While not everyone needed a boating license in California in the past, it's now required for operating any motorized vessel on the state's waterways. The change took effect on January 1, 2025, and all boaters, regardless of age, must carry a California Boater Card (CBC). So,…
New Hampshire requires operators 16+ to pass a NASBLA-approved boater safety course if operating a boat with 25 hp or more, or any ski craft, and to carry their card on board. You can take the boat-ed course online, which typically takes 4-8 hours, though individuals…
Michigan doesn't issue a "boating license" in the same way as a driver's license, but it does require certain operators to get a Boating Safety Certificate. This certification is also sometimes called a boater education card. Whether you need a boater education card depends on…
As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota has a new boater education law. That means boaters who previously didn't need a permit to operate motorized vessels on the state's waterways may need to take a course to obtain one. Whether you need boating licensing (and when) depends…
If you plan to go boating in Wisconsin and you were born on or after January 1, 1989, you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC). You can get your certificate by passing an approved boating safety course, and…
