California (2)

View of back of boat with person driving it away, get a California boating license concept.

How to Get Your Boating License in CA

If you boat on California waterways, you'll need a California Boater Card, which is the official name for the state's boating license. As of January 1, 2025, California requires everyone operating a motorized vessel on the water to have the card, regardless of their age.

People relaxing on a boat after getting their California Boater Card.

California Boater Card: A Comprehensive Guide [2025 Update]

While it isn't recent news, not everyone is up to date on the current laws regarding boating in California. For a little history, on January 1, 2018, California's latest boating education law went into effect, requiring all California boaters to carry the California Boater Card while operating a…