Do I Need a Boating License in My State?

Some states require you to have a license to operate a boat, some don’t. In any case, you should stay on top of whether you need a license to pilot a boat or not.

Most states require the operator of a boat to complete a boating education course to obtain a boating card or license. Here’s a list of states from P-W (including Washington, D.C.) and whether or not they require a boating license. States from A-L and states from M-O are covered in separate posts.

NOTE: Laws, statutes and regulations are subject to change. The information listed below is current as of this publication (2021). However, you should always check your state’s boating laws for amendments. The laws listed below pertain to adults. Boating laws pertaining to children also vary by state.

Boating License Requirements List: States from P thru W

Pennsylvania

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education Card.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1982 is exempt from this requirement.

Rhode Island

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating education course and carry a certificate or card proving completion.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1986 is exempt from this requirement.

South Carolina

Does not require boat operators over 16 to complete any boater education courses or to have a boater license. Requires all boat operators aged under 16 to complete a boater education course and carry a certificate proving completion.

South Dakota

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses or to have a boater license. 

Tennessee

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a Boating Safety Education Certificate.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1989 is exempt from this requirement.

Texas

Requires all boat operators to complete a boater education certification course and carry a certificate or card proving completion.

Anyone born before September 1st, 1993 is exempt from this requirement.

Utah

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses or to have a boater license. 

Virginia

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety education course and carry a boating safety education card.

Washington

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating education course and carry a Boater Education Card.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1955 is exempt from this requirement.

Washington, DC

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a District of Columbia Boating Safety Certificate.

West Virginia

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety education course and carry a Boating Education Card.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1987 is exempt from this requirement.

Wisconsin

Requires all boat operators to complete a boating safety course and carry a certificate or card proving completion.

Anyone born before January 1st, 1989 is exempt from this requirement.

Wyoming

Does not require boat operators to complete any boater education courses or to have a boater license. 

Do you need a boating license in your state? See the list of states from Alabama to Louisiana and states from Maine to Oregon.