Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit (also known as the Minnesota boating license or boaters license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Watercraft Operator's Permit is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
Boxes you need to tick 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.
Boxes you need to tick 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.
Minnesota requires residents to register all motorized vessels and any non-motorized vessel over 10 feet in length. Types of watercraft that are exempt from registration include: Non-motorized watercraft 10 feet in length or less.
Age Requirements to Rent a Boat In most cases, you'll need to be at least 18 years old to consider power boat rentals. In some others you may need to be 21 or even 25; the rental companies set their own policies and they may vary a bit from one to the next.
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.
If you own a boat in Minnesota, then you can answer the question, “Do I need boat insurance in Minnesota” with a very strong “yes.” “Yes”, but it's not necessary by law. You need it to be safe and cover you in a case of a covered loss or damage or an injury to one of your passengers.
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.
Effective July 1, 2025, no one under the age of 18 is able to rent or lease a motorboat, including a personal watercraft.