Mandatory Boater Education

Many recreational boaters in Washington are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card.

Whether you cruise, sail, kayak, fish, or do yoga on a stand up paddleboard, you are responsible to know the laws and basics of boating safety. You are encouraged to take a boating safety course, whether required by law or not.

The Washington State Boater Education Card is valid for your lifetime and meets requirements for recreational boating in Canada and many other states.

do i need a boater education card?

You are required by law to carry a Boater Education Card if you fit the following criteria:

You operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower (or greater) motor.
You were born after Jan. 1, 1955.
You are 12 years of age or older.

You are exempt if you fit the following criteria:

You were born before Jan. 1, 1955.
You are an operator of a commercial fishing boat and able to show a valid commercial license.
You are able to show a valid U.S. Coast Guard Marine Operator License.
You are renting a boat, have completed a watercraft safety checklist provided by the vendor and been issued a temporary card which you must carry with you.
You operate a government vessel exempt from state registration.
You are practicing or engaging in a permitted racing event, as long as permitting documentation is available upon inspection at the event site.

You have a 60-day exemption period if you fit the following criteria:

You are visiting from another state or country and boating for less than 60 days. After 60 days you must have a Washington state Boater Education Card.
You hold a valid boater education card from another state. You will need to contact us to confirm if it's valid.
You have recently purchased your boat and can show the bill of sale with the date of purchase. After 60 days you must have a Washington state Boater Education Card.

how do I get the card?

Study and pass a state-approved boating safety course or equivalency exam using one of the following options:
Receive a 'Certification of Completion'.
- Once you pass your course or equivalency exam, you will be provided with a Certificate of Completion. If provided with an electronic copy, be sure to print it. This is your proof of passing the course.
- Your certificate serves as a temporary card for 60 days, beginning the date of course completion. After 60 days, you must carry a permanent Washington State Boater Education Card when operating a powered watercraft of 15-horsepower or more.
Submit a Boater Education Card Application (PDF) and a copy of your certificate along with a check or money order for $10 to:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Boating Program
P.O. Box 34333
Seattle, WA 98124-1333

Your card is mailed within two to four weeks. You are encouraged to email our staff if you haven't received your card within 30 days, or call 360-902-8555.

You have up to 60 days from the date of mailing in your application materials to notify us of the following:

The information on your card has an error.
You haven't received your card.

After 60 days, you may be required to resubmit your application materials.

Do I need a Washington Boater Education Card if I already have one from another state?

If you have a boater education card from another state, contact our office to verify it's valid in Washington.
If it's valid, then submit a Boater Education Card Application (PDF) with a copy of your card and a $10 check or money order and you will be issued a Washington State Boater Education Card.

how do I get a replacement card?

You may apply for a replacement card if you were previously issued an official Washington State Boater Education Card, and your legal name has been changed, you need to correct personal information, or your card was lost, stolen or destroyed. The fee for a replacement card is $5.

To receive a replacement card:

Complete a Boater Card Replacement Affidavit (PDF)
Submit your completed affidavit, along with a check or money order for $5 (made payable to Washington State Parks) via postal mail to:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Boating Programs
P.O. Box 34333
Seattle, WA 98124-1333

Please allow four weeks to process an affidavit and receive your replacement card. There is no temporary card available while you wait to receive your replacement. There is no online or electronic process available for replacement cards.