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Boating requirements · Georgia
Boating license requirements in Georgia
Georgia requires boater education for younger operators. Under the Kile Glover Boat Education Law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a…
Last verified: June 10, 2026Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division
Georgia requires boater education for younger operators. Under the Kile Glover Boat Education Law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a Department of Natural Resources–approved boater education course before operating any motorized vessel on Georgia waters.
Georgia boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | All persons born on or after January 1, 1998 who operate any motorized vessel on Georgia waters must complete a DNR-approved boating education course before operating ("Kile Glover Boat Education Law," in force since July 1, 2014). |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | Ages 12–15 may operate a PWC or a vessel under 16 ft (≤30 HP) only if they have completed an approved course and/or are accompanied by a competent adult 18+; 16+ may operate any vessel with proper ID. |
| Typical course cost | Free options exist (BoatUS Foundation); paid online providers ~$30–$40. No single official figure. |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division |
| Card validity | Lifetime — good for life. |
Do you need a boating license in Georgia?
Georgia requires boater education for younger operators. Under the Kile Glover Boat Education Law, anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a Department of Natural Resources–approved boater education course before operating any motorized vessel on Georgia waters.
As of July 1, 2014, all persons born on or after January 1, 1998 who operate any motorized vessel on the waters of the state must have completed a boater education course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources prior to operating.
Exemptions include a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel, and a non-resident who carries proof of completing a NASBLA-approved boater education course or equivalency exam from another state.
What boating courses are accepted in Georgia?
Georgia accepts boater education courses approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and NASBLA, including approved online courses. Out-of-state NASBLA course completion is accepted for non-residents.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Georgia?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Georgia are set by state statute and enforced by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division. For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Georgia?
Recreational boating in Georgia is overseen by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division, 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 Georgia boaters take a course?
Providers serving Georgia — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Georgia before you enroll.
4.5
BoatUS Foundation
FeaturedA free, NASBLA-approved online boating safety course from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation.
OnlineFrom $0NASBLA-approved
The state-contracted online boater safety course (by Kalkomey) that earns the official boater education card in nearly every state.
OnlineFrom $29.95NASBLA-approved
Online USCG captain's license courses (OUPV through Master/Mate 200 Ton) with self-paced study and a proctored online exam.
OnlineFrom $595
A long-running maritime school offering USCG captain's license and professional courses online and at Southeast US campuses.
HybridFrom $600
A low-cost online boater safety course, NASBLA-approved and accepted across all 50 states.
OnlineFrom $39.95NASBLA-approved
The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
In-person
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Next steps for Georgia boaters
Georgia boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Georgia?
- Georgia does not issue a boating license, but anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a DNR-approved boater education course before operating any motorized vessel on Georgia waters.
- What is the Kile Glover Boat Education Law?
- It is Georgia’s mandatory boater education law, effective July 1, 2014, requiring everyone born on or after January 1, 1998 to complete an approved boater education course before operating a motorized vessel.
- Who is exempt from Georgia’s boater education requirement?
- Exemptions include a person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel and a non-resident carrying proof of a NASBLA-approved course or equivalency exam from another state.
- Does the Georgia requirement apply to jet skis?
- Yes. A personal watercraft is a motorized vessel, so anyone born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete the approved boater education course to operate one.
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