Utah Boating License
vs. Utah Boating Safety Certificate
Don't these two terms mean the same thing?
No and yes. Many boaters use the term "Utah Boating License" when referring to their Boating Safety Certificate.
However, the Boating Safety Certificate is NOT a boating license. Unlike a driver's license, your
Boating Safety Certificate does not have yearly renewal fees, cannot be revoked, and is good for life.
Referring to it as a license is incorrect.
Why is "Boating License" used so often if it is wrong?
Most boaters are familiar with a Driver's License and it is natural for them to extend this concept
onto the Boating Safety Certificate (and incorrectly refer to it as a Utah Boating License).
This is misleading and we are all therefore encouraged to correct our fellow boaters when
they make this common mistake.
The table below shows the differences between a License and a Boating Safety Certificate:
| Driver's License | Boating Safety Certificate |
| Must be renewed on a regular basis | Good for life |
| Must pay renewal fee each year | One time fee payment |
| Can be suspended or revoked | Can never be suspended or revoked |
Next time you are asked about the Utah Boating License, respond:
"It's not a boating license; it's a Boating Safety Certificate!"