Boating license rules in Arkansas
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must complete an approved AGFC boater education course to operate a motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Age rules apply to motorboats powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more.1
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- Must be 16 or older, or 12 to 15 directly supervised by someone at least 18, or under 12 directly supervised by someone at least 21.1
- Minimum age to operate
- Must be 12 or older to operate a motorboat of 10 hp or more, unless under direct supervision of a person at least 18.1
- Card and course cost
- Instructor led classes are free. Online courses listed at $19.99, $29.99, $44.95 and $74.95. Hard card price not stated.1
The official pages we read do not say: cards from other states, exemptions. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Sources
- Boater Education, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.