Iowa Boating Course
The Iowa boater education certificate (also referred to as the Iowa Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.
The Iowa boater education certificate (commonly known as the Iowa 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 motorboat over ten horsepower or personal watercraft (PWC), only if they complete a boater education course and possess a Boater Education Certificate approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or they are accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
The minimum age to take the online boat safety exam is 12 years of age.
For a detailed explanation of the Iowa online boating exam process, please visit our Iowa boating license overview page.
The online Certification Exam costs $29.50. There is an additional $5.00 charge for the permanent Iowa Boater Education Certificate.
Your permanent Iowa Boater Education Certificate will be mailed to your home within 3–4 weeks after you purchase it.
Upon passing the exam, you may immediately print out a temporary certificate valid for 60 days.
A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat Iowa online course. To obtain a duplicate Iowa card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT IOWA, to:
Boat Iowa
14086 Proton Rd.
Dallas, Texas 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.
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.
