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Official North Carolina boating safety course State of North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission official seal

Hello, boater! North Carolina's online boating course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat North Carolina course—the official boating safety course of the State of North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your North Carolina certification.

Frequently Asked Questions About the North Carolina Boater's License

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

  • A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat North Carolina online course. To obtain a duplicate North Carolina card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT NORTH CAROLINA, to:

    BOAT NORTH CAROLINA
    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.

What is the North Carolina boater safety certification card?

  • The North Carolina boater safety certification card (also referred to as the North Carolina 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 the North Carolina boater safety certification card (North Carolina boater's license)?

  • A person younger than 26 years old who is unaccompanied may operate a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on North Carolina waters only if he or she completes and passes a boating safety course that is approved by NASBLA and accepted by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
  • Anyone operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater must carry on board his or her boater education certification card or other proof of compliance with the new boating law effective May 1, 2010 (www.ncga.state.nc.us/Sessions/2009/Bills) and make the card available upon request by an enforcement officer.
  • North Carolina's boating safety education requirements for operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.

What is the minimum age to obtain the North Carolina boater safety certification card?

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

How do I get my North Carolina boater safety certification card (North Carolina boater's license)?

  • The steps required to get your North Carolina boaters license are as follows:
    • Study the North Carolina boating safety course material
    • Take the North Carolina online boating exam
    • Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass
    • Upon passing, you will receive your official North Carolina boater safety certification card by mail within 5 - 7 business days. This card is commonly known as the North Carolina boating license.
  • For a detailed explanation of the North Carolina online boating exam process, please visit our North Carolina boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the North Carolina boater safety certification card cost?

  • The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the North Carolina boater safety certification card.

When will I receive my North Carolina boater safety certification card in the mail?

  • Your North Carolina boater safety certification card will be mailed to your home within 5 - 7 business days after you pass the exam.

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

  • Yes. When you pass, you may instantly print out a temporary boater safety certification card good for 60 days.

Is anyone exempt from getting the North Carolina boater safety certification card (North Carolina boater's license)?

  • Any exemptions from the mandatory boater's license requirement are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.

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

  • North Carolina's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.
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Online boating license and certification course last modified: April 13, 2011
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