10 horsepower only if they hold a Montana motorboat operator’s safety certificate, show proof of completing another state’s or organization’s NASBLA-approved course, or are accompanied by an adult 18 or older.
Anyone 13 or older who completes the free home-study course receives a Montana Motorboat Operator’s Certificate. Private online courses are also available, and classroom courses are posted when offered. The page lists no education requirement for adults.
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, checked October 2026.
Nebraska
Anyone born after December 31, 1985 must successfully complete a Boating Safety Course and possess the course certificate while operating a boat or personal watercraft in Nebraska.
Boaters from other states who register their vessel elsewhere must buy an aquatic invasive species stamp each year, and every boater in Nebraska pays that fee, which residents pay with their registration.
Source: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, checked October 2026.
Nevada
Boaters born on or after January 1, 1983 must complete a Nevada Department of Wildlife-approved boater education course before operating a boat on interstate waters. The department recommends that everyone get the boating education card before heading out.
Source: Nevada Department of Wildlife, checked October 2026.
New Hampshire
Under RSA 270-D:10, no one may operate a motorized vessel with a motor over 25 horsepower on New Hampshire’s public waters without first obtaining a certificate of boating safety education.
You do not have to obtain a New Hampshire certificate if you already hold a boating safety certificate from any state that meets or exceeds New Hampshire’s requirements, or one from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the US Power Squadron, or an approved Canadian program (RSA 270-D:15).
Source: New Hampshire RSA 270-D:10, checked October 2026.
Source: New Hampshire RSA 270-D:15, checked October 2026.
New Jersey
To operate a vessel on New Jersey waters you need one of the following: a boat safety certificate from New Jersey or your home state, a US Coast Guard captain’s license, or written proof of completing a NASBLA-approved safety course. Visitors operating in New Jersey for more than 90 days need an approved New Jersey certificate.
On non-tidal waters you also need a boat operator endorsement on your New Jersey driver license or ID card, in addition to the certificate. The State Police does not run the course; if you take an online course, you must still pass an in-person, proctored exam.
Source: New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, checked October 2026.
New Mexico
Anyone who operates a motor-propelled vessel, gasoline or electric, or a sailboat needs a New Mexico boater education card, unless they were born before January 1, 1989. The card is valid for life.
The state also exempts nonresidents who hold a valid boater education card from another state, renters who received safety instructions and completed a dockside safety checklist from the rental agent, and operators of government vessels exempt from registration. After buying a boat you have 30 days, and after moving to New Mexico with an out-of-state card you have 45 days, before a New Mexico card is required.
Source: New Mexico State Parks, checked October 2026.
New York
Under Brianna’s Law, all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, must complete a state-approved safe boating course. Operators of kayaks and canoes are not required to.
Safe Boating Certificates are valid for life, and you must carry the original on board. New York recognizes the certificate issued by your home state. People over 18 can rent a motorboat from a livery without a certificate; renters under 18 need one.
Source: New York State Parks, checked October 2026.
North Carolina
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater. There is no minimum age to take the course.
The Wildlife Resources Commission lists approved online and classroom courses. If you take one from a provider other than the commission, you are responsible for getting proof of completion from that provider.
Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, checked October 2026.
North Dakota
The boating course is required for youth ages 12 to 15 who want to operate a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor by themselves. The Game and Fish page lists no education requirement for adults.
The course is open to anyone 11½ or older, but no card is issued until the student turns 12. Online students can print a temporary card right away, and a permanent card is mailed within 30 days.
Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department, checked October 2026.
Ohio
Boaters born on or after January 1, 1982 must complete a NASBLA-approved boating course or an ODNR-approved proficiency exam to operate a boat powered by more than 10 horsepower. The rule also covers an adult supervising a child, if that adult was born on or after January 1, 1982.
Children under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft. If an officer stops you, you have 72 hours to produce your certificate.
Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Oklahoma
Anyone aged 12 to 15 who operates a boat powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, a sailboat 16 feet or longer, or a personal watercraft must complete a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. After you pass you receive a card, which you should carry whenever you operate.
An adult 18 or older must be aboard a motorboat or sailboat and able to take control, or, on a personal watercraft, must watch the operator from within 500 yards. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Section runs the program.
Source: Oklahoma Highway Patrol, checked October 2026.
Oregon
Anyone 16 or older needs a Boating Safety Education Card to operate a powerboat, including a personal watercraft, with more than 10 horsepower. Youths 12 to 15 can operate a boat of 10 horsepower or less without an adult. For a larger boat they need an accompanying person with a card, who must be at least 16 (at least 18 for a personal watercraft).
Oregon accepts a card from any state that issues cards for NASBLA-approved courses. Renters do not need to take a course first, but must complete a watercraft rental safety checklist before departure.
Source: Oregon State Marine Board, checked October 2026.
Pennsylvania
A Boating Safety Education Certificate is required to operate a personal watercraft, and for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 to operate a boat powered by a motor of more than 25 horsepower. You must carry the certificate while operating.
Completing a course approved by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, online or in person, earns a certificate that is good for a lifetime.
Source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, checked October 2026.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island requires a boating safety certificate if you were born after January 1, 1986, or if you will operate a personal watercraft, regardless of age and residency.
Nonresidents operating a vessel other than a personal watercraft must meet the requirements of their home state. You can earn the certificate in a classroom course of at least 8 hours that ends with the state exam, or study on your own and pass the in-person Boating Safety Challenge Exam, which has no fee.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, checked October 2026.
South Carolina
Since August 18, 2023, boaters born after July 1, 2007 must pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft or specialty propcraft powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. South Carolina accepts any NASBLA-approved course.
A person born after July 1, 2007 may rent a boat, personal watercraft or specialty propcraft with a valid rental safety certificate, which is good for 30 days.
Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
South Dakota
South Dakota does not require boating education. The Game, Fish and Parks handbook says it is not mandatory, though it urges boaters to take an online course.
An operator under 12 may not operate a motorboat with a motor of more than 6 horsepower unless someone 18 or older is on board. An operator under 14 may not operate a personal watercraft unless someone 18 or older is on board. Owners may not allow an underage person to operate their vessel.
Source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks boating handbook, checked October 2026.
Tennessee
A Tennessee resident born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel with more than 8.5 horsepower needs boating education certification. Passing the TWRA Boating Safety Exam earns a wallet card, which you must carry while operating.
The card is not required if an adult 18 or older, born before January 1, 1989, is on board to take immediate control of the vessel. Visitors born after that date can use any NASBLA-approved boating safety certificate.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, checked October 2026.
Texas
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must complete a TPWD-certified boater education course and carry a valid photo ID to operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet long.
To operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower, a person must be at least 13 and have completed a boater education course, or be supervised by an adult 18 or older who is on board and can legally operate the boat. Texas accepts out-of-state courses approved by NASBLA.
Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, checked October 2026.
Utah
Anyone 12 to 17 must complete a state-accepted boating safety course to operate a personal watercraft, whatever their residency. The certificate does not expire. Operators 12 to 15 need a responsible adult at least 18 present on a personal watercraft, and operators under 16 need an 18-plus supervisor on other motorboats.
Utah is adding a requirement for adults: beginning January 1, 2027, all motorboat and sailboat operators must complete a mandatory watercraft operator course each calendar year, and proof of completion expires after December 31. Utah will not accept a NASBLA-approved course from another state for this one, and operators of inflatable motorboats are exempt. All boaters must also complete an annual mussel-aware boater course, which will be combined with the operator course in 2027.
Source: Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, checked October 2026.
Vermont
Anyone born after January 1, 1974 must have a certificate of boating education to operate a motorboat on Vermont’s public waters. You must carry it and show it to an enforcement officer on request. The certificate is valid for life.
Exemptions include people licensed by the US Coast Guard to operate vessels commercially and people operating a motorboat on a body of water on private property. Vermont accepts a certificate from another state or country if it meets or is substantially equivalent to NASBLA criteria. A person under 12 may not operate a motorboat with more than 6 horsepower.
Source: Vermont 23 V.S.A. § 3305b, checked October 2026.
Virginia
Operators of motorboats with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, regardless of age, and all personal watercraft operators age 14 and older, must have taken a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. Once you complete it, the course card or certificate is what you carry while operating.
You do not need to take the course if you hold or have held a US Coast Guard license to operate a vessel (master, captain or mate). You do not need to retake it if you already have a card from a NASBLA-approved course.
Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, checked October 2026.
Washington
You must carry a Washington Boater Education Card if you operate a vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more, are 12 or older, and were born after January 1, 1955. The card is valid for life.
Exempt: people born before January 1, 1955, holders of a valid US Coast Guard Marine Operator License, commercial fishing boat operators with a valid commercial license, and renters who complete the vendor’s safety checklist and carry the temporary card. Visitors from another state or country do not need a card for the first 60 days.
Source: Washington State Parks, checked October 2026.
West Virginia
Anyone born on or after December 31, 1986 must successfully complete a Boating Safety Education Course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft on West Virginia waters.
Approved providers include the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the US Power Squadron and the Division of Natural Resources, and the course can come from any other state. The DNR lists free in-person classes and approved online courses for a vendor fee. A lost card is replaced through your local DNR law enforcement office for $10.
Source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, checked October 2026.
Wisconsin
Operators born on or after January 1, 1989 need a Wisconsin boating safety certificate, or an out-of-state equivalent, to operate a motorboat once they are 16. The exception is being accompanied in the boat by someone at least 18 who holds a certificate or was born before January 1, 1989.
Under 10: may not operate a motorboat. Ages 10 and 11: only with a parent, guardian or designated adult (at least 18) who holds a certificate or was born before 1989. Ages 12 to 15: with their own certificate, or accompanied the same way. For a personal watercraft, no one under 12 may operate, and operators 12 and older who are under 16 need their own certificate. Anyone 16 or older born on or after January 1, 1989 needs one too, and adult supervision does not replace it.
Source: Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin Statutes s. 30.678, checked October 2026.
Wyoming
The Game and Fish Department says the operator of a motorboat must be at least 16 years old. A person under 16 may operate a motorboat if accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 and is aboard and responsible for operating the craft.
The department’s page offers a boater education course at its offices and online but states no education requirement.
Source: Wyoming Game and Fish Department, checked October 2026.
Conclusion
Boating safety is a concern for everyone on the boat.
So if you are planning to sail across states, we recommend you take a license and boating education regardless of the state requirements. Because boating is not just about your safety but it is for the safety of everyone on board.
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