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Get Your Virginia Boating License Online!
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is gradually phasing-in mandatory boater education for all operators of PWCs and motorboats over 10HP.
A new block of boaters will be added each year until July 1, 2016 when all boaters shall meet the requirement (some exemptions apply).
Who needs the Virginia Boater Education Card Now? (aka "Boating License")
As of July 1, 2010, all PWC operators 35 years old and younger
Beginning July 1, 2011, all PWC operators 50 and younger and all boat operators
20 years and younger.
Get the Card Now!
Virginia Boating License vs. Virginia Boater Education Card
Many boaters incorrectly use the term "Virginia Boating License", "Virginia Boaters
License", or "Virginia Boat License" when they refer to the boater education card.
In fact, the boater education card 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.
You can get your Virginia Boater Education Card online by completing
the online Virginia 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 certificate immediately, and your permanent card
will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
So why is it called a Virginia 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
safety education card. The Virginia Boater Education Card is
what you need in order to drive a boat on Virginia's waters.