Frequently Asked Questions about Delaware Boating Regulations and Laws

Q. What is the "Delaware Boater Education Card"?

A. The Boater Education Card (also referred to as the Delaware Boaters License) is proof of competency of the basic rules of the water that all boaters should know. The Boater Education Card must be carried with you whenever you are operating a powered watercraft to avoid high fines.

Q. Do I have to get the Delaware boaters license?

A. If you are born after January 1, 1978 you are required to get the Boater Education Card to operate any powered watercraft over 10hp including PWCs.

Q. What is the minimum age to obtain the Delaware Boater Education Card?

A. Children must be at least 12 years of age in order to take the Delaware exam and receive their Delaware Boater Education Card (also referred to as the Delaware Boaters License).

Q. What is the minimum age to operate a powered vessel in Delaware?

A. Children must be at least 12 years of age and they must have successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement.

Q. What is the minimum age to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in Delaware?

A. Children must be at least 14 years of age in order to operate a PWC.

Children 14 and 15 years of age may only operate a PWC if there is an adult onboard and if they have successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement.

Q. How do I get my Delaware boaters license?

A. The steps required to get your Delaware boaters license are as follows:

  1. Study the Delaware boating safety course manual
  2. Take the Delaware online boating exam
  3. Pay for your exam
  4. Print off your Certificate of Completion
  5. Wait for your Boater Education Card to arrive in the mail 3-5 weeks later

For a complete overview of the Delaware online boating exam process, please visit our Delaware Boating License Online Exam Process overview page.

Q. What if I don't pass the Delaware Boater Exam?

A. No problem. At BoaterExam.com™, we have a Pay only when you Pass policy. There is no cost to retry the exam if you do not pass. You will receive your score and be allowed to review any of your wrong answers. You can then review the course material and take the exam again at no cost to you.

Q. How much does the exam cost?

A. The cost of the exam is $29.95. There is no cost to get your Boater Education Card which will be mailed to you home within 3-5 weeks.

Q. What payment methods are accepted?

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A. We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, and PayPal.

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Q. What is the "Certificate of Completion"?

A. The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed. This certificate is valid for 60 days from the date you take your exam and should should be carried with you when you boat until your permanent Boater Education Card arrives in the mail.

Q. When will I receive my Boater Education Card in the mail?

A. Your card will arrive in 3-5 weeks from the date you take your exam.

Q. Do I have a time limit for the exam?

A. No. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will be erased after 12 hours.

Q. Can I write the exam at any time? Day or Night?

A. Yes. The exam is available to you at any time of the day, every day of the week.

Q. How many questions are on the exam?

A. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.

Q. What is the passing grade?

A. The passing grade is 80%, or 48 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Q. Is anyone exempt from getting the Boater Education Card?

A. Yes. The list of exemptions is as follows:

  • Persons licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel
  • Persons with a valid Delaware River Captain and Bay Pilot’s license or equivalent.

Q. What are the technical requirements for the online boater exam?

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Delaware Boater Education Card

Education Requirement

The Delaware boating license is required for all persons born on or after January 1, 1978 who operate a powered watercraft on Delaware waters

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All course material contained herein is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.