What is the Cost of a Boating License?
Boat operators in most states and Canadian provinces need a boater education card (also known as a boating license) to drive motorized vessels safely and legally.
So, how can you get the card you need? And, what is the cost of a boating license?
While we can't truly put a price on safety, costs typically range from $30 to $70 to get licensed as a recreational boat operator.
Here's what you need to know, including:
- Costs
- What those costs include
- What the types of boater education courses are
- Which courses meet the requirements for getting a boating license
What is a Boating License?
While you might be searching for information on "boating licenses," most states don't require an actual "license." Canada also does not require a "license."
However, you do need documentation that you are of age to operate a boat legally. This is typically known as a "boater education card" or certificate showing that you've completed a boating course that covers all of the safety information required by your state or Transport Canada.
In Canada, the "boating license" card is the Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC).
How Much Does it Cost to Get a US Boating License in My State?
It would be simple if every state offered licensing for the same cost! However, that's not the case.
While in most cases, you'll spend between $30 and $70 to get your license, costs vary based on the state and the course you take.
However, as long as you choose an accredited (approved and official) course recognized by your state as an "official" provider of boater education, this fee is a small price to pay for the safety knowledge and skills you need to travel the waters safely as a boat operator.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Canada Boating License in My Province?
Canadians don't need province-specific boating licenses. The PCOC covers all provinces.
The cost to get a Canada boating license will also run between $30 and $70. Costs vary based on the course you take from various providers.
As with U.S. courses, make sure you choose an accredited course recognized by Transport Canada.
What's Included in the Boating License Cost?
You aren't simply paying for a card.
The boating license cost includes the course you'll take, the final exam, and the card you earn after completing the course and final exam.
For example, with the Boat-Ed online course, you get:
- 90 days to take and complete your course after payment.
- Multiple tries to pass the final exam (if you need it), without additional costs.
- Access to our free study guide.
- Spanish-language versions of most courses
- A temporary boater education card you can print immediately after passing the final exam (so you can get on the water right away)
- Your permanent boater certification card that will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
Plus, with Boat-Ed, boaters who complete the course get an exclusive 1-Year Free Trial of the Wavve boating app.
How Long is My Boating License Good For?
Is the boating license cost really worth it? Yes – for several reasons.
First, you only have to take the course and pass the final exam once. Your card is good for life! Boat as often as you like (legally and safely), and you never need to take the course again.
Second, as we mentioned earlier, what you learn in the course helps save lives. There is no price we can put on that! Responsible boaters with the right safety knowledge protect themselves and others on the water.
What Types of Boater Education Courses Are There?
You have options!
Many states offer in-person courses. You take a class with an instructor and other boaters in a classroom or marina setting. If you prefer hands-on learning, this is a great option for you.
However, most states and Transport Canada also offer online courses through verified providers (like Boat-Ed) that can be completed without any in-person classroom time. These courses meet the requirements for boater education and are more convenient for many boaters who may find it challenging to find a location and class time that works with their schedule.
For example, the State of Tennessee passed a new law in April of 2025 to start offering courses online through approved providers. This makes it more convenient for more people to learn safety essentials and get certified with a boating license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Boating License?
This is really up to you. With Boat-Ed, the 90 days you have to take the course are more than enough time to work through the material and pass the final exam.
In fact, most students complete the traditional format of the course within a few hours, with a high-end time commitment of between 4 and 8 hours. Our interactive course for Canadians can be completed in about three hours. So, it's entirely possible to sign up, take the course, finish the exam, and have your temporary card all within the same day.
Boat-Ed allows you to take the course at your own pace and start and stop as you need to (without losing your progress).
The time it takes to complete an in-person class or a course through another provider will vary.
What Happens if I Lose My Card?
If your card is good for life, what happens if you lose it?
It's easy to replace!
- In the U.S., visit the ILostMyCard website, do a search for your state, and follow the instructions.
- In Canada, the Transport Canada website can help you with a replacement.
Don't worry, you won't have to retake the course!
It can be a good idea to order several copies of your card to keep one on your boat and one with you or in the glove box of your car. With more than one card, losing one won't keep you off the water until a replacement arrives.
What is the Boat-Ed Cost for a Boating License?
So, how much does Boat-Ed cost? Great question!
Costs for boater education courses vary and will depend on the specific course you take for your state or whether you're taking the Canadian course.
Here's a quick breakdown of the Boat-Ed cost for a course, along with some other providers.
US Boating License Costs
| Type of Online Course | Cost (Typical) | Provider | State Approved | Added Value |
| Traditional | $44.95 | Boat-Ed (U.S.) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Traditional | $39.95 | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve | |
| Interactive | $59.95 | ilearntoboat | Yes (most states) | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Interactive | $39.99 | Other Course 1 | Only Some States Available | n/a |
Canada Boating License Costs
| Type of Online Course | Cost (Typical) | Provider | Transport Canada Approved | Added Value |
| Interactive | $69.95 (CAD) | Boat-Ed (Canada) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Traditional | $59.95 (CAD) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve | |
| Not Available | N/A | Other Course 1 | Not Available | n/a |
Remember, costs can change based on the state (or Canada) and type of course. It's also not uncommon for prices to go up or down over time, depending on the market, course changes, and other factors.
Traditional and interactive courses (no matter the cost) should cover all required materials and be approved by your state (so they count)!
Which Courses Count Toward My Boating License?
When you search for a boating education course, you'll find plenty of options. However, not all courses are approved by U.S. states or Transport Canada and lead to getting your boater card.
Often, free courses are not "complete" courses that count toward the required boater education.
Also, courses must be NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and/or Transport Canada approved to meet state, federal, or national requirements.
Boat-Ed is approved by NASBLA and Transport Canada, and our courses are accepted in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. So, taking our course means you'll get your boating license (i.e., certification) after passing the final exam, if your state requires it!
Remember: while a course may be lower cost (or free), it may not meet the requirements to get your license — making the boating license cost more for you, since you'll still need to take an approved course to get it.
Put Your Boating License Cost to Its Best Use with Boat-Ed
You don't have to worry if the Boat-Ed cost for your state's course is worth the money. Our courses are up-to-date with the latest boater safety and education requirements. Plus, we're long-time NASBLA, Transport Canada, and state-approved — meaning, our courses help you complete your boating license requirements.
We've helped boaters stay safe on the waters for decades through our partnership with U.S. states and Transport Canada. Plus, we deliver more bang for your buck than other providers, including the course, study guides, your boater card, and a free year of the Wavve boating app!
Take the Boat-Ed course for your state or our course for Canadians! You'll have the knowledge you need to stay safe and get your boating license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost of a boating license? We have answers!
1. How much does it cost to get a boating license (boater card) in the U.S.?
The costs in most U.S. states run from $30 to $70 USD for an online boater safety course. The final cost of what it takes to get your card depends on the provider and state requirements.
2. How much does it cost to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in Canada?
In Canada, the PCOC typically costs $30 to $70 CAD, including the online course and official exam. Some providers offer group discounts or deals, so keep an eye out for those.
3. Is there a free boating license course?
Yes. You'll find free courses available in the U.S. and Canada. However, they may not be approved by NASBLA, the state, or Transport Canada. Or, they could require a fee once it's time to take the final exam and order your card.
4. Is the boating license cost a one-time cost?
Yes! In both the U.S. and Canada, once you pass the course and receive your license or card, it's valid for life. You won't have to take the course again or pay to renew the card.
Take the Boat-Ed course for your state or our course for Canadians!
