Q. What is the Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate?
A. The Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate (also known as the Wisconsin Boating License or boaters license) is proof that you have met the mandatory boat safety education requirements for the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate is good for life and does not need to be renewed.
Q. Boating License or Boater Safety Certificate... is there a difference?
A.The boater education card is proof that you have successfully completed a boating safety course. The boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Therefore, it is NOT a Wisconsin Boating License!
Q. I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate?
A. Yes. You are not required to have a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater education card.
Q. How can I get my Wisconsin Boating License?
A. You can obtain your Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate in 4 easy steps:
- Pay the one-time course fee of $34.95—free unlimited retries of the final exam
- Study the Wisconsin Boating Safety Course and take the final exam
- Contact the DNR office to receive a DNR number if you do not already have one
- Print your permanent certificate right away
Q. Who needs a Wisconsin boater license?
A. Any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) who was born on or after January 1, 1989 must have a valid Wisconsin Boating Safety Certificate (boating license). For more information please consult the Wisconsin boating laws and regulations page.
Q. How long is the boat safety course and boater license good for?
A. The boater license is good for life.
Q. What is a Wisconsin DNR number and how do I get one?
A. The Wisconsin DNR number is a lifetime customer number that is issued when you purchase a license or certificate from the DNR. This 9-digit number is located on all DNR licenses, certificates, and permits, including hunting & fishing licenses, as well as snowmobile or ATV registrations.
Before you can purchase your boating license, you must provide us with your DNR number. The DNR will NOT send you a boating safety certificate if you do not have a DNR number. If you do not currently have a DNR number or do not know your number, you can obtain your DNR number online.
More information on obtaining a Wisconsin DNR Customer Number »
Q. How much does the boat safety course cost?
A. There is a one-time fee of $34.95 paid to BOATERexam.com®. It includes unlimited free attempts at the final exam. Learn more about BOATERexam.com's Risk-Free Policy.
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.What do I need to pass the boating license test?
A. You need a grade of 80% or higher on the boating license test to pass. That means 48 correct answers out of 60.
Q. Can I review my Boater Exam answers?
A. Yes, once you have completed the boating license test and submitted all your answers they are graded immediately. You have the opportunity to review all your Boater Exam answers, whether you have passed or failed the Boater Exam.
Q. Are there Boater Exam practice tests or sample boater exam questions available?
A. Throughout the boat safety course, you can take end-of-chapter-quizzes that prepare you for the final exam. These chapter quizzes are short boater exam practice tests that cover the same topics that are present in the boating license test.
Q. Is anyone exempt from obtaining the Wisconsin Boater License?
A. Yes, there are certain exemptions from the boat safety education requirement. For more information, check out the Wisconsin Boating Laws page.