Michigan Boating License

Michigan Boating License vs. Michigan Boating Safety Certificate?

Many boaters incorrectly use the term "Michigan Boating License", "Michigan Boaters License", or "Michigan Boat License" when they refer to the boating safety certificate. In fact, the boating safety 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.

So why is it called a Michigan 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 Michigan Boating Safety Certificate is what you need in order to drive a boat on Michigan's waters.