Boating License Overview

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Iowa Boater Safety Course & Exam Overview

Complete your boating safety course and obtain your Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate in three easy steps!

Step 1. Study the Iowa Boating Safety Course Online

  • Cost: Free
  • Over 150 narrated and animated safe boating videos
  • Includes 40 interactive boating safety exercises
  • Take practice boating safety quizzes to prepare for the exam
  • Covers 100% of the Iowa Boating Safety Exam material

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Step 2. Take the Iowa Boating Safety Test

  • Cost: $29.95 + $5 state fee
  • 75 multiple-choice visual exam questions
  • 80% required to pass (60 correct answers)
  • Graded immediately, review your wrong answers!

Step 3. Get your Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate

  • Print a temporary card immediately - go boating right away!
  • Your official Iowa Watercraft Safety Certificate is mailed to your home in 4-6 weeks.

Boating License or Watercraft Safety Certificate...is there a difference?

The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT an Iowa Boating License!