Colorado Boating Regulations and Laws

The Colorado boating safety certificate (commonly known as a Colorado boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

A person under 14 years of age may not operate any motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.

A person 14 or 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters only if he or she has passed a boating safety course approved by Colorado State Parks and has in his or her possession a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.

Even if not required by law to get the Colorado boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in Colorado a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat Colorado course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in Colorado?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in the course material and Colorado State Parks Web Site.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

You can study over the Internet then take the Colorado online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boating safety certificate issued on behalf of Colorado State Parks is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You’re at the right place, because the Boat Colorado online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for Colorado State Parks. All the required safe boating course material to get your boating safety certificate is available for free online. Please visit our Colorado safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the Colorado boating safety certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Colorado boater’s license;
• Contact the Colorado State Parks;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we’ll be glad to answer any of your questions about the Colorado boater’s license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a Colorado boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boating safety certificate?

The following operator age and boater education requirements apply to operation of vessels on Colorado’s public waters.

• A person under 14 years of age may not operate any motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
• A person 14 or 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters only if he or she:
  • Has passed a boating safety course approved by Colorado State Parks and ...
  • Has in his or her possession a Boating Safety Certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.
• A person 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Colorado’s public waters.
• It is illegal to permit or knowingly allow a motorboat or personal watercraft to be operated in violation of the age and boater education requirements above.
• It is illegal for a vessel livery to rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft to any person who does not meet the age and boater education requirements above.