How to Get Your Boating License in CA
If you boat on California waterways, you'll need a California Boater Card, which is the official name for the state's boating license.
As of January 1, 2025, California requires everyone operating a motorized vessel on the water to have the card, regardless of their age.
To get a boating license, follow the appropriate steps to stay in compliance with the updated law. To do that, you'll complete a boater education course, take an exam, and pay the required licensing fee.
Keep reading to learn four easy steps to get your California boating license.
What Is the California Boater Card?
The California Boater Card is proof that you've taken a boating safety education course and passed the exam at the end. It's a requirement for everyone operating motorized vessels on the state's waterways, effective January 1, 2025. You can't be "grandfathered in" to avoid getting a California boating license; all operators need to have a California Boater Card, no matter their age.
Whether you use a standard type of motorized boat, a jet ski, or some other type of powered watercraft, you'll need your card to operate it legally. Also, keep in mind that while many people call the card a boating license, it's technically a lifetime education card. Be sure to carry it whenever you operate a motorized vessel.
How to Get a Boating License in California in 4 Easy Steps
The great news about getting your boating license is that it's not complicated. You can get your card and get out on the water in a few simple steps.
1. Get a California Boater ID Number
2. Complete an Approved Boating Safety Course
The second step is to take a boating safety course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators). You can choose an in-person classroom option or an online course like those at Boat-Ed or ilearntoboat.
In the course, you'll cover topics such as:
- Navigation rules and right-of-way
- Required equipment
- Emergency procedures
- State-specific laws and environmental practices
- Personal watercraft operation
Then, you'll take and pass the final exam to receive your certificate of completion.
3. Submit Your Application and Payment
Use your Boater ID number to provide proof of course completion and pay the one-time $10 lifetime fee. You'll do this through the DBW's online portal.
4. Get Your Card
The DBW processes applications in about 30–60 days, but you can usually print a temporary card immediately after you submit all your documents. That way, you can boat right away without waiting for your permanent card to come in the mail.
When you get your official California Boater Card, it's valid for life and doesn't need renewal.
Are There Age Requirements?
One of the most important parts of knowing how to get a boating license is understanding the rules governing who can operate a vessel on California waterways. If you want to operate a motorized vessel with 15 horsepower or greater by yourself (including a jet ski), you'll need to be 16 or older.
Children aged 12–15 can operate a vessel under supervision, provided the supervising person is an adult aged 18 or older who holds a boater card. There's no age restriction for small, low-powered vessels, but a boater card is still required.
Exemptions
Some people are exempt from the California boating license requirement, including operators of non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Additionally, if you're a non-resident with a valid out-of-state boater card, you can legally boat, as long as you're visiting for 60 days or fewer.
If you are in California and renting a motorized vessel for 60 days or fewer, you are also exempt from the California boating license requirement, provided the rental company gives you safety instructions. Certain governmental or commercial operators with specialized training are also not required to have a California Boater Card.
Carrying Your California Boater Card
All operators must carry their card or temporary certificate while boating, and law enforcement officers can ask to see it at any time. If you can't present your card when requested, you could face citations and fines.
Is the California Boater Card the Same as a Boating License?
Technically, no, the boater card isn't the same thing, as California doesn't issue a "boating license." However, the card is proof of boater education, making it similar in purpose but not technically the same as a driver's license.
Does My Boating License Expire?
Your boater card won't expire and is valid for life once issued. You don't need to renew it, retest, or take any continuing education courses after receiving your card.
What Will I Learn in a Boater Education Course?
Many states require a boating license, and most require a completed education course that provides specific information.
The course typically includes:
- How to safely operate powered boats and PWCs
- Federal and state boating laws
- Navigation rules ("rules of the road")
- Preventing accidents and collisions
- Required safety equipment and its proper use
- Knowledge of buoys, markers, and waterway signage
- Environmental stewardship and avoiding invasive species
- Emergency preparedness and rescue basics
Once you complete your course, you should have the knowledge and confidence to boat safely.
Get Your Boater Card in California with Boat-Ed to Comply with State Laws
Before you head out on California's waterways, make sure you've taken a boater education course. California requires boater education to operate a motorized vessel, and Boat-Ed's online course makes the process convenient and easy.
Not only will you gain critical safety information, but you'll also learn about navigation, etiquette, and more, so you can more fully enjoy your boating experience.
Meet California's requirements for boater education with Boat-Ed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to the top questions about how to get your boating license in CA!
Q: How long does it take to get a boating license in California?
A: To get your boating license in California, you can usually finish the online course and exam in a few hours to one day. You’ll get a temporary certificate immediately, and the permanent California Boater Card typically arrives in 2–3 weeks.
Q: Do I need a license to drive a boat in CA?
A: California doesn’t issue a traditional “license,” but you do need a California Boater Card to operate a motorized boat. As of 2025, it’s required for operators of all ages.
Q: How hard is it to get a boating license?
A: It’s not very hard to get a boating license. The course is straightforward, focused on safety and basic rules, and designed for beginners.
Q: Is the California boating test hard?
A: Most people find the California boating test easy to moderate. It’s multiple choice, often online, and commonly open-book, covering material from the course.
Q: How much does a boating license cost in CA?
A: Expect about $30–$50 for the course, plus a $10 state fee for the California Boater Card. If you take the convenient online course through Boat-Ed, the cost is $44.95.
