Hello, boater! Wisconsin's online boating course has moved. Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat Wisconsin online course—the official boating safety course of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wisconsin Boater's License

• What is the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate?
• Do I have to get the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate (Wisconsin boater's license)?
• What is the minimum age to obtain the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate?
• How do I get my Wisconsin boating safety education certificate (Wisconsin boater's license)?
• How much does the online boating safety exam cost? How much does the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate cost?
• When will I receive my Wisconsin boating safety education certificate in the mail?
• Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?
• How do I replace my boating safety education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

What is the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate?

• The Wisconsin boating safety education certificate (also referred to as the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin boating safety education certificate (Wisconsin boater's license)?

• Read about the age and education requirements for operating different types of boats or PWCs in the Boat Wisconsin course.

What is the minimum age to obtain the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate?

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

How do I get my Wisconsin boating safety education certificate (Wisconsin boater's license)?

• For a detailed explanation of the Wisconsin online boating exam process, please visit our Wisconsin boating license overview page.

How much does the online boating safety exam cost? How much does the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate cost?

• The online Certification Exam costs $29.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the Wisconsin boating safety education certificate.

When will I receive my Wisconsin boating safety education certificate in the mail?

• Your Wisconsin 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?

• Upon passing the exam, you may immediately print out a temporary certificate valid for 90 days.

How do I replace my boating safety education certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

• Should your safety education certificate become lost or destroyed, you may obtain a duplicate certificate by following the steps below:

  1. Complete a Duplicate Safety Course Certification Application (Form 8500-81). Click on the form name above to access a printable copy of the form.
  2. There is a $2.75 charge for a duplicate certificate.
  3. Submit the fee and the completed application to the DNR Service Center nearest you, either by mail or in person. For requests received by mail, please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.