Frequently Asked Questions About the Washington Boater's License

• What is the Washington boater education card?
• Do I have to get the Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?
• What is the minimum age to obtain the Washington boater education card?
• How do I get my Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?
• How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Washington boater education card cost?
• When will I receive my Washington boater education card in the mail?
• Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
• How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
• Is anyone exempt from getting the Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?
• What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or motorized vessel on Washington waters?

What is the Washington boater education card?

The Washington boater education card (also referred to as the Washington Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating education course and exam.

Do I have to get the Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?

No one may operate or permit the operation of a power-driven vessel with an engine that is 15 horsepower or more, including a personal watercraft, unless the operator is at least 12 years of age if the vessel is not a personal watercraft or is at least 14 years of age if the vessel is a personal watercraft and ... the person has in his or her possession a boater education card (if required) or ... is accompanied by and is under the direct supervision of a person at least 16 years of age who has a boater education card or who is not yet required to have the card.

What is the minimum age to obtain the Washington boater education card?

The minimum age to take the online boating safety exam is 12 years old.

How do I get my Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?

• Study the Washington boating safety course material;
• Take the Washington online boating safety exam;
• Pay $29.50 - one time only, after you pass;
• Upon passing, you can then print out your Certificate of Course Completion;
• You may then apply and pay for your lifetime Boater Education Card for an additional $10.00 state fee and $0.50 processing fee. Your lifetime Boater Education Card will be mailed to you by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission within 6 weeks.
• For a detailed explanation of the Washington online boating exam process, please visit our Washington boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Washington boater education card cost?

The online Certification Exam costs $29.50. The lifetime Washington boater education card is an additional $10.00 state fee and $0.50 processing fee.

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

Your Washington boater education card will be mailed to your home within 6 weeks after you pass the exam.

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

Upon passing the exam, you may immediately print out a temporary Certificate of Course Completion valid for 60 days.

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

A duplicate can be issued, if the student took (and passed) the Boat Washington online course, for a $5 service charge. To obtain a duplicate Washington card, see the Washington State Parks Getting a Boater Education Card web page.

Is anyone exempt from getting the Washington boater education card (Washington boater's license)?

Any exemptions from the mandatory boater's license requirement are explained in detail in the course material 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 Washington waters?

Washington's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail in Unit 4 of the Boat Ed Washington course content.