Official Wisconsin Boating License Online
Take this Wisconsin–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
unlimited exam attempts
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Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Wisconsin boating license?
You need education if you are at least 12 years old, were born on or after January 1, 1989, and will be operating a motorboat or PWC in Wisconsin.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass at Your Own Pace
Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your Temporary License Immediately
After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print a temporary boating license and go boating right away!
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Get on the Water!
That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!
Do you need a Boating License in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires those born on or after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card if operating a motorboat or PWC in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
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What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course
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 Wisconsin boaters Safety Course
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Wisconsin. 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.
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.
Wisconsin Approved Boating License
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street, PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
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 Boating Safety Education Certificate. You can get the Boating Safety 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.
Get Certified
If you were born on or after January 1, 1989 and you want to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in Wisconsin, you'll need to complete a boater education approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Upon completing the course, you'll obtain your boating safety education certificate (AKA boating license). The course will cover PWC-specific rules and regulations, safe PWC operation, and Wisconsin boating laws.
Remember the following tips to stay safe while jet skiing in Wisconsin:
- Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
- Know the weather forecast and remember that the weather can change quickly.
- Stay clear of other vessels and people in the water.
- Maintain a safe distance from other PWCs, boats, and obstacles in the water.
- Never jump wakes or ride too close to other vessels.
- Follow all local rules and obey the speed limits and no-wake zones.
- Never drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a PWC.
By following these guidelines, and obtaining your boating license if required, you can enjoy your PWC experience in Wisconsin safely and legally.
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Wisconsin Boating FAQs
Price and Payment
How much does the Wisconsin Boat Ed Course cost?
The Wisconsin Boat Ed Course fee is $39.95. You will also pay a $1.00 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fee.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Wisconsin Boat Ed Course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?
The Wisconsin Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Wisconsin Boating Safety 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 can take it again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Final Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Wisconsin Boat Ed Course completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Safety Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Safety 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 Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate?
The Boating Safety Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boating Safety Education Certificate will be available to print from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website after the first day of the next month.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Boating Safety Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boating Safety Education Certificate, go to https://gowild.wi.gov/lookupaccount.
We’re people, not robots.
Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!
