Iowa Boating License

Iowa Boating License vs. Watercraft Safety Certificate?

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

You can get your Watercraft Safety Certificate online by completing the online Iowa Safe Boating Course and passing the safe boating exam. Once you have passed the final exam you will have the chance to print out a temporary card immediately, and your permanent card will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.

So why is it called an Iowa 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 boater education card. The Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate is what you need in order to drive a boat on Iowa waters.