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

Minimum Age to Operate a Boat in Wyoming

General Boating Age Requirements

Wyoming’s boating laws draw a clear line at age 16 for operating motorized vessels:

• Under 16 years old:
  • May operate a motorized vessel (including PWCs) only if accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.
• 16 years and older:
  • May operate a motorboat or PWC alone without an adult on board, as long as they comply with all other boating laws (life jackets, equipment, speed, no-wake zones, etc.).
• Non-motorized boats:
  • There is no specific minimum age to operate non-powered craft such as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards, but children should always be closely supervised and wear life jackets.

Wyoming defines a “motorboat” broadly as any watercraft propelled in any respect by machinery powered by an energy source other than human effort. That definition includes PWCs and typical outboard-powered fishing boats, ski boats, and runabouts.

Supervision and Adult-Onboard Requirements

For minors, Wyoming law emphasizes adult supervision on board when operating motorized boats.

• Accompanied by an adult:
  • A person under 16 years of age may operate a motorboat or PWC only when an adult (18+) is physically in or aboard the same vessel and is legally responsible for its operation.
• What “adult” means in Wyoming boating law:
  • For supervision purposes, an adult is a person 18 years or older.
  • The supervising adult is considered responsible for safe operation and may face enforcement action if they allow unsafe or illegal operation by a minor.
• Non-motorized craft:
  • While no adult onboard requirement is written into law for non-powered boats, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to supervise children closely on the water.

Boating License or Education Requirements

Does Wyoming Require a Boating Safety Course?

At this time, Wyoming does not have a statewide mandatory boater education (“boating license”) requirement. There is no specific age or birthdate group that must complete a course before operating a boat on Wyoming waters.

However, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and national boating organizations strongly recommend that all operators complete an approved boating safety course to improve safety and to meet requirements in states that do mandate education. Several online and classroom courses are available through:

• The Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s boating and education pages, which list current options.
• National providers like the BoatUS Foundation, which offers a free online course approved by Wyoming Game & Fish.

Completing an approved course may also help boaters qualify for insurance discounts and ensures they have the knowledge needed to operate in states that require a boater education card.

Age Exceptions and Grandfather Clauses

Because Wyoming does not require mandatory boating education, there are no traditional “grandfather” clauses tied to date of birth—older operators are not treated differently than younger operators when it comes to mandatory education.

• No education-based grandfather rule:
  • There is no birthdate cutoff after which a course is required and before which boaters are exempt. Education is voluntary statewide.
• Optional certification for minors:
  • Wyoming can issue education certificates to minors who complete approved courses, and there is effectively no minimum age for taking an online course if a provider allows youth enrollment.
• Nonresident boaters:
  • Wyoming accepts visiting boaters without requiring additional education; however, nonresidents must still follow Wyoming’s age and supervision rules when operating in the state.

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

Minimum Age to Operate a PWC

In Wyoming, PWCs (jet skis, WaveRunners, Sea-Doos, etc.) are treated as motorboats for age and supervision purposes.

• Under 16 years old:
  • May operate a PWC only if an adult (18+) is on board and responsible for the vessel’s operation.
  • If a PWC is a multi-person craft, the supervising adult must be physically on the same PWC and able to take control if needed.
• 16 years and older:
  • May operate a PWC without an adult on board, as long as they follow all Wyoming boating laws (speed, equipment, PFD use, no-wake zones, and navigation rules).
• Rental PWCs:
  • Rental outfits may impose stricter age or experience rules than state law—such as requiring all PWC operators to be at least 18 or to show a boating safety certificate.
• Horsepower restrictions:
  • Wyoming does not set separate horsepower-based age limits for PWCs; the key distinction is whether the vessel is motorized and whether the operator is under or over 16 with an adult on board.

Penalties for Violating Age Laws

Operating a boat or PWC in Wyoming without meeting the age or supervision rules can result in citations and other penalties.

• Underage operation:
  • If someone under 16 operates a motorboat or PWC without an adult on board, law enforcement may issue a citation and fine.
  • The adult responsible for the vessel (such as the owner, parent, or guardian) may also face enforcement action for allowing illegal operation.
• Other violations:
  • Operating recklessly, failing to carry required safety equipment, or boating under the influence (BUI) can lead to higher fines, possible jail time, and suspension of boating privileges.
• Rental violations:
  • Liveries that rent to clearly underage or unsupervised operators may face additional scrutiny and penalties.

How to Get Certified to Drive a Boat in Wyoming

Steps to Getting Your Boating License

Even though Wyoming does not require a boating safety course, earning a boater education certificate is one of the best ways to become a safer, more confident operator and to meet requirements in other states.

• 1. Enroll in an approved boating safety course.
  Choose a course that is approved by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and NASBLA. Options include:
  • Free online courses from organizations like the BoatUS Foundation.
  • Paid online or classroom courses offered in partnership with Wyoming Game & Fish.
• 2. Study Wyoming-specific boating rules.
  Learn about:
  • Required safety equipment and life jacket (PFD) rules,
  • Navigation rules and right-of-way,
  • No-wake zones and speed rules,
  • PWC-specific rules and towing requirements,
  • Wyoming’s age and supervision laws for minors.
• 3. Pass the final exam.
  At the end of the course, pass the multiple-choice exam testing your knowledge of boating safety and Wyoming regulations.
• 4. Receive your boater education certificate.
  After passing, you will receive a boating safety education certificate (sometimes called a boater education card). Many providers issue a printable temporary certificate while a permanent card is processed.
• 5. Carry proof when operating in states that require it.
  While Wyoming does not mandate the card, other states may. Keep your certificate with you whenever you operate a boat or PWC—especially when traveling outside Wyoming.

Boating Safety Tips for Young Operators

• Always wear a life jacket.
  Everyone on board should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket, and children and teens should wear one at all times on the water.
• Never operate without required adult supervision.
  If you are under 16, do not operate a motorboat or PWC unless the supervising adult is on board, as required by Wyoming law.
• Learn navigation rules and right-of-way basics.
  Understanding who must give way, how to read buoys and markers, and how to maintain a proper lookout drastically reduces your risk of collision.
• Practice in safe, controlled conditions.
  Start on calmer water with light traffic, operate at safe speeds, and build experience before venturing into busier areas or larger lakes and reservoirs.
• Take a boating safety course early.
  Even though Wyoming doesn’t require it, completing a course as soon as you start operating a boat helps you form safe habits and prepares you to boat in other states with mandatory education laws.
• Stay sober and alert.
  Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, balance, and reaction time. Boating under the influence is dangerous and illegal, and supervising adults should always remain sober when on the water.

Summary

In Wyoming, the answer to “How old do you have to be to drive a boat?” is closely tied to motorization and supervision:

• Under 16: May operate a motorboat or PWC only when accompanied on board by an adult at least 18 years old.
• 16 and older: May operate motorboats and PWCs alone, subject to all other boating laws.
• Non-motorized craft: No specific minimum age, but life jackets and close adult supervision are strongly recommended.
• Boating education: Wyoming has no mandatory boater education law, but completing an approved safety course is strongly recommended and may be required in other states or by rental businesses.

By following these age and supervision rules and completing an official boating safety course through a provider like Recademics, boaters in Wyoming can enjoy the state’s lakes and reservoirs more confidently, responsibly, and safely.