Before embarking on your next boating adventure, ensure that you're not breaking any licensing laws. Different areas have different rules, which leads to the question: Do I need a license to rent a boat?
And the short answer is – that it depends. Whether you need a license varies from state to state, but a few other factors also come into play, which we'll dive deeper into.
Overview: Do I Need a License to Rent a Boat?
Simply put, each state has its own rules, and you must follow the rules of the state where you're boating. Here are a few of the different restrictions to keep in mind:
Age Restrictions
The most common limitation in terms of boating licensure is age. Many states have age limits on who can drive boats – with or without an adult. These can be found on the local State Department's website.
Usually, you have to be between 12 and 14 years old, but sometimes it can be older or younger. Additionally, some only require a certificate of completion from a boating safety course, while others need a license.
Vessel Size and Power
In some states, the licensing requirements depend on the boat's horsepower and physical size. Usually, the threshold for power restrictions is around 10hp. All this information can also be found on the state-approved websites.
Past Violations
Lastly, your licensing requirements may change if you have prior boating violations or convictions. The court or county where the violation occurred can provide additional information on any restrictions, so check with them first!
State Considerations: Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat
Probably the biggest factor in the question: Do you need a boating license to rent a boat – is what state you're in. And while licenses aren't always needed, most states require people who drive recreational boats to prove that they've taken and passed a boating safety course.
The U.S. Coast Guard provides valuable Boating Education Requirements for state licenses that include the following:
States that require boating safety education:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin.
States that don't require boating safety education:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
You can also use helpful resources like this interactive map from the Discover Boating website. But remember that even those states that don't require boating safety education have other requirements you must adhere to.
These additional limitations include:
- Life Jacket Requirements
- Minimum Age to Operate a Vessel
- Minimum Age to Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
- Boat Trailer Registration Requirements
Check the information for your state on our map page!
Where to Get A Boating License
To get your boating license, you need to follow a few steps. Find out your state requirements, complete a safety course (either virtually or in person), pass the test, and submit payment. And, of course, always have your boat license or completion certificate while on the water!
Read Next: How to Get a Boating License
Test the Waters: Why Renting a Boat is a Great Starting Point
After you successfully get your boating license, consider renting a boat to learn the ropes before you buy! It's like test driving a car, except you're just starting to drive and need to know how a vehicle operates – and how to maintain it.
The easiest way to rent a boat is to use our nifty boat rentals tool or conduct research before you begin your search. We always advise new boaters to determine what they want to do with their vessel first because this will tell them what type of boat to look for.
All The Answers: Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat
By now, you must know that it all varies based on location. So, keep that in mind when you're traveling and planning to rent a vessel. Also, remember that the fishing license requirements vary by state, so check those before angling. And, of course, happy boating!
