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Official California Boater Safety Course

Get your California Boater Card online, approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). Developed by Boat-Ed© to meet official guidelines set by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard

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Do I need a Boating License in California?

Requirements
All operators of recreational motorized vessels
California Boater Card required as of January 1, 2025
Operators of powered vessels over 15 hp must be 16 or supervised

In California: as of January 1, 2025, all boaters must carry a California Boater Card while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. Operators of powered vessels over 15 horsepower must be at least 16 years old, unless supervised by an adult. The California Boater Card does not expire and is often called a boating license. Learn more at: California Boating Laws and Regulations

3 Easy Steps

Your Path to Certification

01

Enroll

Create your Boat-Ed account, pay the course fee, and access your student dashboard to begin your boating safety course right away.

02

Study and Pass

Study the course material, pass the final exam, and print your Certificate of Completion immediately. This is your proof of online course completion.

03

Complete the State-Required Component

To obtain your permanent California Boater Card, apply through the California Boater Card website, pay the required state fee, and submit your proof of course completion.

04

Get on the Water

That’s it! You’re ready to confidently and legally operate a boat. Your certification is valid for life and must be with you while operating. You’ll also get access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products.

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How It Works

A Better Way to Learn Boating Safety

Modern visuals, clear instruction, and updated safety content help make important boating topics easier to understand and remember, with most courses completed in 3-4 hours.

Learn the parts of a boat, fueling, trailering, boat capacity, and essential preparation before getting underway. 

Understand navigation rules, markers, sound signals, lights, anchoring, and safe operation on the water.

Cover boating laws, operator responsibilities, life jackets, emergency equipment, and legal operating requirements.

Learn how to handle capsizing, cold-water immersion, fire emergencies, collisions, and rescue situations.

Explore safe participation in watersports, paddling, fishing, tubing, and other on-water activities.

Prepare with quizzes and practice tests before completing the final certification exam.

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A Faster, More Immersive Way to Get Certified

Boat-Ed+ brings your official boater education to life with a virtual instructor, real-world scenarios, and on-the-water simulations. Like Boat-Ed, it’s state-approved and self-paced, with a more interactive format designed to help you move through certification smoothly, build confidence, and get on the water sooner.

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4.8 ★ 245k Reviews

What Boaters are Saying

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“Easy to study and follow on your own time”

Gina F.
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“Super convenient and easy course to follow! So glad I was able to take this course at my own pace!”

Jamie L.
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“The course was helpful and engaging, and use multiple learning tools”

Jose C.
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“Quick and simple process”

Eric H.

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Popular Questions

How to get a California boating license?

To earn your California Boater Card, often called a California boating license, you must complete an approved boating safety course and pass the final exam. After passing, you can print your Certificate of Completion and complete the state-required application to receive your permanent card.

Is the California Boat-Ed course approved?

Yes. The California Boat-Ed course is approved and accepted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways.

What are the boating laws in California?

California boating laws require all boaters to carry a California Boater Card while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. All vessels must have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for each passenger, and children under 13 years old must wear them while underway.

How much does a California boating license cost?

The total cost for a California boating license typically includes the course fee and state application fee. The Boat-Ed course is $54.95, and there is an additional $10 state fee for processing your California Boater Card.

What is the minimum age to get a California boating license?

There is no minimum age requirement to take the online course. However, operators of powered vessels over 15 horsepower must be at least 16 years old, unless supervised by an adult.

What are the penalties for operating a boat without a California boating license?

Operating without a required California Boater Card may result in fines and penalties. Boaters should carry proof of certification when required and be prepared to show it during enforcement checks.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in California?

Yes, in certain cases. In California, required boaters must carry a California Boater Card. This is commonly referred to as a “boating license.”

How long does the California boater safety course take?

Most students complete the California boating safety course in 3 to 4 hours. The course is self-paced, your progress is saved, and you can start and stop at any time.

Do I have to be a California resident to take this course?

No. You do not have to be a California resident to take the online California Boat-Ed course.

Is my California Boater Card accepted in other states?

Yes. California Boater Cards that meet National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) requirements are recognized nationwide through reciprocity.

What happens if I fail a quiz or exam?

If you fail a unit quiz, you’ll restudy the unit and retake the quiz until you pass. You must score at least 70% on unit quizzes and at least 80% on the final exam, with unlimited attempts to pass.

When will I receive my permanent California Boater Card?

Your permanent California Boater Card will be mailed to you after you complete the state-required application and pay the required state fee.

How do I replace a lost or damaged California Boater Card?

To replace a lost or damaged California Boater Card, visit the California Boater Card website. The replacement card fee is $5.

Official & Approved

Join 2 Million+ Boaters Certified with Boat-Ed

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways United States Coast Guard  NASBLA

This official Boat-Ed course was developed with the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, approved to meet state requirements, and built to follow guidelines from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the United States Coast Guard. Since 1995, Boat-Ed has helped millions of students get certified with credentials recognized nationwide.

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Complete your course and take the next step toward getting on the water.

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