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Hello, boater! New Mexico's online boating course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat New Mexico course—the official boating safety course of the New Mexico State Parks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Mexico Boater Education Card

What is the New Mexico Boater Education Card?

Do I have to get a New Mexico boater education card (sometimes incorrectly referred to as a New Mexico boater's license)?

  • Beginning January 1, 2007, all persons born on or after January 1, 1989, must pass an approved boater education course or a proctored examination before they may operate a motorboat legally. See Mandatory Boater Education for more information.

  • The New Mexico Boater Education Card (unlike a traditional driver's license) allows the holder to legally operate a boat or PWC for life. It does not expire, and never needs to be renewed.

What is the minimum age to obtain a New Mexico boater education card?

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

How do I get my New Mexico boater education card?

  • Study the New Mexico boating safety course material
  • Take the New Mexico online boating exam
  • Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass
  • Upon passing, you will receive a permanent, authorized New Mexico boater education card in the mail within 5 - 7 business days.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the New Mexico boater education card cost?

  • The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the New Mexico boater education card.

When will I receive my New Mexico boater education card in the mail?

  • Your New Mexico boater education card will be mailed to your home within 5 - 7 days after you pass the exam.

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

  • Yes. If you pass, you will be able to immediately print out a temporary boating safety education certificate.
  • If you have problems printing out the temporary certificate on your home computer, you may email us at the address shown below, and we can email you a duplicate temporary certificate.

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 New Mexico online course. To obtain a duplicate New Mexico card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT NEW MEXICO, to:

    BOAT NEW MEXICO
    14086 Proton Rd.
    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.

Is anyone exempt from getting the New Mexico boater education card?

  • Any exemptions from the mandatory boater's education requirement are explained in detail on the Mandatory Boater Education page.

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

  • New Mexico's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Operator Age Requirements page.
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The Handbook of New Mexico Boating Laws and State Park Regulations

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Online boating license and certification course last modified: April 13, 2011
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