Study Guide Lost Your Card?
Boat Ed
Log In
4.8
245 Reviews

Official Missouri Boater Safety Course

Get your Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card online, approved by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Water Patrol Division. Developed by Boat-Ed© to meet official guidelines set by NASBLA and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Water Patrol Division Logo US Coast Guard Nasbla
Get Certified
Requirements

Do I need a Boating License in Missouri?

Born after January 1, 1984
Motorized vessels on Missouri lakes
Photo ID required with your card

In Missouri: anyone born after January 1, 1984, must pass an approved boating safety course and carry a Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card when operating a motorized vessel on Missouri waters. Operators must also carry a photo ID with their card while operating. Learn more at: Missouri 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 temporary Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card immediately. It’s valid for 90 days while your permanent card ships.

03

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.

Enroll Today More About Your Card
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.

Icon

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.

Upgrade to Boat-Ed+
4.8 ★ 245k Reviews

What Boaters are Saying

Review provider

“Easy to study and follow on your own time”

Gina F.
Review provider

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

Jamie L.
Review provider

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

Jose C.
Review provider

“Quick and simple process”

Eric H.

Protect Your Time on the Water

Stay covered with boat insurance from Progressive, a trusted leader insuring over 1 million watercraft. Get the protection you need to explore with confidence. 

Get a Quote

#1 Boating App for New Boaters

Unlock a free year of Wavve Boating and plan smarter routes, track conditions, and explore new water with ease. 

Learn More
More Than 50 Locations

Visiting Another State?

Alabama Get Certified
Alaska Get Certified
Arizona Get Certified
Arkansas Get Certified
California Get Certified
Colorado Get Certified
Connecticut View the study guide
Delaware Get Certified
District of Columbia Get Certified
Florida Get Certified
Georgia Get Certified
Hawaii Get Certified

Popular Questions

How to get a Missouri boating license?

To earn your Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card, often called a Missouri boating license, you must complete an approved boating safety course and pass the final exam. After passing, you can print a temporary card that is valid for 90 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Is the Missouri Boat-Ed course approved?

Yes. The Missouri Boat-Ed course is approved and accepted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division.

What are the boating laws in Missouri?

Missouri boating laws require anyone born after January 1, 1984, to carry a Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card when operating a motorized vessel on Missouri waters. Operators must also carry a photo ID with their card while operating.

How much does a Missouri boating license cost?

The total cost for the Missouri Boat-Ed course is $47.66. This includes the $34.95 course fee and a $12.71 Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division fee.

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

There is no minimum age requirement to take the online course. However, Missouri law generally requires a boat operator to be at least 14 years old unless accompanied by an adult on board the vessel.

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

Operating without a required Missouri Boating Safety Identification 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 Missouri?

Yes, in certain cases. In Missouri, required boaters must carry a Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card. This is commonly referred to as a “boating license.”

How long does the Missouri boater safety course take?

Most students complete the Missouri 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 Missouri resident to take this course?

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

Is my Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card accepted in other states?

Yes. Missouri Boating Safety Identification 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 Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card?

Your permanent Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card will arrive within 3 to 5 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.

How do I replace a lost or damaged Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card?

To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Missouri Boating Safety Identification Card, go to ilostmycard.com.

Official & Approved

Join 2 Million+ Boaters Certified with Boat-Ed

Missouri State Highway Patrol United States Coast Guard  NASBLA

This official Boat-Ed course was developed with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division, 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.

Get Your Missouri Boating Safety I.D. Card Today

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

Get Certified