Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Starting on July 1, 2025, a new law will require some adults and youth who operate motorboats—including personal watercraft—to have a valid watercraft operator's permit. This law 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) will 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 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.
Who is considered an adult operator?
- Is 12 years old or older, and
- Was born after these dates:
- June 30, 2004 (starts 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.
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 starts in 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 starts in 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. Operators will have time to get their permits and adjust to the new rules, with full enforcement starting in 2028.
Rentals:
People 18 years of age and older must follow the boating education requirement. People under 18 years are not able to rent.
- How can I get my Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit?
- You can obtain your Minnesota watercraft operator's permit in 4 easy steps:
- Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html
- Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
- Study the Minnesota boater’s safety course, and pass the final exam
- 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?
- For a duplicate card you can email the DNR at Camp Ripley at [email protected] or call 320-412-1171. Please include the name, 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!