Can I Use My Boat License in Another State?
Yes! If you've successfully completed an official boating safety course through Boat-Ed or an ilearntoboat course (for example), your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education.
Keep reading to learn why you need a safety certification and how to make sure you're licensed to boat anywhere you travel in the States!
Content updated January 8, 2026.
Why You Need a Boater Education Card
Driving a boat without taking a required boater safety course is dangerous. In most states, it's also illegal.
Rather than risk your own safety or the safety of friends and family in your boat or people in other boats on the water, it's best to prepare for boating season ahead of time. Taking a safety course and passing the exam not only gives you a required boater education card so you can legally drive a boat, but it also helps keep you and others safe on the water.
Safe boating leads to more fun during boating season!
What is Boating License Reciprocity?
"Reciprocity" means other states accept the boater education certification you earned through your state.
While it's crucial to take the course that is specific to the state where you live and boat the most, "reciprocity" makes it convenient for you to also travel and operate a motorized boat in other states (legally).
Your state's course covers information specific to your local waterways. So, make sure if you live and boat primarily in Texas (for example), you take the Texas boater education course.
Note: We recommend double-checking the rules in any state where you plan to travel and operate your boat or rent a boat. Rules can always change, and it's better to confirm that your state's boater card is valid in other states.
How to Get a Boating License in the US
Are boating licenses state specific? Yes!
Even though your state's boater card is recognized in other states, in the U.S., there isn’t a single national “boating license.” Instead, most states require boaters to complete a boater safety course and carry a boater education card.
The exact rules depend on the state, your age, and the type of boat you operate. In general, here's how to get a boating license in your state.
1. Check Your State’s Requirements
Again, boating laws are set by each state. Some states require all operators to have a card, while others apply the rule only to people born after a certain year or under a specific age.
Requirements may also differ for:
- Motorized boats vs. sailboats
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- Rental boats
Your state wildlife agency or boating authority publishes the official rules.
2. Take a State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Most states require completion of a boater education course approved by the state or the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Course options typically include:
- Online courses (self-paced) like Boat-Ed
- In-person classroom courses
- Hybrid formats (online and in-person combinations)
An approved boater safety course covers boating laws, navigation rules, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and responsible operation.
Costs for your state's boater card will vary based on the state and the course provider.
3. Pass the Final Exam
At the end of the course, you must pass a test to demonstrate your understanding of boating safety and regulations. If you don’t pass on the first try, most programs (like Boat-Ed) allow retakes.
4. Receive Your Boater Education Card
Once you pass, you’ll receive a boater education card or certificate. This card must be carried while operating a boat, just like a driver’s license.
Again, your card will be specific to your state. However, many states accept cards from other states if they are NASBLA-approved
Your Card Never Expires
Plus, as we mentioned earlier, the boating license for your state is good in any state requiring licensing to operate a watercraft. That means when your plans call for vacationing in another state, the boater education card you already have is your "passport" to operate a boat there.
For example, if you have a Tennessee boating license and you plan to head over to Maryland for a fun weekend on the water, you're ready to set sail.
Boat-Ed courses are approved by NASBLA (the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. One of the organization's jobs is maintaining national boating education standards to ensure you're learning the most important information to stay safe.
Carry Your Card With You
Remember, when operating a boat, make sure you carry your card with you.
In states where you must pass a boating safety course, you must carry the boating certification card with you when boating. You'll avoid a big hassle if you can present that card to the law enforcement officer if you're stopped.
Don't Worry If You Lose Your Boating License
If you're like most people, you've got a ton of other cards to keep track of, so it's easy to misplace your boater education card, especially at the end of the last boating season when you're winterizing and storing your boat for the off-season.
No problem! If you took your course through Boat-Ed, just head over our website and select your state. Then, on your state's page, click the link in the upper right corner that says "Lost Cards." That's where you'll find your state's step-by-step instructions for how to replace a lost card.
Boat-Ed Helps You Boat Safely in Any State With Your Boater Education Card
So, do boating licenses transfer between states? Yes!
Now that you know the ropes about your boating license (i.e., your boater education card), you can focus on fun! Staying safe on the water means you get to spend more time enjoying your boat every season.
Boat-Ed makes it easy to get your boat safety card before it's time to launch again! Our courses are state-approved and 100% online, so you can learn at your own pace. When you've completed the course units, you can also take your exam and order your card online.
Find your state's course, learn critical safety, navigation, and maintenance aspects of boating, and then carry your card in any state where you boat!
Content most recently reviewed and updated January 8, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to common questions about boating license reciprocity!
Q: Are boating licenses good in all states?
A: Yes, a boating license is usually good in all states. Most states accept boating education cards from other states as long as the course is NASBLA-approved. However, you must still follow the boating laws of the state you are operating in.
Q: Can I use my boating license in any state?
A: In most cases, yes, you can use your boating license in any state. A valid boater education card is typically recognized across state lines, but age requirements and local rules may differ.
Q: Do you have to have a boater’s license in each state?
A: No, you do not have to have a boater's license in each state. You generally only need one boater education card. You do not need to get a separate license for each state, as long as your card meets that state’s requirements.
