What Is the Minimum Age to Get a Washington Boating License?
The minimum age to get a Washington boating license (also called a Washington State Boater Education Card) is 12 to operate a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more. The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) is 14.
Washington also ties the education requirement to your birth date — operators born after January 1, 1955, who are at least 12 years old and operate a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more must carry a Washington State Boater Education Card.
Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs a card, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Washington?
Washington law sets 12 as the minimum age to operate a power-driven vessel with a motor of 15 horsepower or more. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel of 15 horsepower or more under any circumstances.
The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft is 14. Operators under 14 may not operate a PWC under any circumstances, and PWC operation is prohibited for all operators during hours of darkness. It is also illegal to lease, hire, or rent a PWC to anyone under 16 years of age.
Who Needs a Washington Boating License?
Every operator who meets all three of the following conditions must carry a Washington State Boater Education Card: they were born after January 1, 1955; they are at least 12 years of age; and they operate a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more. If any one of those conditions does not apply, the card requirement does not apply.
All PWC operators 14 and older who were born after January 1, 1955, must also carry a Washington State Boater Education Card.
For a full overview of Washington's boating laws and regulations, visit the Boat-Ed Washington boating law page.
Washington Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
Washington's boating safety regulations set requirements based on age, birth year, and vessel type. The table below breaks down who can operate what and under what conditions.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Washington Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 12 | Motorboat (15+ HP) | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 12+ (born before 1/1/1955) | Motorboat (15+ HP) | Yes | No card required |
| 12+ (born after 1/1/1955) | Motorboat (15+ HP) | Yes | Must carry a Washington State Boater Education Card |
| Under 14 | PWC | No | Not permitted under any circumstances |
| 14+ (born after 1/1/1955) | PWC | Yes | Must carry a Washington State Boater Education Card; no operation during darkness |
| Under 16 | PWC rental | No | Illegal to rent a PWC to anyone under 16 |
| Any Age | Motorboat (under 15 HP) | Yes | No card required |
| Any Age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No card required |
Exemptions from the Washington Boating Education Requirement
Some operators are exempt from the Washington State Boater Education Card requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
Washington Boater Card Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Born on or before 1/1/1955 | Operators born on or before January 1, 1955, are not required to carry a card |
| Under 15 HP vessel | Operators of vessels with a motor of less than 15 horsepower are not required to carry a card |
| Out-of-state visitors | Visitors from another state or country who are boating in Washington for fewer than 60 days and hold a valid boater education card from their home state (contact Washington State Parks to confirm card validity) |
| Recent boat purchase | New boat owners who can show a bill of sale with the date of purchase. After 60 days, a Washington State Boater Education Card is required. |
| Rental operators | Boaters who have completed a watercraft safety checklist provided by the rental vendor and been issued a temporary card |
| Commercial fishing operators | Operators of commercial fishing boats who can show a valid commercial fishing license |
| USCG license holders | Anyone who hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator's License |
How to Get Your Washington State Boater Education Card
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Washington.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. You must be at least 12 years old to take the course and operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more. You must be at least 14 to operate a PWC.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in a Washington State Parks–approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Washington course. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam after completing the boater safety course to earn your Washington State Boater Education Card.
- Apply for your card and pay the fee. Submit your course completion certificate to Washington State Parks along with the $10 card fee. Your permanent card will be mailed to you and is valid for life.
- Carry your card on the water. Washington law requires you to have your Boater Education Card with you anytime you operate a qualifying vessel and make it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
Does Washington Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes, with a caveat. Visitors from another state or country who are boating in Washington for fewer than 60 days and hold a valid boater education card from their home state are generally exempt from the Washington card requirement. However, Washington State Parks recommends contacting them directly to confirm whether your specific card is recognized before operating on Washington waters.
After 60 days, visitors must obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card to continue operating qualifying vessels legally.
Start Your Washington Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Washington State Boater Education Card is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Washington course is approved by Washington State Parks and is available entirely online on any device at your own pace.
After passing the final exam, submit your certificate and $10 card fee to Washington State Parks. Your lifetime card will arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age to get a boating license in Washington?
A: The minimum age to get a Washington State Boater Education Card is 12. Operators must be at least 12 years old, born after January 1, 1955, and operating a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more to be required to carry a card. The minimum age to operate a PWC is 14.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Washington?
A: The minimum age to operate a motorboat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more in Washington is 12. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel of 15 horsepower or more under any circumstances. There is no minimum age for vessels with motors under 15 horsepower.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Washington?
A: The minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis and WaveRunners, in Washington is 14. No one under 14 may operate a PWC under any circumstances. PWC operation is also prohibited during hours of darkness for all operators, and no one under 16 may rent a PWC.
Q: Does the birth year requirement apply if I am over 12 but born before 1955?
A: No. Operators born on or before January 1, 1955, are exempt from the Washington State Boater Education Card requirement, even if they operate a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more. All three conditions (born after 1/1/1955, age 12 or older, and operating a vessel of 15 HP or more) must apply for the card to be required.
Q: Can I use my out-of-state boating card in Washington?
A: Visitors boating in Washington for fewer than 60 days who hold a valid boater education card from their home state are generally exempt from the Washington card requirement. Washington State Parks recommends contacting them to confirm whether your specific card is recognized before you get on the water. After 60 days, you must obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card.
Q: How much does the Washington State Boater Education Card cost?
A: There is a $10 fee payable to Washington State Parks when you apply for your card after completing an approved boating safety course. Course fees vary by provider and generally range from $30 to $80. The Boat-Ed course is $54.95.
Q: Does the Washington State Boater Education Card expire?
A: No. The Washington State Boater Education Card is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Washington State Boater Education Card the same as a boating license?
A: Washington does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boater Education Card serves the same purpose. It's proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate qualifying vessels on Washington waterways.
