What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Minnesota Boating License?
The minimum age to get a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit and operate a motorboat is 12. Minnesota is phasing in a mandatory permit requirement through 2028, with the requirement expanding to more operators each July 1 based on birth year.
Children under 12 may not operate a PWC or any motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower under any circumstances. Keep reading to learn the phase-in timeline, who needs a Minnesota boating license, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Minnesota?
Minnesota law sets 12 as the minimum age to operate a motorboat with an accompanying operator onboard.
This means:
- Children under 12 may not operate a PWC or any motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower under any circumstances.
- Children under 12 may operate a motorboat that is not a PWC with a motor under 75 horsepower only if there is an accompanying operator present.
An accompanying operator must be at least 21 years old, must be onboard and within immediate reach of the motor controls, and must hold a valid Watercraft Operator's Permit or qualify as an exempt operator.
Who Needs a Minnesota Boating License?
Minnesota's permit requirement is rolling out by birth year through July 1, 2028.
As of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000, must hold a valid Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit to operate any motorboat or PWC. The phase-in continues until July 1, 2028, when the requirement applies to all operators born after June 30, 1987.
Anyone who wishes to serve as an accompanying operator for someone without a permit must also hold a valid permit. Renters of motorized watercraft must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid permit.
Visit the Minnesota DNR boater education law page for the full phase-in schedule.
Minnesota Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
The table below shows the current permit requirements and the phase-in schedule based on birth year.
Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit Phase-In Schedule | |
| Effective Date | Birth Year Cutoff (permit required if born after) |
| July 1, 2025 | June 30, 2004 |
| July 1, 2026 | June 30, 2000 |
| July 1, 2027 | June 30, 1996 |
| July 1, 2028 | June 30, 1987 (all operators) |
In addition to the phased-in boating permit requirements, boat operators in Minnesota must also follow the state's regulations regarding ages and vessel types.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Minnesota Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 12 | PWC or motorboat over 75 HP | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| Under 12 | Motorboat under 75 HP (non-PWC) | Supervised only | Must have an accompanying operator (21+, with permit or exempt) onboard |
| 12+ | Any motorboat or PWC | Yes | Must hold a Watercraft Operator's Permit if subject to phase-in requirement |
| 16–17 | PWC | Supervised only | Must hold a valid Massachusetts Boater Safety Certificate |
| 12–17 (no permit yet) | Any motorboat or PWC | Supervised only | Must have an accompanying operator (21+) onboard |
Exemptions from the Minnesota Permit Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit requirement.
Minnesota Boating Certificate Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Born on or before the birth-year cutoff | Operators born on or before the applicable birth-year cutoff for their year are not yet required to hold a permit |
| USCG maritime license | Operators who hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for maritime personnel are considered exempt operators |
| Supervised operation | Operators without a permit may still operate with a qualifying accompanying operator (21+) onboard who holds a permit or is an exempt operator |
| Rental course | Operators 18 or older who complete the Minnesota watercraft rental course (valid for 180 days) |
| Out-of-state visitors | Non-residents who hold a valid watercraft operator's permit from another state |
How to Get Your Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Minnesota.
- Confirm your permit requirement. Check the phase-in schedule to see if you are currently required to hold a permit. Even if not yet required, MNDNR recommends all boaters get certified.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a Minnesota DNR–approved course, such as the course offered through our partners at BOATERexam. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace. Classroom courses and paper home-study options are also available through the DNR.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam to earn your Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit.
- Receive your permit. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate to use on the water right away. Your permanent Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is valid for life. For approved course options and scheduling, visit the Minnesota DNR boating education page.
- Carry your permit on the water. Minnesota law requires you to have your permit onboard and available for inspection by law enforcement when operating a qualifying vessel.
Does Minnesota Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes. Minnesota recognizes valid Watercraft Operator's Permits from other states. Non-residents who hold a qualifying out-of-state permit are not required to obtain a separate Minnesota permit. The same age restrictions and phase-in requirements apply to all operators on Minnesota's public waters.
Get Boater Safety Certified in Minnesota Today
Getting your Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is straightforward. The course offered through our partners at BOATERexam is approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, you can print a temporary certificate and get on the water right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Minnesota?
A: The minimum age to obtain a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is 12. Children under 12 may not operate a PWC or any motorboat over 75 horsepower under any circumstances.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Minnesota?
A: Children under 12 may not operate a PWC or any motorboat over 75 horsepower. Children under 12 may operate a motorboat under 75 horsepower (not a PWC) only with an accompanying operator who is at least 21 years old and onboard.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Minnesota?
A: Children under 12 may not operate a PWC under any circumstances. Operators ages 12 and older may operate a PWC if they hold a valid Watercraft Operator's Permit (when required by the phase-in schedule) or are accompanied by a qualifying operator.
Q: Who is an "accompanying operator" in Minnesota?
A: An accompanying operator is a person who is at least 21 years old, is onboard the vessel, is within immediate reach of the motor controls, and holds a valid Watercraft Operator's Permit or qualifies as an exempt operator (such as a USCG license holder). An accompanying operator is required when a person operates without a permit.
Q: When will the Minnesota permit requirement apply to all boaters?
A: The final phase of the rollout takes effect July 1, 2028, when all operators born after June 30, 1987, will be required to hold a valid Watercraft Operator's Permit. Operators born on or before June 30, 1987, are permanently exempt.
Q: Do I need a Minnesota permit if I already have one from another state?
A: Minnesota recognizes valid Watercraft Operator's Permits from other states. If your out-of-state permit is valid, you are not required to obtain a separate Minnesota permit.
Q: How much does the Minnesota boating safety course cost?
A: Course fees across approved providers generally range from $30 to $80. When taking the course through our partners at BOATERexam, the cost is $54.95.
Q: Does the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit expire?
A: No. The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit the same as a boating license?
A: Minnesota does not issue a traditional boating license. The Watercraft Operator's Permit serves the same purpose. It is proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate motorized watercraft on Minnesota's public waters.
