How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Boat in New Mexico?

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in New Mexico

General Boating Age Requirements

Under New Mexico boating regulations, “motorboat” covers most powered vessels, including personal watercraft (PWCs) such as Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners. State rules say that no person under the age of 13 may operate a motorboat unless an adult is on board and supervising.

This means:

• Under 13 years old: May operate a motorboat or PWC only if an adult is physically on board the vessel and directly supervising.
• 13 years and older: May operate a motorboat or PWC without an adult on board, as long as they comply with all licensing/education and safety requirements.

New Mexico law does not set a higher minimum age specifically for larger motorboats; the same rule applies to all motorboats on state waters, including most sailboats that are classed as motorboats under the education rules.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

For operators under 13, New Mexico requires onboard adult supervision. In practice, this means:

• The supervising adult must be on the same vessel, not in another boat or on shore.
• The adult must be able to take immediate control of the boat if needed.
• The adult is responsible for ensuring that the vessel is operated safely and in compliance with state boating laws.

New Mexico regulations refer to “adult” supervision but do not spell out a different age threshold in the boating summaries. In most legal contexts, an adult is someone 18 or older, and boaters should treat it that way unless the New Mexico Administrative Code or State Parks officials provide more specific guidance. If there is any doubt, contact New Mexico State Parks or review the most current version of 18.17.2 NMAC before allowing a minor to operate.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does New Mexico Require a Boating Safety Course?

Yes. New Mexico uses a boater education card system rather than a traditional “license,” but the effect is similar. Under 18.17.4 NMAC, any person born on or after January 1, 1989 who operates a motorboat on New Mexico waters must have a New Mexico boater education card on board, unless they fall under one of the limited exemptions.

In practical terms:

• Born before January 1, 1989: A boater education card is not required by law, but a boating safety course is strongly recommended.
• Born on or after January 1, 1989: Must carry a valid New Mexico boater education card (or accepted equivalent) while operating a motorboat or PWC, whether they are 13, 16, 25, or 35 years old, unless an exemption applies.

To earn the card, boaters must successfully complete a NASBLA-approved, state-certified boating safety course or an approved equivalency exam.

Course options typically include in-person classes, online courses, and approved correspondence courses. Boaters should always confirm that any course they take is recognized by New Mexico State Parks before enrolling.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

New Mexico’s education rules include several important exceptions and “grandfather” style provisions:

• Born before January 1, 1989: Not required to carry a boater education card, regardless of age or vessel type, though they must still follow all other boating laws.
• USCG-licensed operators: A valid U.S. Coast Guard marine operator license that covers the vessel being operated can substitute for the boater education card.
• Nonresident boaters: Nonresidents may operate if they carry a current boater education card or certificate from another state or country whose requirements meet NASBLA minimum standards.
• Recently purchased boat: A person who has purchased a motorboat within the past 30 days may operate if they carry the bill of sale or registration showing the purchase date, even if their card has not yet been issued.
• New residents: New residents are given a short grace period to obtain a New Mexico boater education card; during that time they must carry recognized proof of competency allowed by the regulations.
• Rental boats and dockside safety checklist: For short-term rentals (30 days or less), renters born on or after January 1, 1989 may operate after reviewing and signing the state’s dockside safety checklist provided by the rental agent. This fulfills the education requirement for the duration of that rental period only.

Even when an exemption applies, taking a full boating safety course is strongly recommended, especially for young or inexperienced operators.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Drive a Jet Ski (PWC) in New Mexico?

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

New Mexico law defines a personal watercraft (PWC)Class A motorboat less than 16 feet in length, designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel rather than inside it. Examples include Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners.

Because PWCs are treated as motorboats, the same age and education rules apply:

• Under 13 years old: May not operate a PWC unless an adult is on board and supervising.
• 13 and older, born on or after January 1, 1989: May operate a PWC alone, but must carry a valid boater education card (or accepted equivalent) on board.
• All PWC operators: Must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket and meet equipment and operation requirements listed in New Mexico’s rules.

There is no separate, higher minimum age written specifically for PWCs in New Mexico law—if a young operator is allowed to operate a motorboat, the same rules apply to a jet ski or other PWC.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Operating a boat or PWC in violation of New Mexico age or education rules is a boating law violation. While specific fine amounts can vary by case and court, consequences may include:

• Citation and monetary fines for the operator and/or supervising adult.
• Orders to correct the violation before continuing to operate (for example, requiring a qualified adult to take over the vessel).
• Possible seizure of the vessel in serious or repeated violations.
• Additional charges if the violation is connected to reckless or negligent operation, operating under the influence, or a boating accident.

Boating laws are enforced by New Mexico State Parks marine law enforcement officers, as well as other state and local law-enforcement agencies. They may stop and board vessels to verify compliance with age, safety equipment, and education requirements.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in New Mexico

Steps to Getting Your Boating License (Boater Education Card)

If you were born on or after January 1, 1989 and plan to operate a motorboat or PWC in New Mexico, you will typically follow these steps:

• 1. Take an approved boating safety course. Choose a NASBLA-approved, New Mexico–certified course. Providers offer in-person classes, online courses, and correspondence options that meet New Mexico’s curriculum standards.
• 2. Study New Mexico–specific boating laws. Courses include general boating information plus a required section on New Mexico laws, navigation rules, required equipment, and emergency procedures.
• 3. Pass the final exam. To receive credit, you must pass the exam (or equivalency test) with the minimum score required by New Mexico State Parks.
• 4. Receive your boater education card. After successfully completing the course or exam, you receive proof of competency and can apply for or receive your official New Mexico boater education card.
• 5. Carry proof while operating. You must carry your New Mexico boater education card (or accepted equivalent license or certificate) on board whenever you operate a motorboat or PWC.

Recademics offers boating safety courses designed to align with New Mexico’s education requirements so you can earn your boater education card and operate legally on New Mexico waters.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

Legal minimum ages and certificates are only part of safe boating. New and young boaters in New Mexico should also follow these best practices:

• Always wear a life jacket. New Mexico requires children 12 and under to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while underway, and PWC operators of any age must wear one.
• Never operate without required adult supervision. If you are under 13, an adult must be on board and ready to take over the controls.
• Take your boating safety course early. Completing a certified course as soon as you become eligible helps you understand local hazards, lake rules, and navigation basics before operating on your own.
• Learn navigation and right-of-way rules. Know who must give way, how to operate in no-wake zones, and how to share the water with swimmers, paddlers, and anglers.
• Respect weather and water conditions. New Mexico reservoirs can see sudden wind and wave changes; check forecasts and head in early if conditions worsen.
• Never mix alcohol and boating. It is illegal and dangerous to operate a motorboat or PWC while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Summary

To recap, in New Mexico the key age rules for operating a boat are:

• Under 13 years old: May operate a motorboat or PWC only with an adult on board providing direct supervision.
• 13 and older: May operate alone if they follow all safety and boater education rules.
• Born on or after January 1, 1989: Must carry a New Mexico boater education card (or accepted equivalent) when operating a motorboat or PWC, with limited exceptions for rentals, recent purchases, nonresidents, and USCG-licensed operators.

These rules apply to both traditional powerboats and jet skis, which New Mexico treats as Class A motorboats. Age and education requirements help keep New Mexico’s lakes and rivers safe for everyone.

If you or your family are planning to boat in New Mexico, completing an official boating safety course through Recademics is one of the best ways to understand the law, earn your boater education card, and build the skills you need to operate confidently and responsibly on the water.