California Boating License
vs. California Boater Education Card
Don't these two terms mean the same thing?
No and yes. Many boaters use the term "California Boating License" when referring to their Boater Education Card.
However, the Boater Education Card is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your
Boater Education Card does not have yearly renewal fees, cannot be revoked, and is good for life.
Referring to it as a license is incorrect.
Why is "Boating License" used so often if it is wrong?
Most boaters are familiar with a Driver's License and it is natural for them to extend this concept
onto the Boater Education Card (and incorrectly refer to it as an California Boating License).
This is misleading and we are all therefore encouraged to correct our fellow boaters when
they make this common mistake.
The table below shows the differences between a License and a Boater Education Card:
| Driver's License | Boater Education Card |
| Must be renewed on a regular basis | Good for life |
| Must pay renewal fee each year | One time fee payment |
| Can be suspended or revoked | Can never be suspended or revoked |
Next time you are asked about the California Boating License, respond:
"It's not a boating license; it's a Boater Education Card!"