Colorado Boating License Overview

Boat Colorado is the official boating safety course of Colorado State Parks. You can complete the course for boater safety certification or study the online material to prepare for a supervised classroom exam if required by Colorado boater education law.

Boating Safety Certificate
for Those Under 16

• Required for youth ages 14 - 15 to operate a motorboat on Colorado waters
• Earned by passing a proctored exam in a classroom setting; see below for registration information
• Certificate issued by State of Colorado

Use this free course material and unlimited free Practice Tests as a study tool. Note that under Colorado law you are not allowed to operate a motorboat or take the proctored exam until you are age 14 or older.

To book your proctored exam:

• Call (303) 791-1954 ext. 127
• Or e-mail boating.safety@state.co.us.

Boater Education Card
for Ages 16 and Older

• Recognized by other states as proof you've passed a boating safety course
• Earned by passing an online exam; does not meet requirements for youth operators
• Card issued by Boat Ed, the recognized leader in boating safety

Study the Colorado safe boating course material, then take the Colorado Boating Exam. Pay $24.50—one time only, after you pass. When you pass, you will receive your permanent boater education card by mail within 5 - 7 business days.