Boating license rules in Louisiana
Anyone born after January 1, 1984 must complete an LDWF approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower or a personal watercraft.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Over 10 horsepower1
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- You must be age 16 or older to operate a personal watercraft, and those born after January 1, 1984 need an approved course.1
- Minimum age to operate
- Youth may take the course but cannot be certified until age 10 or older.1
- Card and course cost
- In person LDWF course and BoatUS.org online course are free. Other online providers charge a fee.1
- Exemptions
- USCG licensed captains are exempt. Operation is allowed with an adult over 18 aboard.1
The official pages we read do not say: cards from other states. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Sources
- Boater Education, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.