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Boating requirements · Vermont
Boating license requirements in Vermont
Vermont requires boater education for younger operators. All motorized boat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1974 must pass a boater…
Last verified: June 15, 2026Source: Vermont State Police, Marine Division (with Dept of Environmental Conservation)
Vermont requires boater education for younger operators. All motorized boat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1974 must pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education certificate. The certificate is valid for life.
Vermont boating license at a glance
| Who needs a boater education card | An individual born after January 1, 1974 must obtain a certificate of boating education to operate a motorboat, including a PWC, on Vermont public waters. Born on or before January 1, 1974 is grandfathered. USCG-licensed operators exempt. |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to operate | A person under 12 may not operate a motorboat over 6 HP. No one under 16 may operate a PWC. |
| Typical course cost | free Boat Vermont online/classroom (state-sponsored); provider options vary |
| Issuing / regulatory agency | Vermont State Police, Marine Division (with Dept of Environmental Conservation) |
| Card validity | Lifetime — does not expire. |
Do you need a boating license in Vermont?
Vermont requires boater education for younger operators. All motorized boat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1974 must pass a boater safety course and carry a boater education certificate. The certificate is valid for life.
Born after Jan 1, 1974 = required; born on/before = exempt.
What boating courses are accepted in Vermont?
Vermont accepts NASBLA-approved boating safety courses of at least 8 hours, available online and in person. The boating safety law is enforced by the Vermont State Police Marine Division.
What are the penalties for boating without a card in Vermont?
Penalties for operating without a required boater education certificate in Vermont are set by state statute and enforced by Vermont State Police, Marine Division (with Dept of Environmental Conservation). For current fine amounts, check the official agency page.
Who regulates boating in Vermont?
Recreational boating in Vermont is overseen by Vermont State Police, Marine Division (with Dept of Environmental Conservation), 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 Vermont boaters take a course?
Providers serving Vermont — featured and top-rated first. Confirm a course is accepted in Vermont 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 Vermont boaters
Vermont boating license FAQ
- Do you need a boating license in Vermont?
- Vermont does not issue a boating license, but all motorized boat and PWC operators born after January 1, 1974 must pass a boater safety course and carry a certificate of boating education.
- Who must be certified to boat in Vermont?
- Anyone born after January 1, 1974 must obtain a certificate of boating education before operating a motorboat on Vermont public waters, and carry it while operating.
- Who is exempt from Vermont’s boating education law?
- Only persons born before January 1, 1974, or operators holding a U.S. Coast Guard license, are exempt from the boating education requirement.
- Does the Vermont boating certificate expire?
- No. Once issued, the certificate of boating safety education is valid for the lifetime of the individual and may not be revoked.
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