New Boater Education Law

Photo of people safely boating with life jackets

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Starting on July 1, 2025, a new law requires some adults and youth who operate motorboats—including personal watercraft—to have a valid watercraft operator's permit. People who already have a watercraft operator's permit are not affected by the law, which is designed to make boating safer by ensuring  everyone operating a motorized watercraft knows the rules and is properly trained. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

Adult operators:

  • Permit requirement: Some adults (defined below) need a valid operator's permit to drive any motorboat or personal watercraft starting July 1, 2025.
  • Exemptions: Some adults are exempt from this requirement. Check the law for specific exemptions.
  • Supervised operation: People without a permit still can operate a boat, but only if there's an accompanying operator (defined below) onboard.

Young operators:

  • Restrictions on high-powered watercraft: Young operators (people less than 12 years old), can't operate a personal watercraft or any motorboat with a motor over 75 horsepower.
  • Low-powered motorboats: Young operators can operate a motorboat that's not a personal watercraft and has a motor under 75 horsepower as long as there is an accompanying operator in the motorboat.

Who is considered an adult operator?

  • Is 12 years old or older, and
  • Was born after these dates:

    • June 30, 2004 (started July 1, 2025)
    • June 30, 2000 (starts July 1, 2026)
    • June 30, 1996 (starts July 1, 2027)
    • June 30, 1987 (starts July 1, 2028)

This means people born after June 30, 2004, will need a permit to operate a boat starting in 2025. The permit requirement will gradually apply to older age groups over the next few years.

Who is considered an accompanying operator?

  • A person 21 years of age or older who:

    • Is in a personal watercraft or other type of motorboat;
    • Is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor; and
    • Possesses a valid operator's permit or is an exempt operator.

Who is considered an exempt operator?

"Exempt operator" means a motorboat operator, including a personal watercraft operator, who is 12 years of age or older and who:

  • Possesses a valid license to operate a motorboat issued for maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard under Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, part 10, or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government.
  • Is not a resident of the state, is temporarily using the waters of the state for a period not to exceed 60 days, and:

    • meets any applicable requirements of the state or country of residency; or
    • possesses a Canadian pleasure craft operator's card;
    • is operating a motorboat under a dealer's license according to section 86B.405; or
    • is operating a motorboat during an emergency.

Key takeaways:

  • Adult and youth permits: Young operators and some adults need a valid operator's permit to operate certain motorized watercraft. For adults born after June 30, 2004, the requirement started July 1, 2025. The law will extend to older age groups over time.
  • Youth restrictions: Young operators can't operate boats with more than 75 horsepower. They can operate boats (that are not PWC) with less than 75 horsepower if they're with an accompanying operator.
  • Gradual rollout: The law will phase in over the next few years. The operator permit requirement started July 1, 2025 and gradually expands through 2028.

This new law aims to improve safety on the water by making sure everyone operating a motorized watercraft is trained and qualified.

Rentals:

  • 18 and older: Must have a valid watercraft operator's permit.
  • Under 18: Cannot rent watercraft.

Low-powered motorboats

This new law does not affect individuals who operate motorboats powered by a motor with a factory rating of 25 horsepower or less. People of any age do not need a valid watercraft operator’s permit or have an accompanying operator in the motorboat so long as it is not a personal watercraft and is powered by a motor with a factory rating of 25 horsepower or less.

SIGN UP NOW to take the watercraft operator's permit course: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html.

Media coverage of new law
MPR News
FOX 9
KARE 11
KIMT
Minnesota Star Tribune
Minnesota Outdoor News
WDAY/InForum
WXOW

Will I be required to have a watercraft operator’s permit if I was born before July 1, 1987?
No. People born before July 1, 1987, are not required to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit, unless:

  • They rent a motorboat or personal watercraft.
  • They serve as an “accompanying operator” for people without a valid watercraft operator’s permit, or for people under the age of 12 and not eligible to obtain a permit.
If I already have my watercraft operator’s permit from Minnesota or another state, do I need to take the course and exam again?
No. People who already possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit from Minnesota or another state do not need to obtain a new permit to meet these requirements.
How can I get my Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit?
You can obtain your Minnesota watercraft operator's permit in 4 easy steps:

  1. Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html
  2. Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
  3. Study the Minnesota boater’s safety course, and pass the final exam
  4. Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Minnesota watercraft operator's permit in the mail within 3 weeks
I’ve taken a boater safety course but have lost my certification. How can I get a new card?
Contact the online vendor (BoaterExam): 866-688-2628 or [email protected].

Alternately, you can send an email to [email protected] or call 320-412-1171. Please include the name, CURRENT address, and date of birth. If you have taken the online course, you can also check ilostmycard.com for a replacement. 

How much does the boater safety course cost?
There is a one-time fee of $34.95 paid to BOATERexam.com®. It includes unlimited attempts at the final exam.
What is the Minnesota watercraft operator's permit?
Minnesota watercraft operator's permit (also known as the Minnesota boating license or boaters license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota watercraft operator's permit is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit?
Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a watercraft operator's permit.
How long is the boater safety course and operator’s permit good for?
The operator’s permit is good for life.
What are the benefits of getting my operator’s permit?
In many countries, including Canada, having a boating license is a legal requirement if you're operating motorized boats. It ensures you meet the necessary safety and regulatory standards. Many insurance providers offer lower premiums for boaters who have completed a certified boating safety course. The reduced risk associated with having a licensed operator means lower costs for you. Check with your insurance provider!

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