Who needs the California Boater Card?

California Boater Card

California's boating education law went into effect January 1, 2018 for all persons 20 years of age and younger. The law will be phased-in for all boaters over the next 8 years. If you operate a motorized vessel on California waterways you will be required to have a California Boater Card. The California Boater Card is good for life.

2018 20 years of age or younger
2019 25 years of age or younger
2020 35 years of age or younger
2021 40 years of age or younger
2022 45 years of age or younger
2023 50 years of age or younger
2024 60 years of age or younger
2025 All persons regardless of age

Is a California Boater Card the same as a Boating License?

The California Boater Card is proof that you have successfully completed an approved boating safety course and allows you to go boating on state waterways. It is often mistakenly called the California boating license, however, because a California Boater Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not license.

Does California Require a California Boating Education Card?

Yes. By 2025 all California boaters will be required to have a California boater card. Boat operators cited without a boater card may receive a fine of up to $100 for the first conviction, $250 for the second and $500 for the third.

More California Rules & Regulations

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BOATERexam.com® is trusted by agencies across the United States to deliver the best of quality in boating safety education. Our courses consistently receive the highest level of approval from agencies and from boaters.

This official California boating safety course is approved by the State of California's Division of Boating and Waterways.

California State Parks
Division of Boating and Waterways
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 500
Sacramento, California 95814
www.dbw.parks.ca.gov




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