Frequently Asked Questions About the Delaware Boater's License

• What is the Delaware boating safety education certificate?
• Do I have to get a Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?
• What is the minimum age to obtain a Delaware boating safety education certificate?
• How do I get my Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?
• How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Delaware boating safety education certificate cost?
• When will I receive my Delaware boating safety education certificate in the mail?
• Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
• How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
• Is anyone exempt from getting the Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?
• What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorized vessel on Delaware waters?

What is the Delaware boating safety education certificate?

The Delaware boating safety education certificate (also referred to as the Delaware Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.

Do I have to get a Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?

All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DNREC. The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or equivalent.

In addition, there are age restrictions on the operation of PWCs:

• No one under the age of 14 years may operate a PWC under any conditions.
• Those 14 and 15 years of age who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC only if under the direct onboard supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian.
• Those 16 years of age and older who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC without age restrictions.

What is the minimum age to obtain a Delaware boating safety education certificate?

There is no minimum age to take the online boat safety exam.

How do I get my Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?

• Study the Delaware boating safety course material
• Take the Delaware online boating exam
• Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass
• Upon passing, you will receive your official Delaware boating safety education certificate by mail within 2–3 weeks. This card is commonly known as the Delaware boating license.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Delaware boating safety education certificate cost?

The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the Delaware boating safety education certificate.

When will I receive my Delaware boating safety education certificate in the mail?

Your Delaware boating safety education certificate will be mailed to your home within 2–3 weeks after you successfully complete and pay for the online course.

Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?

Upon passing the exam, you will be able to immediately print out a temporary boating safety education certificate online.

How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

For a replacement, call the Delaware Office of Boating Education at 302-739-9915. Provide them with the applicant's last name and birth date, and they will be able to issue a duplicate certificate.

Is anyone exempt from getting the Delaware boating safety education certificate (Delaware boater's license)?

The only exceptions are persons with a valid U.S. Coast Guard license, or a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or the equivalent.

What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat on Delaware waters?

1. All operators born on or after January 1, 1978, must have successfully completed a boating course approved by the DNREC.
2. Those 14 and 15 years of age who hold a boating safety certification card may operate a PWC only if under the direct onboard supervision of his or her parent or legal guardian.

Those under the age of 14 years may not operate a PWC under any conditions.