Boating license rules in Missouri
Since August 28, 2026, anyone born after January 1, 1984 and before January 1, 2006 must carry a card on lakes. From January 1, 2027 anyone born on or after January 1, 2006 needs one on all state waters.1
The details
- Personal watercraft (jet skis)
- A boater safety card is required to operate a personal watercraft. No separate PWC minimum age is stated.1
- Minimum age to operate
- The operator must be 14 unless an adult is on board. A child under 14 operating with adult supervision still needs a card.1
- Card and course cost
- Boater safety card fee is $15.00. Classroom course taught by a marine trooper has no fee.1
- Cards from other states
- Missouri recognizes NASBLA approved boater certification cards from their home states. The card must be on board.1
- Exemptions
- Privately owned waters and public water supply impoundments are outside waters of the state.1
The official pages we read do not say: engine size covered. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division.
Sources
- Boater Education Law FAQ, Missouri State Highway Patrol, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.