How to Get Your Oregon Boating License
Getting on the water in Oregon requires one credential for most motorboat operators: the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card. Oregon requires a Boating Safety Education Card for anyone who operates a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower. Unlike many states, Oregon's requirement applies to all operators regardless of age or birth year.
The card is issued by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and is valid for life. Age-based supervision rules apply to operators under 16, and personal watercraft have a minimum age requirement of 16.
Today, we walk you through how to get your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card, step by step.
What Is the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card?
The Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is what most people mean when they search for an Oregon boating license. It is not a traditional license; it is proof that you completed an OSMB-approved boating safety course and passed the required exam.
The card is issued by the Oregon State Marine Board and is valid for life. It does not expire and does not require renewal. Once you earn it, you carry it aboard your vessel whenever you operate a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower on Oregon waters.
Who Needs an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card?
Oregon law requires a Boating Safety Education Card for anyone who operates a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower on Oregon waterways. This includes personal watercraft.
Note: There is no birth-year exemption. The requirement applies to all operators regardless of age.
Operators aged 12–15 must also hold a card to operate any motorboat of 10 HP or less alone, or any motorboat over 10 HP under the supervision of a qualified adult 16 or older.
Exemptions for the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card
Oregon law provides several exemptions from the card requirement. The table below covers the most common situations where an exemption may apply.
| You May Be Exempt from the Oregon Boating Safety Certificate If: |
| You are a non-resident visitor who holds a valid NASBLA-approved boating safety card from your home state. |
| You hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard commercial motorboat operator's license. |
| You hold a valid commercial fishing license as required by Oregon law. |
| You are 16 or older, renting a motorboat over 10 HP, and have completed a required dockside safety checklist. |
Oregon Boater Card Requirements by Age
Oregon's age-based rules are among the strictest in the country, applying supervision requirements to all operators under 16 regardless of birth year. The table below summarizes what applies at each stage.
| Oregon Boater Card Requirements (by Age): | ||
| Under 12 | Cannot operate any motorboat under any circumstances | N/A |
| 12–15 | May operate a motorboat of 10 HP or less alone with a card. May operate a motorboat over 10 HP only with a card and a qualified adult 16 or older (18 or older for PWC) on board in direct supervision | Yes |
| 16 and older | May operate any motorboat over 10 HP alone with a card | Yes |
PWC rule: No one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft under any circumstances in Oregon. Operators aged 12–15 who operate a motorboat over 10 HP must be accompanied by a card-holding adult 18 or older for PWC supervision.
How to Get Your Oregon Boating Safety Education Card (Step-by-Step)
Oregon's certification process involves completing an approved course, passing the exam, and submitting an application and fee to the Oregon State Marine Board. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1: Complete an OSMB-Approved Boating Safety Course
You can complete the required course online or in person. Both options are approved by the Oregon State Marine Board and lead to the same lifetime card.
- Online course: The Boat-Ed Oregon-approved online boating course is self-paced and NASBLA-approved. You can take it on any device, save your progress, and complete it over multiple sessions. Most students finish in a few hours.
The total Boat-Ed Oregon course fee is $74.95, which includes the $54.95 course fee and the $20.00 Oregon State Marine Board card application fee. Course costs across other approved OR providers range from $30–$80, plus the $20 OSMB fee. - In-person classroom course: The OSMB offers virtual and in-person classroom courses statewide, including monthly virtual options. Check the OSMB website for the current schedule.
- Equivalency exam: Experienced boaters may take an OSMB-approved equivalency exam at a local Oregon State Marine Board testing site.
You must be at least 12 years old to apply for an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card.
Step 2: Pass the Final Exam
After completing the course material, you must pass the final exam with a score of at least 80%, with unlimited attempts. After passing, you will receive a temporary Certificate of Completion valid for 30 days.
Step 3: Apply for Your Card and Hit the Water
After passing the course exam, you receive a 30-day temporary Certificate of Completion that allows you to operate legally while your permanent card is processed.
To receive your permanent card, submit a photocopy of your Certificate of Completion along with a $20 application fee (check or money order) to the Oregon State Marine Board. Your permanent card will arrive in approximately two to three weeks.
Oregon law requires you to carry your card aboard the vessel whenever you operate a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 HP. Always carry your card when boating. Failure to carry it when required can result in a fine of approximately $142.
Course Formats and Costs
What are the various formats and costs to get an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card?
| OR Boater Education Course Formats and Costs: | ||||
| Online | Boat-Ed | $74.95 (includes $20 OSMB fee) | Self-paced (a few hours) | Yes (included at the end of the course) |
| Online | Other OSMB-approved providers | $30–$80 + $20 OSMB fee | Self-paced | Yes (included at the end of the course) |
| In-Person / Virtual Classroom | Oregon State Marine Board | $20 OSMB fee only | 1 day | Yes (included) |
| Equivalency Exam | OSMB-approved testing sites | $20 OSMB fee | On-site | Yes (pass exam to certify) |
Note: The $20 Oregon State Marine Board fee applies to all formats and is required to receive your permanent card.
All Oregon Boating Safety Education Cards are valid for life and never require renewal. Learn more about whether boating licenses expire.
What to Bring to Get Your Card
To get your card, you'll need the following:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Photocopy of your Certificate of Completion
- $20 check or money order payable to Oregon State Marine Board
Reciprocity: Is Your Oregon Card Valid in Other States?
Yes. The Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is NASBLA-approved, which means it is recognized in U.S. states, territories, and Canadian provinces that honor NASBLA-compliant cards. Review our overview of Oregon Boating Laws and Regulations for full details.
Non-resident visitors who hold a valid NASBLA-approved boating safety card from their home state are exempt from the Oregon card requirement and may operate on Oregon waters without obtaining an Oregon card. Learn more about using your boating license in another state.
Start Your Oregon Boater Safety Course Today
The OSMB-approved Boat-Ed course is self-paced, NASBLA-approved, and available on any device. Earn your lifetime Oregon Boating Safety Education Card and get on the water with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a boating license in Oregon?
A: Oregon does not issue a traditional boating license. Instead, anyone who operates a motorboat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower on Oregon waters must hold a valid OSMB-approved Boating Safety Education Card. Unlike most states, Oregon has no birth-year exemption. The requirement applies to all operators regardless of age.
Q: How old do you have to be?
A: You must be at least 12 years old to apply for an Oregon Boating Safety Education Card. No one under 12 may operate any motorboat under any circumstances. Operators aged 12–15 may operate a motorboat over 10 HP only with a card and a qualified adult (16 or older; 18 or older for PWC) on board in direct supervision. No one under 16 may operate a PWC.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: The Boat-Ed online course fee is $54.95, plus a required $20 Oregon State Marine Board application fee, a total of $74.95 through Boat-Ed. Other OSMB-approved providers range from $30–$80, plus the $20 state fee. In-person OSMB classroom courses require only the $20 OSMB fee.
Q: Does it expire?
A: No. The Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is valid for life. Once you earn it, you never need to renew it or pay any renewal fee.
Q: Can I take the course online?
A: Yes. The OSMB approves several online course providers, including Boat-Ed. The Boat-Ed online course is self-paced, NASBLA-approved, and available on any device. After completing the course and passing the final exam, you receive a 30-day temporary Certificate of Completion and can begin the card application process.
Q: Is my Oregon card valid in other states?
A: Yes. The Oregon Boating Safety Education Card is NASBLA-approved, which means it meets the national boating education standard recognized across the United States. Most U.S. states, territories, and Canadian provinces honor NASBLA-compliant cards, so your Oregon card is valid when you boat out of state.
Q: What if I'm visiting from out of state?
A: Non-resident visitors who hold a valid NASBLA-approved boating safety card from their home state are exempt from the Oregon card requirement and may operate on Oregon waters without obtaining an Oregon card. Always carry your home-state card and a valid photo ID while on board.
Q: What's the penalty for boating without a card?
A: Failure to carry a required Oregon Boating Safety Education Card when operating a motorboat over 10 HP can result in a fine of approximately $142. Oregon State Marine Board officers and local law enforcement patrol Oregon waterways. Always carry your card on board.
