In Minnesota, starting July 1, 2025, anyone born on or after July 1, 2004, is required to take a boater education course and receive their watercraft operator's permit before operating a motorboat on Minnesota waters.
A watercraft license is not required for: Non-motorized watercraft 10 ft or less, or a watercraft owned by a person from another state and that state does not require licensing of that type of watercraft and it is not within Minnesota for more than 90 consecutive days. See MN Boating Guide for more information.
Adults born on or after July 1, 2004, are required to have a watercraft operator's permit before operating a motorboat or a PWC on Minnesota waters. Youth operators under the age of 12 may operate a motorboat with less than 75 horsepower if an accompanying operator is on board.
Only one state (Alabama) requires an actual boat license. However, many prospective students are not aware of state legal terminology, and search for information about a boat license or licence, or a captain or captains license. This page is an excellent resource for boating law for all fifty states.
Cannot rent or lease a motorboat, including personal watercraft, to someone unless they hold a valid watercraft operator's permit (or exempt) and are over 18 years old. All watercraft offered for rent are subject to periodic inspections by the county sheriff.
Recreational. Operating a boat recreationally without a boater's license can lead to tickets and fines — never a pleasant experience. However, an even more serious concern is liability. If you're involved in an incident while boating without a license, you can face more serious legal repercussions.
Register your new watercraft: In person at any MN Dept. of Public, DVS (Driver & Vehicle Services) office locations (where you license your car) or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4026.
Required Documents Provide a copy of the safety course cert and your ID. Must be 18 years or older to rent a boat.