Boating license rules in Minnesota
Operators 12 or older born after June 30, 2000 need a watercraft operator's permit for a PWC or a motorboat over 25 hp. Expands each July 1 through 2028.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Motorboats with a factory rated motor of 25 horsepower or less are not affected, unless a PWC. Under 12 may not operate a motorboat over 75 hp.1
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- Youth under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft. PWC operators in the phase-in birth range need a permit.1
- Minimum age to operate
- Under 12 may operate a non-PWC motorboat of 75 hp or less only with an accompanying operator. Accompanying operators must be 21 or older.1
- Card and course cost
- One-time fee of $34.95, paid to BOATERexam.com, includes unlimited final exam attempts.1
- Cards from other states
- Those with a valid permit from Minnesota or another state do not need to obtain a new permit.1
- Exemptions
- Exempt: USCG license or Canadian marine certificate holders, non-residents up to 60 days meeting home rules, dealers, emergencies, those born before July 1, 1987 unless renting.1
The rules are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Sources
- New Boater Education Law, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, checked 1 November 2026
- Boat and water safety education, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.