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Boating requirements · Colorado
Boating license requirements in Colorado
In Colorado, operators of a motorboat or personal watercraft generally must be at least 18. As of June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 may not operate a motorboat or…
Last verified: June 11, 2026Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)
In Colorado, operators of a motorboat or personal watercraft generally must be at least 18. As of June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 may not operate a motorboat or PWC unless they are 14 to 17 years old and have completed a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)–approved boating safety course and carry the certificate.
Colorado boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Required for operators ages 14–17 only — they must pass a CPW-approved course and carry the Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat or PWC. Operators 18+ are not required to hold a certificate. Operators under 14 may not operate. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | As of June 1, 2024, the general minimum age to operate a motorboat or PWC is 18, except 14–17-year-olds who have completed the course and carry the certificate. Under 14 may not operate. |
| Typical course cost | free CPW course material; youth course only |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) |
| Card validity | Not yet verified — confirm with the agency below |
Do you need a boating license in Colorado?
In Colorado, operators of a motorboat or personal watercraft generally must be at least 18. As of June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 may not operate a motorboat or PWC unless they are 14 to 17 years old and have completed a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)–approved boating safety course and carry the certificate.
Not birth-year based — age-tiered: under 14 prohibited; 14–17 course + certificate; 18+ no requirement.
What boating courses are accepted in Colorado?
Colorado accepts boating safety courses approved by CPW and NASBLA. CPW has approved online providers including Boat-Ed, BoaterExam, BoatUS, BoatTests101, Recademics, and AceBoater, as well as in-person classes for those 14 and older.
Who regulates boating in Colorado?
Recreational boating in Colorado is overseen by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the authoritative source for current requirements. BoatingClasses.com is an independent directory — not a government or certifying body. Boating laws change, so always confirm current requirements with the official agency before operating a vessel.
Where can Colorado boaters take a course?
Providers serving Colorado — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Colorado before you enroll.
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BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
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The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
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Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
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A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
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A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
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The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
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Colorado boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Colorado?
- Colorado does not issue a boating license, but operators must generally be 18 or older. Those 14 to 17 may operate only after completing a CPW-approved boating safety course and carrying the certificate.
- Can a teenager operate a boat in Colorado?
- Yes, with education. A person 14 to 17 may operate a motorboat or PWC if they have completed a CPW-approved boating safety course and possess the certificate. Since June 1, 2024, operation by anyone under 18 is otherwise prohibited.
- Which boating courses does Colorado accept?
- Colorado accepts CPW- and NASBLA-approved courses. Approved online providers include Boat-Ed, BoaterExam, BoatUS, BoatTests101, Recademics, and AceBoater, plus in-person classes for ages 14 and up.
- Does the Colorado youth boating rule include jet skis?
- Yes. A personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski is a motorboat under Colorado law, so the same age and education requirements apply to operating a PWC.
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