It’s the Law!

Boaters who are 15 years of age may operate a motorboat or PWC until they become a licensed driver only if they complete a boater education course approved by the Department of Natural Resources and have on board an ID card issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

A person who has never been licensed by the BMV must complete an approved boater education course successfully and have on board an ID issued by the Indiana BMV to operate a motorboat legally.

All other motorboat or PWC operators must have a valid vehicle driver’s license to operate on all Indiana public waters.

You Must Carry the Card

Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.

Reciprocity

All states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the Indiana Boater Education Card. Likewise, Indiana will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements.

Quick Links

Complete the Course

Step One: Register for the course, study the free online course material, and pass the Indiana boating license final exam. (If you don’t pass on the first try, don’t worry. Keep taking the exam for free until you pass.)

Print Temporary Certificate

Step Two: After passing and paying the $29.50 course fee, you’ll instantly print out a temporary certificate, which is your temporary operating permit to operate legally on Indiana waters while you wait for your permanent card to arrive.

Get on the Water!

Step Three: Your Indiana Boater Education Card will arrive in the mail in 8-10 business days. While waiting, your temporary certificate (the Temporary Boater Education Certificate) you printed in Step Two will serve as your proof to legally operate on Indiana waters.

A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if you have taken (and passed) the Boat Indiana Course. To obtain a duplicate Indiana Boater Education Certificate, mail the request with a check for $10 payable to Boat Indiana to:

Boat Indiana
14086 Proton Road
Dallas, TX 75244

Be sure to include the student's full name and date of birth in the mailed request for a duplicate card.

You may also phone Customer Service to request the duplicate and pay by credit card. You may reach us by phone at 800-830-2268 (toll-free) or 214-351-0461. Our office hours are 8:30 to 5:30 Central Time, Monday through Friday, with extended hours during late spring and summer season.