Colorado Boating License

Colorado Boating License vs. Boating Safety Certificate?

Many boaters incorrectly use the term "Colorado Boating License", "Colorado Boaters License", or "Colorado Boat License" when they refer to the boating safety certificate. In fact, the certificate is NOT a license. The card does not expire, cannot be revoked, and never needs to be renewed, which is the case with a driver's license.

Online Certification Exam

In order to obtain the Colorado Boating Safety Certificate, persons 16 years of age or older may pass an approved online boating safety certification exam. The BoaterExam Colorado Boating Safety Course will allow persons over the age of 16 to obtain your Colorado Boating Safety Certificate.

Note: Boat operators who are 14 or 15 years of age must complete an in-person proctored exam.

So why is it called a Colorado Boating License?

Since many people are used to using the term "license" it's a natural assumption that you need a boating license to drive a boat instead of a boating safety certificate. The Colorado boating safety certificate is what you need in order to drive a boat on Colorado waters.