It's the Law: Boater Safety Certification

Boater Certification Fees

Other Facts about Boater Certification

• Renewing boater certification: Your Alabama boater safety certification will be renewed at no charge every four years when your Alabama automobile driver’s license is renewed, unless at the time of renewal your boater certification has been suspended or revoked.
• Lost, destroyed, or damaged certifications: If your proof of certification is lost or destroyed or becomes illegible, but has not yet expired, you should apply for a duplicate at the probate judge or license commissioner’s office. No examination is necessary, but proof of identity is required.
  • Any person making a false affidavit in obtaining a duplicate proof of certification is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and will be punished accordingly by a fine or imprisonment, or both.
  • In addition, any person who, on any application for certification or renewal, willfully makes a false statement or conceals or withholds a material fact may be prosecuted for perjury or fraud, respectively.
• Alabama boater safety certification cancellation, revocation, or suspension: Your Alabama boater safety certification can be cancelled, suspended, or revoked if you operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in a reckless or careless manner, or on points. The point system has been instituted as a means of identifying the problem vessel operator. This system will be established and maintained by the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources through regulations. Any person whose certification has been cancelled, suspended, or revoked must pay a $50.00 reinstatement fee in addition to meeting other requirements of the state law before recertification.
  • Cancellation: The Commissioner of Conservation is authorized to cancel any Alabama boater safety certification upon determining that a person was not entitled to the certification. Failure to give required or correct information on an application is also grounds for cancellation.
  • Revocation: Alabama boater safety certification may be revoked if an operator is convicted of certain offenses. After the period of revocation has expired, the operator may apply for new certification and will be required to take and pass the examination.
  • Suspension: Alabama boater safety certification may be suspended if an operator is convicted of certain offenses or is determined to be incompetent to operate a vessel. After the period of suspension, the certification may be reinstated unless all the requirements of the suspension were not met.
  • Reinstatement: The operator must pay the reinstatement fee and obtain a duplicate proof of certification regardless of whether it is expired or not.