Frequently Asked Questions About the
Vermont Boater's License
What is the
Vermont Boating Safety Education
Certificate?
Do I have
to get a Vermont Boating Safety Education
Certificate (Vermont boater's license)?
- All persons born after January 1, 1974, must have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course to legally operate any motorized vessel (this includes personal watercraft).
The boating safety education course must be approved by the Vermont State Police. Those successfully completing a course are issued a certificate by the Vermont State Police, which is valid for the student’s lifetime. No one younger than 10 years of age may receive a certificate. Those younger than 12 years of age must take a classroom course.
Persons required to have completed the course must carry his or her course certificate on board when operating a motorized vessel.Those born after January 1, 1974, are exempted from the above if they:
- Are licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate a commercial vessel or ...
- Operate the vessel only on a private lake or pond or ...
- Are not a resident of Vermont and have proof that they have passed an approved boater education course in another state.
- If you were born on or before
January 1, 1974: You are
not required by Vermont law
to take the exam or carry the
Vermont Boating Safety
Education Certificate. If you
wish obtain a boating safety
education certificate in order
to apply for a reduced boat insurance
premium or any other reason,
you may take the online exam
found on this website.
What is the
minimum age to obtain a Vermont Boating
Safety Education Certificate online?
- You must be at least 12 years of age to take the online boating test.
How do I
get my Vermont Boating Safety Education
Certificate (Vermont boater's license)?
- The steps required to get your Vermont
boaters license are as follows:
- Study the Vermont boating safety
course material.
- Take the Vermont online boating
exam.
- Pay $24.50—one time only, after you pass.
- When you pass, you may instantly print out a temporary certificate, recognized by officers on the water.
- You will receive
your permanent Vermont Boating Safety
Education Certificate in the mail. This card is commonly known as the Vermont boating license.
- For a detailed explanation of the
Vermont online boating exam process,
please visit our Vermont
boating license overview page.
How much
does the online boater exam cost? How
much does the Vermont Boating Safety
Education Certificate cost?
- The online Certification Exam costs $24.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the Vermont
Boating Safety Education Certificate.
When will
I receive my Vermont Boating Safety
Education Certificate in the mail?
- Your Vermont Boating Safety Education
Certificate will be mailed to your
home within 2-3 weeks 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 certificate. You will receive your permanent Vermont boater certification card by mail.
How do I
replace my boater education card if
I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
- For students who have passed the Boat Vermont online course a duplicate card may be requested online from the Vermont State Police (VSP) at http://www.dps.state.vt.us/vtsp/boat/lost.html. To receive the card by mail, call the VSP at 1-802-872-4048.
Is
anyone exempt from getting the Vermont
Boating Safety Education Certificate
(Vermont 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 Vermont
waters?
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