Do You Need a Boating License in Maryland?

Boating License Requirements in Maryland

Who Is Required to Hold a Boater Education Card

You must have a Maryland boating safety education certificate if:

• You were born on or after July 1, 1972, and
• You operate any numbered or documented motorized vessel on Maryland waters (includes PWCs).

If you are required to be certified, you must carry your card on board and show it to law enforcement on request.

Read: Maryland Jet Ski License

Vessel Types That Require a Boating License

The education requirement applies to operators (born on or after July 1, 1972) of:

• All numbered or documented motorboats, regardless of length or horsepower.
• Personal watercraft (PWCs) such as jet skis and WaveRunners.

You do not need a boating safety card for non-motorized craft such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, or sailboats without engines, although all operators must still follow Maryland safety and equipment laws.

Exemptions to the License Requirement

A boating safety education certificate is generally not required if:

• You were born before July 1, 1972.
• You are 16 or older, reside in another U.S. state, are visiting Maryland for 60 days or less, and operate a vessel properly numbered in your home state.
• You are visiting for 90 days or less on a vessel from a foreign country.
• You operate a vessel only on a body of water located entirely on private property.
• You hold a U.S. Coast Guard commercial vessel operator’s license or are operating a vessel exclusively for commercial purposes.

Read: Do You Need a License to Rent a Boat in Maryland?

Even if you are exempt, completing a boating safety course is strongly encouraged.

How to Get a Boating License in Maryland

To meet Maryland’s requirement, you must complete a Maryland Department of Natural Resources–approved boating safety course.

Read: How to Get a Boating License in Maryland

Out-of-State Boaters and Reciprocity Rules

Are Out-of-State Boater Cards Valid in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland generally recognizes NASBLA-approved boating safety certificates issued by other states and accepted Canadian cards. If your out-of-state card meets NASBLA standards and you follow Maryland’s age and vessel rules, you do not need a separate Maryland card.

Special Rules for Tourists and Seasonal Operators

• Tourists must obey the same age, speed, equipment, and PWC rules as residents.
• Local authorities may have special rules or restrictions on specific waters, such as Deep Creek Lake.
• Seasonal boaters who regularly use Maryland waters are encouraged to complete a full boating safety course, even if temporarily exempt.

Penalties for Operating Without a Required License

Fines and Enforcement Actions

Operating a motorized vessel without the required boating safety certificate is a violation of Maryland law. Possible consequences include:

• Citations and monetary fines.
• Being ordered off the water until in compliance.
• Additional penalties for related violations (reckless operation, overloading, or boating under the influence).

Repeated or serious offenses can lead to higher penalties and, in some cases, criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a License to Rent a Boat in Maryland?

Many rental liveries also have their own policies that may require proof of education from all operators, even when the law does not.

Are Jet Skis and PWCs Covered by the Same Rules?

Yes. PWCs are treated as motorized vessels under Maryland law.

Is My Out-of-State Boater Card Accepted in Maryland?

In most cases, yes. Maryland honors NASBLA-approved boating safety certificates from other states and accepts Canadian cards.