Illinois Boating Course
The Illinois boater education card (also referred to as the Illinois Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.
The Illinois boater education card (commonly known as the Illinois boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course. Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft, only if they complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
The minimum age to take the online boat safety exam is 12 years of age.
The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—after you pass. No pass? no pay! There is no charge for the Illinois boater education card.
Your Illinois boater education card will be mailed to your home within 5 - 7 business days after you pass the exam.
A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat Illinois online course. To obtain a duplicate Illinois card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT ILLINOIS, to:
BOAT ILLINOIS
14086 Proton Rd.
Dallas, TX 75244
Persons 18 years old or older are not subject to operator age restrictions.
Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, only if they complete a boating safety course and possess a boating safety education card accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
All boat-ed content has been developed in conjunction with the state boating safety agencies responsible for boater education, and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.
