Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: To get a New Mexico “boating license” (New Mexico Boater Education Card), you must complete a boating safety course that is approved for New Mexico, pass the required exam, and keep proof of completion on board while you wait for your official card. New Mexico State Parks explains who must have a boater education card, which course formats are accepted, and when temporary certificates or exemptions apply.
Find an approved New Mexico boater safety course →
Start by choosing a boating safety course that is approved for New Mexico. New Mexico State Parks offers multiple options, including classroom instruction and state-approved internet courses. Before you enroll, confirm the course is approved specifically for New Mexico (not just “accepted somewhere” or “national”).
If you are a New Mexico resident, it’s especially important to use a provider that New Mexico State Parks recognizes for residents.
Complete the required lessons and pass the final exam. New Mexico requires a passing exam to earn the boater education credential. Some course formats may include additional testing steps (such as supervised or proctored requirements), so follow the instructions from the approved provider and New Mexico State Parks.
When you finish, you should receive a certificate of completion. If it’s provided electronically, print it and keep it in a safe place.
After you pass, your certificate of completion can serve as temporary proof for a limited time while your official New Mexico Boater Education Card is processed and delivered. Your official boater education card is valid for your lifetime once issued.
Delivery and processing can vary depending on the course option you choose, so keep your course completion documents until your permanent card arrives.
New Mexico offers online boating education through state-approved internet course providers. Online learning is typically self-paced and can be completed from most devices. Fees vary by provider, and New Mexico State Parks notes that some options may be free while others charge a fee set by the provider.
New Mexico State Parks and partner boating safety organizations offer instructor-led classes throughout the state. In-person classes are often scheduled as a full-day session and can be a strong option if you prefer live instruction and the ability to ask questions in real time.
To verify your course is approved in New Mexico:
New Mexico allows non-residents to operate with a current boater education card or certificate issued by another state or country, as long as the credential meets nationally recognized minimum boating education standards. If you’re visiting from out of state, bring your original card or certificate and keep it on board while operating.
New Mexico provides specific exceptions in limited situations, including certain short-term rentals. For example, if you are renting a motorboat for a short period, you may be able to operate without a New Mexico-issued boater education card if you are an authorized operator and have reviewed required safety instructions and boating law information provided by the rental agent.
Also note:
New Mexico requires many recreational boaters to complete boating safety education and carry a boater education card. New Mexico State Parks explains that you are generally required to have a boater education card if you:
New Mexico also lists exemptions and limited-time grace periods. Common examples include (but are not limited to) boating with a qualifying out-of-state credential as a non-resident, certain rental situations after receiving required instruction, and specific short-term grace periods for recent purchases or recent moves.
If you are required to carry a boater education card, you should keep it on board and be prepared to show it to law enforcement on the water.
New Mexico has minimum-age operating rules for motorized boating and supervision requirements for younger operators. In general:
Because age and supervision rules can vary by vessel type and situation, always follow New Mexico’s current regulations for the specific craft you plan to operate.
New Mexico requires many boaters to have a New Mexico Boater Education Card (often referred to as a “boating license”) after completing an approved boating safety course and passing the required exam. If you operate certain types of vessels and meet the state’s criteria, you must carry proof on board while operating.
New Mexico’s boating rules generally require adult onboard supervision for operators under 13 when operating a motorboat. Once a boater is at least 13, they may operate independently if they meet New Mexico’s education requirements and follow all boating laws. You can take a boating safety course earlier so you are prepared to operate legally once you meet the state’s operating rules.
The total cost depends on the course option you choose. New Mexico State Parks notes that some approved options may be free and others charge a fee set by the provider. In addition, if you ever need a replacement for a New Mexico-issued boater education card, there may be a replacement fee.
Yes. New Mexico offers state-approved online boating education through approved internet course providers. You must still meet New Mexico’s exam and issuance requirements, and you should print and carry your completion certificate as temporary proof until your official New Mexico Boater Education Card is delivered.
