How to Get Your U.S. Boating License in 2026

Thinking about how to get your US boating license? There's no single, nationwide "boating license" in the United States. Instead, individual states determine their own requirements to operate a recreational vessel. State requirements typically involve obtaining a boater education card or a boater safety certificate.

Can I Use My Boat License in Another State?

Yes! If you've successfully completed an official boating safety course through Boat-Ed or an ilearntoboat course (for example), your boater education card is welcome in every state that requires mandatory boater education. Keep reading to learn why you need a safety certification and how to make sure you're…