Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the "New Mexico Boater Education Card"?
A. The Boater Education Card (sometimes incorrectly
referred to as a New Mexico Boaters License) is proof that you have met the mandatory
boater education requirements for the State of New Mexico.
Q. Isn't the term "Boater Education Card" just another word for a "Boater's License"?
A. No. Sometimes the New Mexico Boater Education Card
is incorrectly referred to as a "New Mexico
boating license" or license to operate a vessel. The two are not the same.
In most instances what people are actually referring to is the New Mexico Boater
Education Card. Unlike a driver's license, the Boater Education Card cannot be revoked
and is good for life.
The term "New Mexico boat license" is also sometimes mistakenly used to refer to
a boat's registration numbers and/or certificate of title.
Q. Do I have to get a Boater Education Card?
A. As of January 1, 2007, all persons born on or
after January 1, 1989 who operate a motorboat on New Mexico waters must have completed
a State of New Mexico and NASBLA-approved safe boating education course. The resulting
New Mexico Boater Education Card must be carried onboard during operation.
Q. What is the minimum age to operate a Powered Vessel including Personal Watercraft
(PWC) in New Mexico?
A. In New Mexico there is a minimum age requirement
for operating a motor powered vessel. The minimum age is 13 years old. Further in
the state of New Mexico, a parent or guardian, or a person at least 18 years of
age designated by the parent or guardian must be present on the vessel while a minor
is operating the vessel.
Moreover there is also a minimum age requirement of 13 years old, for those who
wish to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) also must be accompanied by an adult
while operating a PWC.
No one under the age of 16 may rent a personal watercraft.
Q. How do I get my New Mexico Boater Education Card?
A. You can obtain your New Mexico Boater Education Card in 4 easy steps:
- Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 — free unlimited retries of the final exam
- Study the New Mexico boating safety course manual
- Take the New Mexico online boating exam
- Print off your Certificate of Completion and receive your Boater Education Card in the mail within 3-5 weeks
For a complete overview of the New Mexico online boating exam process, please visit
our New Mexico Online Boater Exam Process page.
Q. What if I don't pass the New Mexico Boating Test?
A. No problem. There is no cost to retry the exam if you do not pass.
You will receive your score and be allowed to review any of your wrong answers.
You can then review the course material and take the exam again at no cost to you.
Q. How much does the exam cost?
A. There is a one-time fee of $34.95 paid to BOATERexam.com®. It includes unlimited attempts at the final exam. It also
gives you access to an instant temporary certificate of completion as well as an
official card that will arrive in the mail in 3-5 weeks. Learn more about BOATERexam.com's Risk-Free Policy.
Q. What payment methods are accepted?
A. We accept payments by VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, PayPal, and Prepaid vouchers.
Q. What is the "Certificate of Completion"?
A. The Certificate of Completion is a temporary proof
of competency and proves that you took a boater education course and passed. This
certificate is valid for 60 days from the date you take your exam and should should
be carried with you when you boat until your permanent Boater Education Card arrives
in the mail.
Q. Is there a time limit to complete the final exam?
A. You can take the final exam at any time, day or night. The exam is not timed but inactive exams will be erased after 24 hours.
Q. Is there a time limit to complete the online course?
A. You can take the online course at any time, day or night. However, courses must be completed within 90 days of payment at which time your access to the course will expire.
Q. How many questions are on the exam?
A. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.
Q. What is the passing grade?
A. The passing grade is 80%, or 48 correct answers out
of 60 questions.