The article has been updated successfully.Last Updated 4th of August, 2010
Does my state require a boat license?
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Every state and the District of Columbia requires some or all boaters to complete a boating safety course, but only Alabama mandates an actual boaters license.
Before captaining your boat or PWC, educate yourself on your state's boater safety requirements. Many states now require all boaters to complete a boat safety course, regardless of age or boat speed. If a class is required, you'll find most states offer classes year-round.
Boat License Versus Boat Safety Course Certificate
A boater safety certificate and a boat license are not one and the same. A boat safety course certificate is the boating world's version of a diploma, proving successful completion of the course, whereas a boat license is similar to a car license, requiring an application along with identification and proper payment. And unlike a certificate, a boat license can be revoked for operational recklessness.Before captaining your boat or PWC, educate yourself on your state's boater safety requirements. Many states now require all boaters to complete a boat safety course, regardless of age or boat speed. If a class is required, you'll find most states offer classes year-round.
| Boat License Required | Not Required | |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | x | |
| Alaska | x | |
| Arizona | x | |
| Arkansas | x | |
| California | x | |
| Colorado | x | |
| Connecticut | x | |
| Delaware | x | |
| Florida | x | |
| Georgia | x | |
| Hawaii | x | |
| Idaho | x | |
| Illinois | x | |
| Indiana | x | |
| Iowa | x | |
| Kansas | x | |
| Kentucky | x | |
| Louisiana | x | |
| Maine | x | |
| Maryland | x | |
| Massachusetts | x | |
| Michigan | x | |
| Minnesota | x | |
| Mississippi | x | |
| Missouri | x | |
| Montana | x | |
| Nebraska | x | |
| Nevada | x | |
| New Hampshire | x | |
| New Jersey | x | |
| New Mexico | x | |
| New York | x | |
| North Carolina | x | |
| North Dakota | x | |
| Ohio | x | |
| Oklahoma | x | |
| Oregon | x | |
| Pennsylvania | x | |
| Rhode Island | x | |
| South Carolina | x | |
| South Dakota | x | |
| Tennessee | x | |
| Texas | x | |
| Utah | x | |
| Vermont | x | |
| Virginia | x | |
| Washington | x | |
| West Virginia | x | |
| Wisconsin | x | |
| Wyoming | x | |
| Washington DC | x |
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