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Boating requirements · Minnesota
Boating license requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota is phasing in a boater education law by birth year. As of July 1, 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 must hold a valid watercraft operator’s…
Last verified: June 10, 2026Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota is phasing in a boater education law by birth year. As of July 1, 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 must hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit; the requirement first took effect July 1, 2025 for those born after June 30, 2004 and keeps expanding to older birth years through 2028. The permit is required to operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower or a personal watercraft of any horsepower; motorboats of 25 horsepower or less are exempt. Longstanding rules also restrict young operators.
Minnesota boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Operators born after June 30, 2000 must hold a valid watercraft operator's permit to operate a motorboat over 25 HP, or a personal watercraft of any horsepower (effective July 1, 2026). |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | Under 12 may not operate a PWC or any motorboat over 75 HP. Younger operators may operate a non-PWC motorboat under 75 HP only with an accompanying operator 21+ aboard. |
| Typical course cost | About $35 for the standard lifetime online course; a separate 180-day rental course runs about $10. No single official figure — varies by provider. |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| Card validity | Lifetime — good for life, no renewal. |
Do you need a boating license in Minnesota?
Minnesota is phasing in a boater education law by birth year. As of July 1, 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 must hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit; the requirement first took effect July 1, 2025 for those born after June 30, 2004 and keeps expanding to older birth years through 2028. The permit is required to operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower or a personal watercraft of any horsepower; motorboats of 25 horsepower or less are exempt. Longstanding rules also restrict young operators.
Minnesota’s watercraft operator’s permit phases in by birth year. It is already required for those born after June 30, 2004 (in effect since July 1, 2025) and, as of July 1, 2026, for those born after June 30, 2000. The requirement then expands to those born after June 30, 1996 on July 1, 2027, and to those born after June 30, 1987 on July 1, 2028. People born on or before June 30, 1987 are not required to have a permit unless renting or serving as an accompanying operator.
Operators under 12 years old may not operate a personal watercraft at all, may not operate a motorboat over 75 horsepower, and may operate a motorboat under 75 horsepower only with an accompanying operator in the boat. Exemptions to the permit law include holders of a U.S. Coast Guard license and non-residents who meet their home state’s requirements and use Minnesota waters fewer than 60 days.
What boating courses are accepted in Minnesota?
To earn a Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit, complete a boater safety course approved by the Minnesota DNR. Approved classroom and online formats cover boating laws, safety equipment, and common on-water situations.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Minnesota?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Minnesota are set by state statute and enforced by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Minnesota?
Recreational boating in Minnesota is overseen by Minnesota 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 Minnesota boaters take a course?
Providers serving Minnesota — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Minnesota before you enroll.
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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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The sailing-certification body (ASA 101–108) whose standards are taught by a nationwide network of affiliated schools.
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Minnesota boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Minnesota?
- Minnesota issues a watercraft operator’s permit rather than a license. As of July 1, 2026, anyone born after June 30, 2000 must hold the permit to operate a motorboat over 25 horsepower or any personal watercraft. The requirement began July 1, 2025 for those born after June 30, 2004 and expands to older birth years through 2028.
- When does Minnesota’s new boater education law take effect?
- It began July 1, 2025 for people born after June 30, 2004 and, as of July 1, 2026, applies to those born after June 30, 2000. It then expands to those born after June 30, 1996 on July 1, 2027, and those born after June 30, 1987 on July 1, 2028.
- Who is exempt from Minnesota’s watercraft operator’s permit?
- Because the law phases in by birth year, the current exemption boundary is July 1, 2000: as of July 1, 2026, people born on or before June 30, 2000 are not yet required to have a permit. That boundary moves each year — to those born after June 30, 1996 on July 1, 2027 — until full implementation on July 1, 2028, when everyone born after June 30, 1987 needs one and only those born on or before June 30, 1987 remain permanently exempt. In every case, a permit is not required when the person is exempt unless they are renting or acting as an accompanying operator. U.S. Coast Guard license holders and qualifying short-term non-residents are also exempt.
- Can children operate a boat or jet ski in Minnesota?
- Operators under 12 may not operate a personal watercraft at all, may not operate a motorboat over 75 horsepower, and may operate a smaller motorboat only with an accompanying operator aboard.
- How do I get a Minnesota watercraft operator’s permit?
- Complete a boater safety course approved by the Minnesota DNR, available in classroom and online formats. After passing, you receive the watercraft operator’s permit.
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