Note: NEW boater education requirements 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.
Online course
Watercraft operator’s permit
Complete the online watercraft operator's permit course to receive a Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit.
In addition, this course may be required for youth and adults who plan on boating in Canada.
Adults wishing to learn more about boating safety are encouraged to take the course and may be eligible for a discount on boat insurance — check with your insurance agent.
Complete the online watercraft operator's permit course
Watercraft rental course
The rental course is for those 18 years or older who want to rent and/or operate a boat or personal watercraft from a rental business in Minnesota. (This does not include resorts. People who rent from resorts must meet watercraft operator permit age requirements.) Certification through the rental course is valid for 180 days and intended for those who do not already possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit. Non-residents of Minnesota who are using Minnesota waterways for fewer than 60 days and meet the requirements of their home state or country are not required to complete the rental course. After completion of the course students have the option of immediately printing out their Minnesota watercraft rental certificate or retaining a digital copy on their mobile device.
Complete the online Minnesota watercraft rental course
Free paddle sports safety course
The free online paddle sports safety course offers a useful introduction to paddling safety. This course is a supplemental course and does not meet youth operator’s permit requirements.
The paddle sports safety course covers rules of the water, what to do in an emergency, and other tips to enhance paddlers’ knowledge base and operating skills.
Learning how to paddle is a great way to get your feet wet in recreational boating, and starting off with basic boating knowledge will make your experience safer and more enjoyable.
Complete the online paddle sports safety course
Classroom courses
Learn more about boating and water safety.
Organizations such as U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club (formerly the U.S. Power Squadron) offer free or low cost education programs and publications. To find a boating safety classroom course, visit the DNR’s Event Calendar or call BOAT/U.S. at 800-336-BOAT.
Minnesota Boating Guide
The Minnesota Boating Guide (2.8 Mb) summarizes Minnesota's boating laws and regulations in an easy-to-read form. It supplies the information that most boaters need to know about operating watercraft on the state's lakes and rivers. Look at the boating and water recreation regulations pages for other laws.
Paper version of watercraft operator's permit course
If you need a paper version of the watercraft operator's permit course, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected]. Please be aware that unlike the online option, certification is not instantaneous. It requires you to mail in the test and have it scored. Once that's complete, you'll receive your watercraft operator's permit in the mail.
Paper version of Minnesota watercraft rental course
If you are a business that rents motorized watercraft and would like a printable version of the Minnesota watercraft rental course, send an email to [email protected] or call 320-412-1171.