Do You Need a Boating License in New York?
Boating requirements in New York look different than they did just a few years ago. Brianna's Law, enacted in 2020, introduced a phased mandate requiring motorized vessel operators to hold a state-approved boating safety certificate — rolling in new age groups each year until the requirement covered everyone. That final step happened in 2025.
Today, no matter how old you are or how long you have been on the water, you need a certificate to legally operate a motorboat in New York. That credential comes from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).
Read on to find out exactly who must have one, who is off the hook, and what the rules mean for boaters visiting from other states.
Quick Answer: Do You Need One?
Yes! As of January 1, 2025, every operator of a motorized vessel on New York waters must hold a New York State Boating Safety Certificate under Brianna's Law. This applies regardless of age, vessel size, or how long you have been boating.
If you operate only a non-motorized vessel (kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or rowboat) you are not required to hold the certificate.
Brianna's Law and the 2025 Full Phase-In
Brianna's Law was signed in 2019 and named after Brianna Lieneck, a young girl killed in a boating accident on Long Island. The law phased in a boating safety certificate requirement by birth year between 2020 and 2025. As of January 1, 2025, the phase-in is complete. Every operator of a motorized vessel (regardless of when they were born) must carry a valid certificate on board.
The certificate is issued through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and is valid for life. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
Who Is Required to Carry the NY Boating Safety Certificate?
New York requires a Boating Safety Certificate (also known as a boating license) for any person who operates a motorized vessel on state waters. That includes:
- Every operator of a motorized vessel in NY waters (Brianna's Law, fully phased in as of January 1, 2025)
- PWC and jet ski operators age 14 and older
- Rental PWC operators (must also be 18 or older to rent a PWC)
- Rental motorboat operators (certificate required if under 18; adults 18 and older may rent without one, provided the livery gives a safety briefing before departure)
- Operators of sailboats with an auxiliary motor
- Non-residents operating without a valid NASBLA-approved card from their home state
You must carry your New York Boater Card on your person or on board the vessel when operating. There is one alternative: you can have an anchor icon added to your New York driver's license through the NYS boating education program, which serves as proof of certification without requiring you to carry a separate card.
Who Is Exempt from the Requirement?
Not everyone on the water needs the certificate. The following operators are exempt:
New York Boating License Exemptions: | |
| Who | Exemption Status |
| Operators of non-motorized vessels (kayak, canoe, SUP, rowboat) | Exempt (no certificate required) |
| Sailboats without an auxiliary motor | Exempt |
| U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains operating professionally | Exempt |
| Visitors with a valid NASBLA-approved card from another state | Exempt (home-state card accepted) |
| Persons under direct supervision in a formal training course | Exempt during the course |
| Adults 18+ renting from a livery (provided safety briefing given) | Exempt from certificate requirement for rentals only |
Vessel Types That Trigger the Requirement
Whether you need a certificate depends on how your vessel is powered, not its size or horsepower.
New York Boating License Vessel Type Requirements: | |
| Vessel Types | Certificate Required? |
| Motorboat (any horsepower) | Yes |
| PWC / Jet Ski | Yes (operator must be 14 or older) |
| Sailboat with auxiliary motor | Yes |
| Sailboat without a motor | No |
| Kayak / Canoe / SUP / Rowboat | No |
Rules for Visitors and Non-Residents
New York recognizes boating safety certificates issued by other states, territories, and provinces when they meet NASBLA standards. If you are visiting from another state and hold a valid NASBLA-approved card, you may operate a motorized vessel on New York waters without obtaining a New York certificate.
New York does not issue a temporary certificate for visitors. If your home state does not issue a NASBLA-approved card (or if you do not hold one) you will need to complete a New York-approved course before operating in state waters.
Canadian boaters holding a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) that meets Transport Canada standards are also recognized under reciprocity.
What Happens If You Boat Without One
Operating a motorized vessel without a required Boating Safety Certificate is a violation of New York Navigation Law. Penalties include:
- A civil fine of up to $250 for a first offense
- A fine of up to $500 for subsequent offenses
- Possible suspension of operating privileges
Law enforcement officers on New York waterways are authorized to stop vessels and request proof of certification. You must have the original certificate or the Adventure License anchor icon available for inspection. For a full overview of New York's boating laws and regulations, including vessel registration and required safety equipment, visit the Boat-Ed New York resource page.
Start Your New York Boater Safety Course Today
The NYS Parks-approved Boat-Ed course meets Brianna's Law requirements and is available online on any device. Complete it at your own pace, pass the final exam, and print your temporary certificate immediately.
Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within approximately 3–5 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boating license in New York?
Under Brianna's Law, as of January 1, 2025, all motorboat operators in New York must hold a state-approved Boating Safety Certificate regardless of age.
What is Brianna's Law?
A 2019 law that phased in a certificate requirement by birth year between 2020 and 2025. The phase-in is now complete and covers every motorboat operator on New York waters.
Does the NY Boating Safety Certificate expire?
No. It is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
How old do you have to be to operate a boat in New York?
You must be at least 10 years old to operate a motorized vessel. PWC operators must be at least 14. No one under the age of 16 may rent a PWC.
Do kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards require a certificate?
No. Non-motorized vessels are exempt from the requirement.
I'm visiting New York — do I need a NY certificate?
A valid NASBLA-approved card from your home state is accepted. New York does not issue a temporary certificate for visitors.
What's the penalty for boating without a certificate?
A civil fine of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses, plus possible suspension of operating privileges.
Can I take the course online?
Yes. NYS Parks-approved providers offer online courses you can complete at your own pace. After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and go boating right away. Boat-Ed will mail your permanent card within approximately 3–5 weeks.
Approved by NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) | Last verified June 3, 2026 | Content reviewed for accuracy against current Brianna's Law requirements.
