What Is the Minimum Age to Get an Arkansas Boating License?
The minimum age to get an Arkansas boating license (also called an Arkansas Boater Education Certificate) is 12 to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more.
Arkansas also ties the education requirement to your birth date. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must hold a valid Boater Education Certificate to legally operate a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat on Arkansas waters.
The minimum age to independently operate a PWC is 16. Operators under 12 may operate a PWC only under the direct supervision of an adult who is at least 21. Keep reading to learn the minimum age requirements, who needs an Arkansas boating license, and how to get one.
What Is the Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Arkansas?
Arkansas law sets 12 as the minimum age to independently operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. Operators under 12 may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
For personal watercraft, Arkansas has a tiered age system.
- Operators must be 16 or older to operate a PWC independently.
- Operators ages 12 to 15 may operate a PWC only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18.
- Operators under 12 may operate a PWC only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 21.
No one under 12 may operate a PWC without a supervising adult present regardless of any other conditions.
Who Needs an Arkansas Boating License?
Do you need a boating license in Arkansas?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, who is of legal age to operate a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat must complete an AGFC-approved boating safety course and carry a valid Arkansas Boater Education Certificate at all times while operating on Arkansas waters. The certificate must be carried onboard and available for inspection by a law enforcement officer.
Visit the AGFC boater education page for free in-person course listings and approved online course options.
For a full overview of our Arkansas boating laws and regulations resource, visit the Boat-Ed Arkansas boating law page.
Arkansas Boating Age Requirements by Vessel Type
The AGFC boating page provides Arkansas's full boating regulations. The table below summarizes age-based requirements by vessel type.
Requirements by Age and Vessel Type (Arkansas Boating) | |||
| Operator Age | Vessel Type | Can Operate? | Conditions |
| Under 12 | Motorboat (over 10 HP) | Supervised only | Must be under direct supervision of a person 18 or older |
| 12+ | Motorboat (over 10 HP), born before 1/1/1986 | Yes | No certificate required |
| 12+ | Motorboat (over 10 HP), born on/after 1/1/1986 | Yes | Must carry an Arkansas Boater Education Certificate |
| Under 12 | PWC | Supervised only | Must be under direct supervision of a person 21 or older |
| 12–15 | PWC | Supervised only | Must be under direct supervision of a person 18 or older |
| 16+, born on/after 1/1/1986 | PWC | Yes | Must carry an Arkansas Boater Education Certificate |
| 16+, born before 1/1/1986 | PWC | Yes | No certificate required |
| Any age, born on/after 1/1/1986 | Sailboat | Yes | Must carry an Arkansas Boater Education Certificate |
| Any age, born before 1/1/1986 | Sailboat | Yes | No certificate required |
| Any age | Non-motorized vessel | Yes | No certificate required |
Exemptions from the Arkansas Boating Education Requirement
Certain operators are exempt from the Arkansas Boater Education Certificate requirement. The table below summarizes the most common exemptions.
| Arkansas Boater Card Exemptions | |
| Exemption | Details |
| Born before 1/1/1986 | Operators born before January 1, 1986, are not required to hold a certificate |
| Direct supervision (motorboats) | Operators under 12 may operate a motorboat over 10 HP if under the direct supervision of a person 18 or older |
| Direct supervision (PWC) | Operators under 16 may operate a PWC if under the direct supervision of a person 18 or older (21 or older for operators under 12) |
| Out-of-state visitors | Non-residents who hold a valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificate from another state |
| USCG license holders | Persons who hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard vessel operator's license |
| Non-motorized vessels | Operators of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft |
How to Get Your Arkansas Boater Education Certificate
Follow these steps to get your boating license in Arkansas.
- Meet the minimum age requirement. There is no minimum age to take the Arkansas boating safety course. You must be at least 12 to independently operate a motorboat over 10 HP and at least 16 to independently operate a PWC.
- Complete an approved boating safety course. Enroll in an AGFC-approved course, such as the Boat-Ed Arkansas course. Note that you will need your AGFC customer number to register. You can create or log in to your AGFC Licensing account to find it. The course is available online and can be completed at your own pace on any device. Free in-person classroom courses are also available through the AGFC and typically last six hours.
- Pass the final exam. You must pass the state-required exam with a score of at least 70% on all unit quizzes to earn your Arkansas Boater Education Certificate.
- Receive your certificate. After passing, you can print a temporary certificate to use on the water right away. Your permanent Arkansas Boater Education Certificate will arrive by mail and is valid for life.
- Carry your certificate on the water. Arkansas law requires you to have your Boater Education Certificate onboard and available for inspection by law enforcement anytime you operate a qualifying vessel.
Does Arkansas Accept Out-of-State Boating Cards?
Yes. Arkansas recognizes valid NASBLA-approved boating education certificates from other states and provinces, as well as Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOC). If you hold a qualifying out-of-state certificate, you are not required to obtain a separate Arkansas certificate.
The same age restrictions for motorboat and PWC operation that apply to Arkansas residents also apply to out-of-state visitors on Arkansas waters.
Start Your Arkansas Boater Safety Course Today
Getting your Arkansas Boater Education Certificate is straightforward. The Boat-Ed Arkansas course is approved by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 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 Arkansas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower in Arkansas is 12. The minimum age to independently operate a PWC is 16. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must also hold a valid Arkansas Boater Education Certificate to operate a motorboat, PWC, or sailboat.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a boat in Arkansas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower in Arkansas is 12. Operators under 12 may operate a motorboat over 10 HP only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must also carry a valid certificate.
Q: What is the minimum age to operate a Jet Ski in Arkansas?
A: The minimum age to independently operate a PWC in Arkansas is 16. Operators ages 12 to 15 may operate a PWC only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 18. Operators under 12 may operate a PWC only under the direct supervision of a person who is at least 21.
Q: Does the Arkansas education requirement apply to sailboats?
A: Yes. Arkansas is one of the few states in this series where the boating education requirement applies to sailboats in addition to motorboats and PWCs. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, must hold a valid Boater Education Certificate to operate a sailboat on Arkansas waters.
Q: Do I need an Arkansas certificate if I was born before January 1, 1986?
A: No. Operators born before January 1, 1986, are not required to hold an Arkansas Boater Education Certificate. However, all age restrictions for motorboat and PWC operation still apply regardless of birth date.
Q: Does Arkansas require boat insurance?
A: Yes, in two specific cases. Arkansas law requires liability insurance for motorboats powered by more than 50 horsepower and for all personal watercraft. The minimum coverage is $50,000. This is a unique requirement not found in most other states.
Q: How much does the Arkansas boating safety course cost?
A: The Boat-Ed Arkansas course fee is $34.95. Free in-person courses are also available through the AGFC and typically last six hours. Course fees across approved online providers generally range from $30 to $80.
Q: Does the Arkansas Boater Education Certificate expire?
A: No. The Arkansas Boater Education Certificate is valid for life once issued. You do not need to renew it or retake the course.
Q: Is the Arkansas Boater Education Certificate the same as a boating license?
A: Arkansas does not issue a traditional boating license. The Boater Education Certificate serves the same purpose. It's proof that you have completed an approved boating safety course and are authorized to operate qualifying vessels on Arkansas's public waters.
