Official Virginia Boating Safety Course Online

Take this Virginia–approved course to complete your online boating safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Lifetime Card

Get boater certified in 3 steps.

Study and pass the $39.95 online course.
Print your online course completion document.
Get ready to go boating!

Do you need a Boating License in Virginia?

Virginia law requires all motorized watercraft operators to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card.

The term "boating license" refers to the "boater education card" that you receive after successfully completing a boater safety course.

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Requirements

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to take this online course.

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What to Expect From Boat Ed

Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos

Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.

Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.

Comprehensive Instruction in Virginia Boating Safety Education

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Virginia. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

Virginia Approved

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
7870 Villa Park Drive, PO Box 90778 Henrico, VA 23228

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

Is it the Boating safety license?

Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Boater Education Certificate. You can get the Boater Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.

Did you lose your card? Replace it here.

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Virginia Frequently Asked Questions

Price and Payment

How much does the Virginia Boat Ed Course cost?

The Virginia Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95.

Taking the Course

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Virginia?

See the restrictions here.

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Virginia Boat Ed Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Virginia to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the Virginia Boat Ed Course approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources?

The Virginia Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Is my Virginia Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)

Quizzes and/or Exams

I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?

If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 90% on the unit quizzes to pass.

Do I have to take an online exam?

You do not have to take an exam. You have successfully completed the online course once you have passed the unit quizzes.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online Virginia Boat Ed Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 90 days after course completion.

What is the permanent Virginia Boater Education Certificate?

The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 3-4 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.