Virginia Boating Regulations

The Virginia Boater Education Card (also sometimes incorrectly referred to as the Virginia boating license) is proof that a boater has taken and passed an approved boater education course. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries currently has mandatory boater education for all PWC (personal watercraft) users between the ages 14 and 15 years old. Many boaters who do not fall into this category will still wish to get the Virginia boating license so they can save on their boat insurance.

Boating Education Laws in Virginia may be changing.
Click here for more information...

Many boating fatalities occur because boaters are not educated about boating safety. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries believe that an educated boater is a safer boater.

Where can I take my safe boating exam and get my Boater Education Card?

You can write your safe boating exam directly on the Internet at BoaterExam.com™. Once you pass the exam your boater education card is mailed to your home. In the meantime, you can print off a Certificate of Completion that can be used as a temporary license to satisfy the Virginia boating regulations until your permanent boater education card arrives.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

All the required safe boating training material to get your Virginia boater education card is available for free at BoaterExam.com™. Simply visit our Safe Boating Course Manual section to gain access to the free Virginia specific training material. The Virginia Safe Boating Course is accredited by NASBLA and by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries..

Where can I get more information about Virginia boating regulations and the Virginia boater education card?

Answers to most of your questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page. You may also visit The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for additional information, or you can contact us and we will be glad to answer any of your questions.

Age Restrictions

Younger Than 14 Years Old

  • Not legally allowed to operate a PWC
  • Unrestricted operation of boats

14 Years Old to 15 Years Old

  • Allowed to operate a PWC unsupervised after completing a Virginia Boater Education Course
  • Unrestricted operation of boats

16 Years and older

  • Unrestricted operation of PWCs or boats.
Get your Virginia Boating License Online!
 
Virginia Boater Education Card

Education Requirement

A Virginia boating license is required for all persons between 14 and 15 years of age who operate a PWC on Virginia waters.

Boating Education Laws in Virginia may be changing. Click here for more info...

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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.