Do You Need a Boating License in MN? New Rules Start July 1, 2025
Motorized vessel operators in Minnesota need to be aware of new rules regarding watercraft operator permits starting July 1, 2025.
The good news is, depending on your age, you may have some time before you're required to carry this permit while operating a motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC).
So, do you need a boating license in MN (or a permit)? Here's what you need to know about the upcoming changes to the rules and when you'll need to act.
We'll cover:
Minnesota Prioritizes Safety When Operating Boats on the Water
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources publishes a wide range of helpful safety information for boaters and users of the state's waterways. The officials in the state do an excellent job of keeping the public informed about crucial safety initiatives, regulations, avoiding boating and alcohol, and etiquette on the water.
The latest information from the state highlights the new requirements for watercraft permits for boaters operating vessels with a motor. This initiative will require boaters to carry a permit as proof that they've taken and passed an approved boater education (safety) course.
These courses cover essential information about the right-of-way on the water, life jacket requirements, how to operate a boat safely, required onboard safety equipment, and how to avoid boating accidents.
Don't Panic: It's a Phased Approach
There's more good news!
First, after taking a boater safety course to get your permit, you'll be well-versed in how to keep yourself, passengers, and others safe on the water. This is the best part of these new Minnesota boating regulations!
However, if you saw that these new rules go into effect beginning July 1, 2025, and started to panic, the state is taking a phased-in approach to the requirements based on birth years.
So, do you need a boating license in MN (or a permit) starting July 1? Maybe.
A "license" is the same as the watercraft operator's permit, which is the card or certificate you'll receive after taking a boater education course and passing the final exam.
The new boater education requirements are as follows:
- If you were born after June 30, 2004, you need a permit starting July 1, 2025
- If you were born after June 30, 2000, you must meet the permit requirement starting July 1, 2026
- If you were born after June 30, 1996, you need a permit starting July 1, 2027
- If you were born after June 30, 1987, you must have a permit starting July 1, 2028
For example, boat operators born after June 30, 2024 (or between the ages of 12-21) must have a permit starting in 2025. And so on.
Who Is Considered a Boat "Operator?"
Anyone operating a motorized watercraft and 12 years old or older (and falling into any of the age categories above) is considered an "adult" boat operator in Minnesota. You'll need a permit (or boater education card) according to the phased timeframes noted above.
Can a "Young" Operator Drive a Boat Without a Permit?
Since anyone under 12 years old doesn't fit into the phased age requirements, can they just drive a boat without a permit?
No . . . unless it's a boat with a motor under 75 horsepower.
Anyone under the age of 12 cannot legally operate a PWC or boat with a motor over 75 hp.
Are There Any Exemptions to These New Minnesota Boating Regulations?
Yes! While the goal is to make sure every boater understands the same level of safety on the water, there may be nothing you need to do to comply with the new rules.
Exceptions include:
- Boaters with a valid license (permit) to operate a motorboat issued for maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard under the Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, part 10.
- Boaters with a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government.
- A boater who is not a resident of the state but is temporarily using the Minnesota waterways of the state for a period not to exceed 60 days and:
- Also meets any applicable requirements of the state or country of their residency
- Possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card (PCOC)
- Operates a motorboat under a dealer's license according to section 86B.405 or
- Operates a motorboat during an emergency
If you already have a boater education card and fall under any of the criteria above, you can continue boating legally (and safely) without any additional action needed to comply with the new rules. Additionally, if you were born before July 1, 1987, or you have a boater card from another state, you are exempt from the new rules.
How Do I Get a Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
We have more good news! It's quick and easy to get your permit.
- Take the online, Minnesota-approved boater education course right here through BOATERexam. It's a fun way to learn, and you can take it from a desktop or mobile device anywhere you can connect to the internet.
- Then, pass the course, pass the final exam, and you're all set! You can download and print a temporary certificate after passing the final exam and hit the water right away. Your "real" permanent card will arrive within three weeks.
Be sure you carry your boater card (i.e., certificate or Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit) with you every time you operate a motorized boat or PWC. Plus, once you have your card, it never expires! You've met the state's new regulations for as many years as you drive a boat.
Don't Wait! Get Your Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit Before Hitting the Water
So, do you need a boat license in Minnesota (or a permit)? While you may fall into one of the birth year phases that aren't required to get a permit this year, it's a smart idea to go ahead and get yours.
There's no waiting to take the course online and pass the final exam; then you're all set. You won't have to worry about forgetting when it's your turn — and you'll have the knowledge you need to keep yourself and others safe on the water.
BOATERexam is here to help!
Take our Minnesota-approved boater education course and get your permit before your next water adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Have questions? We have answers!
How Much Does the Boater Safety Course Cost?
Taking the online course through BOATERexam costs $34.95. You'll have access to the course material and unlimited attempts to pass the final exam, plus the cost includes your Minnesota watercraft operator's card.
What Is the Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit?
The permit (i.e., the Minnesota boating license/permit or boater education card) is your proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Minnesota.
Does the Permit Expire?
No! Once you receive it, the permit never expires. It's good for life.
I Already Had My Card, But I Lost It. What Do I Do?
It's easy to get a replacement card! Visit the ilostmycard website and request a new card. You should receive it in 3-5 weeks.
