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Boating requirements · Illinois
Boating license requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires boater education for younger operators. Anyone 12 to 17 years old may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower — including a personal…
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Do you need a boating license in Illinois?
Illinois requires boater education for younger operators. Anyone 12 to 17 years old may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower — including a personal watercraft — only if they hold a valid boating safety certificate accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, or are under the direct on-board supervision of a qualifying adult.
Persons at least 10 but under 12 may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian, or a person at least 18 designated by them. Persons at least 12 but under 18 may operate such a motorboat only if they hold a valid boating safety certificate accepted by IDNR or are under that direct on-board supervision.
A supervising parent, guardian, or designee who was born on or after January 1, 1998 must themselves hold a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a 10- to 17-year-old operating a motorboat over 10 horsepower.
What boating courses are accepted in Illinois?
Illinois accepts boating safety courses approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, including approved online courses. Students 11 or older can complete an approved online course and earn Illinois boating safety certification.
Who regulates boating in Illinois?
Recreational boating in Illinois is overseen by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 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 Illinois boaters take a course?
Providers serving Illinois — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Illinois before you enroll.
Mariners Learning System
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Illinois boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Illinois?
- Illinois does not issue a boating license, but operators 12 to 17 must hold a valid boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower without qualifying adult supervision.
- Who needs a boating safety certificate in Illinois?
- Anyone 12 to 17 operating a motorboat over 10 horsepower, including a PWC, needs a valid certificate unless under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian, or designated adult 18 or older.
- Can young children operate a boat in Illinois?
- Children 10 to 11 may operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian, or designated adult at least 18 years old.
- Do supervising adults need a certificate in Illinois?
- Yes, if they were born on or after January 1, 1998. Such an adult must hold a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a 10- to 17-year-old operating a motorboat over 10 horsepower.
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