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Official West Virgina boating safety course West Virgina Division of Natural Resources logo

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the West Virginia Boater's License

What is the West Virginia boater education certificate?

  • The West Virginia boater education certificate (also referred to as the West Virginia 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 a West Virginia boater education certificate (West Virginia boater's license)?

  • The course you are about to take will fulfill West Virginia’s boating education requirement. In general, all persons born after December 31, 1986 must complete a boating safety education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on West Virginia waters.

    (In lieu of the term boating license West Virginia refers to its mandatory proof of education as the West Virginia Boating Education Certificate.)

What is the minimum age to obtain a West Virginia boater education certificate?

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

How do I get my West Virginia boater education certificate (West Virginia boater's license)?

  • The steps required to get your West Virginia boaters license are as follows:
    • Study the West Virginia boating safety course material
    • Take the West Virginia online boating exam
    • Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass
    • Upon passing, you will receive your permanent West Virginia boater education certificate by mail within 5 - 7 days.
  • For a detailed explanation of the West Virginia online boating exam process, please visit our West Virginia boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the West Virginia boater education certificate cost?

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

When will I receive my West Virginia boater education certificate in the mail?

  • Your West Virginia boater education certificate 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. 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 West Virginia online course. To obtain a duplicate West Virginia card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT WEST VIRGINIA, to:

    BOAT WEST VIRGINIA
    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.
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Online boating license and certification course last modified: August 23, 2010
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