How Much Does a Boating License Cost?
It may be tempting to take your boat out for a quick spin around the lake, but if you don't have a boating license, you're risking penalties and putting yourself and others in danger.
Most states and Canadian provinces (like Alberta) require motorized boat operators to take a boater education course and carry a card as proof they've passed the course.
Do you know how to get your boater card? How much does a boating license cost?
The quick answer is that costs for a boating license range from $30 to $70. This is for a recreational boater education card, and the low cost is worth it to make sure everyone who drives a boat or PWC (personal watercraft) knows how to do so safely.
BOATERexam is here to help! Today we cover:
- Costs of a boating license (in the U.S. and Canada)
- What those costs include
- The types of boater education courses
- How to know if the course you take meets the requirements for getting a boating license
Who Needs a Boating License (and What is It)?
The phrase boating "license" can be misleading, as most States and Canada don't require anything specifically called a "license."
Instead, in the U.S., boaters need a "boater education card," which is also referred to as a license sometimes. In Canada, motorized boat operators must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCO), which is essentially your boater education card or boating license.
Do I Need a Boating License?
In most cases, yes. Anyone who operates a motorized vessel in Canada or the U.S. needs a boater card. Transport Canada requires this of all boat or PWC operators. However, not all U.S. States have the same requirement.
For example, New York recently updated their requirements. So, be sure to check with your state to learn if you need a license (before taking a boat out without one)!
Regardless of its required or not, taking a boater safety course and getting your card is one of the best things you can do to enjoy the water safely. These cards verify that everyone operating watercraft understands the rules of the water and essential safety tips to keep people safe (and have more fun while boating).
Boating License Canada: How Much Does it Cost?
In Canada, one boating "license" covers all provinces. Unlike in the U.S., where each state has its own boater education course and card, Transport Canada's PCOC covers all Canadian provinces.
To get your boating license, Canada boaters, will cost between $30 and $70. Note that the costs vary based on the course you take from various providers.
Make sure you choose an accredited course recognized by Transport Canada. Otherwise, you risk taking a course that isn't officially recognized and leaves you without your PCOC after spending time or money on a non-approved course.
Boating License Canada Costs
How do different courses compare when looking at costs for a boating license in Canada? Here's a quick snapshot.
| Type of Online Course | Typical Cost | Provided By | Transport Canada Approved? | Value-Adds |
| Traditional | $59.95 (CAD) | BOATERexam (Canada) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Traditional | $69.95 (CAD) | Boat-Ed (Canada) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Not Available | N/A | Other Course 1 | Not Available | n/a |
How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Boating License In the US?
The costs for a boating license, US boaters, varies based on your state and the course provider. However, similar to Canadian costs, you'll spend between $30-$70 to get your boater education card.
Again, make sure you choose a state-approved course (like BOATERexam). This ensures the time and expense of taking the course and passing the final exam lead to a boater card in your hand for safe and legal boating!
The cost of a boating license in the US or Canada is a small price to pay for a lifetime of knowledge and skills that can save lives on the water!
Boating License US Costs
What are the costs for different US boating safety courses? Here's a quick comparison
| Type of Online Course | Typical Cost | Provided By | State Approved? | Value-Adds |
| Traditional | $39.95 (USD) | BOATERexam (US) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Traditional | $44.95 (USD) | Boat-Ed (US) | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Interactive | $59.95 | ilearntoboat | Yes | 1-Year of Wavve |
| Not Available | $39.99 | Other Course 1 | Only Some States Available | n/a |
Note that costs can go up or down over time, depending on the market, course changes, state requirements, and other factors.
What Do You Get for these Costs?
Depending on the course you take, you can get more bang for your buck from some courses over others.
While every course should be approved by Transport Canada or your U.S. state, you're getting much more than just a boater education card that shows you've taken a course.
For example, with the BOATERexam online course, you get:
- 90 days to complete your course after paying for it.
- Multiple tries to pass the final exam (without additional costs).
- Access to our free boating resources (to help you study).
- A temporary boater education card to print immediately after passing the final exam. This gets you on the water right away!
- Your permanent boater certification card (arrives in the mail within a few weeks).
Plus, with BOATERexam, you get a free 1-year subscription of the Wavve boating app (a $59.99 value)! Not only can you hit the water safely with the knowledge from your boater safety course, but you can also navigate the waters more effectively with Wavve.
When Do I Need to Renew My Boating License?
Never!
Once you take an accredited boater safety course, pass the final exam, and get your boater card, it never expires. You'll never need to renew it.
That means when you're asking "how much does it cost for a boating license," it's a one-time cost. It's well worth the investment for a lifetime of safety knowledge on the water!
What Are the Different Types of Boater Education Courses?
So, you need to take a course to get your boating license. What are your options?
One option is an in-person course. Many states offer the opportunity to take a class with an instructor and other boaters in a classroom or marina setting. This is a great option for you if you prefer hands-on learning.
Another option is to take an online course (like BOATERexam). Most states and Transport Canada offer approved online courses through verified providers. You can take these courses from anywhere you can connect to the internet on your phone or a computer. No in-person time is required, making online courses extremely convenient!
Plus, many of these courses meet the requirements for boater education and help you get your boating license. It can be challenging to find a location and class time that works with your schedule, so an online course you can take on your time makes it easier (and faster) to get certified.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Boater Card?
It depends! With BOATERexam, you'll spend between 4 and 8 hours completing the course and taking the final exam.
However, with an interactive course (like ilearntoboat or Boat-Ed for Canadian boaters), you can complete the course and final exam in as few as 3-4 hours.
Online courses like BOATERexam allow you to take the course at your own pace, starting and stopping as you need to. The course saves your progress and allows you to pick up where you left off!
What Happens If I Lose My Card After Receiving It?
A lifetime is a long time to keep up with a boater safety card!
However, it's easy to get a replacement card if you lose it (and you don't need to retake the course).
- Boat operators in the U.S. can visit the ILostMyCard website. Then, search for your state and follow the instructions to order a replacement card.
- In Canada, the Transport Canada website can help you replace your card.
How Do I Know if a Course is Legitimate?
Finding the right boater safety course can be overwhelming. There are lots of options, but not all are approved by specific states in the U.S, or Transport Canada.
You may also find free courses, but make sure they are approved for your state or Transport Canada and count toward the required boater education. In some cases, the course may be free, but you'll still pay to take the exam and get your boater card.
Legitimate courses should also be approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) and/or Transport Canada-approved to meet state, federal, or national requirements.
BOATERexam is approved by NASBLA and Transport Canada, and our courses are accepted in most U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and your Canadian province. That means you'll learn everything you need to know to stay safe on the water and get your boating license (i.e., certification) after passing the final exam!
How Much Does a Boating License Cost? Safety is Well Worth It!
Taking a boater course through BOATERexam is well worth the time and money. Not only does the course teach you everything your state or Transport Canada requires boat operators to know about boating safely, but you can also learn from any place that's convenient for you. Plus, you get a free 1-Year Subscription to the Wavve Boating app after completing the course and final exam!
We've helped more than a million boaters get educated and certified since 1999. So, if you plan to take a boat or PWC out for a spin this season, make sure you've got the knowledge you need to stay safe and boat legally!
For boaters in Canada, take our Transport Canada-approved course.
In the U.S., choose the course for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the answers to your questions about how much does a boating license cost? We have answers!
1. How much does it cost for a boating license?
In the U.S. and Canada, a boating license (or proof of competency) costs between $30–$70 for the online course and exam. After you get your card, it’s valid for life with no renewal fees.
2. Do I need a different license for Canada and the U.S.?
Yes. Canada requires motorized boat operators to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). However, the U.S. requires a state-approved boating safety course certificate.
3. What type of boater education course should I take in Canada?
In Canada, take a Transport Canada-accredited online course (like BOATERexam) or an in-person boating safety course. After passing the final exam, you'll get your PCOC (or boating "license").
4. What type of boater safety course should I take in the U.S.?
In the U.S., requirements vary by state. However, in general, taking a NASBLA-approved and state-approved online boating safety course is the best way to learn the required material, pass the final exam, and get your boater card.
For boating in Canada, take our Transport Canada-approved course.
In the U.S., choose the course for your state!
