Welcome to Boat Ed Iowa

Learn online, print your temporary certificate, and be on the water in just a few hours.

$29.50Course fee after you pass

When you pass, immediately print out a temporary certificate. There is an additional $5.00 charge for your permanent certificate.

Start the Course

  • Fun and Easy to Use
  • Interactive Animations
  • Graphics to Speed Learning
  • Iowa DNR Approved
  • Free Registration
  • Pay Only If You Pass
  • 3½ Hour Course
  • Complete at Your Own Pace

Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

Boat Ed's Iowa online course has the same boating safety content as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classroom course.

Pass this course, and then you may print a temporary boater education certificate to serve as your temporary operating permit until you are mailed a boater safety education card from the DNR.

There is an additional $5.00 charge for the permanent Iowa Boater Education Certificate, which will be mailed to your home within 3-4 weeks.

Need more info about the safe boating course? Visit the “FAQs” page.

The Handbook

Iowa handbook cover image Get an introduction to Iowa laws governing boating and general information about safe watercraft operation with this handy reference guide.

Who Needs an Iowa Boater Education Card?

  • Any person 12 - 17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or personal watercraft (PWC)

Need more info about Iowa boating law? Visit the “Laws” page.

Read testimonials for Boat Ed.