Do You Need a Boating License in Vermont?

Vermont does not issue a traditional boating license. Instead, the state requires a Boater Safety Certificate for certain operators, administered by the Vermont State Police Marine Division.

Whether you need the certificate depends on when you were born. Let's talk about who needs it, age-based operating rules, and how the requirement applies to out-of-state visitors.

Quick Answer: Do You Need One?

Yes, you need boating safety education in Vermont if you were born after January 1, 1974, and operate any motorized vessel or PWC on Vermont waters.

No, if you were born on or before January 1, 1974, or if you operate only non-motorized vessels (canoe, kayak, paddleboard, rowboat).

Note: No one under 12 may operate any vessel over 6 horsepower. No one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances.

Vermont's Birth-Year Requirement

Vermont's education requirement applies to anyone born after January 1, 1974. There is no horsepower minimum. The requirement covers all motorized vessels.

If you fall under the requirement, you must carry your certificate on board whenever you operate a motorized vessel on Vermont public waters.

The certificate is issued by the Vermont State Police, is valid for life, and never expires.

Who Is Required to Hold the Vermont Boater Safety Certificate

Vermont's boating education requirements apply to the following operators:

• Any person born after January 1, 1974, who operates any motorized vessel or PWC on Vermont waters
• Operators ages 12 and older who operate vessels over 6 horsepower (no one under 12 may operate any vessel over 6 HP)
• PWC operators 16 years of age and older (no one under 16 may operate a PWC under any circumstances)
• Non-residents who do not hold a valid NASBLA-approved home-state card

You must carry your Vermont Boater Card on board and have it available for inspection at all times.

Who Is Exempt from the Requirement

The following operators are not required to hold the Vermont Boater Safety Certificate:

Vessel Types That Trigger the Requirement

The requirement applies to all motorized vessels for operators born after January 1, 1974.

Rules for Visitors and Non-Residents

Vermont recognizes NASBLA-approved boating safety certificates issued by other states. Non-residents who carry a valid NASBLA-approved home-state card may operate on Vermont waters without obtaining a Vermont certificate.

If your home state does not issue a NASBLA-approved certificate, or if you do not hold one, you must complete a Vermont State Police-approved course before operating a motorized vessel in Vermont.

For more on Vermont's boating laws and regulations, visit the Boat-Ed Vermont regulations resource page.

What Happens If You Boat Without One

Operating without a required Boater Safety Certificate in Vermont is a civil violation. Fines range from $100 to $300 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Vermont State Police Marine Division officers patrol Vermont waterways and are authorized to stop vessels and request proof of certification at any time.

You must carry your certificate on board and have it available for inspection at all times.

Start Your Vermont Boater Safety Course Today

The Vermont State Police-approved Boat-Ed course is available online on any device and can be completed at your own pace. Most students finish in a few hours. Pass the final exam (80% required) and print your certificate immediately.

also offers in-person classroom courses of approximately 8 hours at locations throughout the state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a boating license in Vermont?

A: Vermont does not issue a traditional boating license. Instead, anyone born after January 1, 1974, must hold a Boater Safety Certificate to operate any motorized vessel on Vermont waters. The certificate is issued by the Vermont State Police, is valid for life, and never expires. Operators born on or before January 1, 1974, are permanently exempt.

Q: Does the Vermont Boater Safety Certificate expire?

A: No. The certificate is valid for life and never needs to be renewed. Once issued, you must carry it on board whenever you operate a motorized vessel on Vermont waters.

Q: Can I take the course online?

A: Yes. The Vermont State Police-approved Boat-Ed course is self-paced and available on any device. After passing the final exam with a score of at least 80%, you can print your certificate immediately. Vermont also offers in-person classroom courses of approximately 8 hours at locations throughout the state.

Q: Are kayaks and canoes covered?

A: No. Non-motorized vessels are fully exempt from Vermont's Boater Safety Certificate requirement.

Q: What if I'm visiting Vermont?

A: Non-residents who carry a valid NASBLA-approved certificate from their home state may operate on Vermont waters without obtaining a Vermont certificate. If your home state does not issue a NASBLA-approved certificate, you must complete a Vermont State Police-approved course before operating.

Q: What's the penalty for boating without the certificate?

A: Operating without a required certificate is a civil violation with fines ranging from $100 to $300 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Q: How long does the course take?

A: Most students complete the Vermont State Police-approved online Boat-Ed course in a few hours. The course is self-paced, and progress is saved between sessions. Vermont's in-person classroom course is approximately 8 hours.

Q: How do I get the certificate if I need one?

A: Complete the Vermont State Police-approved Boat-Ed course online, pass the final exam with a score of at least 80%, and print your certificate immediately. Your permanent Vermont Boater Card will arrive by mail. The certificate is valid for life.

Approved by Vermont State Police & NASBLA | Last verified June 25, 2026 | Content reviewed for accuracy against current Vermont boating requirements