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Boating requirements · North Dakota
Boating license requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota requires boater education for youth operators. Boating education is required for youths 12 to 15 who want to operate, by themselves, a boat or…
Last verified: June 15, 2026Source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department
North Dakota requires boater education for youth operators. Boating education is required for youths 12 to 15 who want to operate, by themselves, a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor. No one under 12 may operate, and a certification card is issued only at age 12.
North Dakota boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | Required for youths 12-15 who want to operate a motorboat or PWC over 10 HP by themselves — they must pass a North Dakota Game and Fish-approved boating course. If they have not, an adult 18+ must be on board. Operators 16 and older are not required. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | Under 12 may not operate a motorboat or PWC over 10 HP unless accompanied by an adult 18+. A certification card is not issued until age 12. |
| Typical course cost | free home-study (ND Game and Fish); online providers charge a fee |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | North Dakota Game and Fish Department |
| Card validity | Lifetime — good for life. |
Do you need a boating license in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires boater education for youth operators. Boating education is required for youths 12 to 15 who want to operate, by themselves, a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor. No one under 12 may operate, and a certification card is issued only at age 12.
Not birth-year — youth band 12-15; 16+ exempt.
What boating courses are accepted in North Dakota?
North Dakota offers the free Boat North Dakota home-study course through the Game and Fish Department, and two commercial providers offer the course online. Links to approved courses are on the Game and Fish boating education page.
Who regulates boating in North Dakota?
Recreational boating in North Dakota is overseen by North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 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 North Dakota boaters take a course?
Providers serving North Dakota — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in North Dakota before you enroll.
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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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Next steps for North Dakota boaters
North Dakota boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in North Dakota?
- North Dakota does not issue a boating license, but youths 12 to 15 must complete boating education to operate, by themselves, a boat or PWC with a motor of at least 10 horsepower.
- Who must take boating education in North Dakota?
- Youths 12 to 15 who want to operate a boat or personal watercraft of at least 10 horsepower on their own must complete an approved boating education course.
- What is the minimum age to operate a boat in North Dakota?
- North Dakota law does not allow anyone under 12 to operate a watercraft of at least 10 horsepower, so certification cards are issued only at age 12 or older.
- Is the North Dakota boating course free?
- Yes. The Boat North Dakota home-study course is offered free through the Game and Fish Department, and approved online options are also available.
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