Boating license rules in Nevada
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1983 needs a NASBLA approved course or proctored exam certificate to operate a motorboat over 15 horsepower on interstate waters.1
The details
- Engine size covered
- Motor which exceeds 15 horsepower1
- Minimum age to operate
- Rental operators under 16 may run the boat only with an authorized operator 18 or older aboard and supervising.1
- Cards from other states
- Nonresidents 18 or older using Nevada interstate waters for 60 consecutive days or less who meet home state requirements are exempt.1
- Exemptions
- Accepted instead: USCG or Canadian Coast Guard license, a 60 day temporary permit for new or sold boats, or a rental agreement listing the operator.1
The official pages we read do not say: personal watercraft (jet skis), card and course cost. Ask the agency.
The rules are set by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Sources
- NRS 488.730 Operation of certain power-driven vessels by persons born on or after January 1, 1983, Nevada Public Law (unofficial compilation) (secondary), checked 1 November 2026
- NRS Chapter 488 table of contents, Nevada Legislature, checked 1 November 2026
Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.