Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Louisiana, you get a “boating license” (Boater Education Card / proof of completing a boating safety course) by successfully completing a boating safety course approved for Louisiana and then carrying proof of completion when you operate. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) requires boaters born after January 1, 1984 to complete an approved boater education course to operate (1) a motorboat over 10 horsepower (with a limited on-board adult exception) and (2) any personal watercraft (PWC), and Louisiana also requires PWC operators to be at least age 16.
Start by choosing a boating safety course that meets Louisiana’s requirements. LDWF provides approved options (including free choices), and Louisiana law also recognizes boating safety courses approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) for meeting the mandatory education requirement for motorboats over 10 horsepower for boaters born after January 1, 1984.
Complete all required lessons and pass the final exam. LDWF’s boater education options typically require you to achieve a passing score on the course exam to receive proof of completion.
After passing, you’ll receive proof of completion (often a temporary certificate right away, depending on the course format). Keep your proof of completion with you while operating. LDWF also allows you to add a Boater Education endorsement to your Louisiana driver’s license (at no charge when you renew) so you don’t have to carry a separate boater education card as long as you have your driver’s license with you.
Louisiana allows approved online boating safety courses. LDWF identifies a free online option through the BoatUS Foundation and may list other approved online providers as well. Because approved providers can change, always verify current approval before enrolling.
LDWF offers a free, in-person boater education course that satisfies Louisiana’s mandatory boater education requirements. These classes are typically completed in a single day and are taught by LDWF law enforcement agents and trained volunteer instructors. Registration is commonly handled through the LouisianaOutdoors system.
Louisiana accepts qualifying out-of-state boater education credentials for visitors. In general, an out-of-state certificate that shows it is NASBLA-approved is commonly accepted, and Louisiana also recognizes certain nationally issued credentials (such as those from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and America’s Boating Club/Power Squadrons).
If you are visiting Louisiana, make sure you meet Louisiana’s age rules and carry your boater education proof (and photo ID, if available) while operating. Also note that Louisiana law includes a specific rental “boat livery” pathway for some renters age 18+ in certain situations: if the rental operator provides approved safety instruction materials (including an LDWF-approved safety video), and you sign and carry the required rental documentation, you may be authorized to operate within a limited time window under the statute. Always confirm the exact requirements with the rental company and LDWF, and do not assume a rental automatically removes the education requirement.
In Louisiana, if you were born after January 1, 1984, you must successfully complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower, and you must carry proof of completion while operating. LDWF also allows a limited exception for motorboats over 10 horsepower if you are accompanied by someone age 18+ who has completed the required boater education course (when required). This exception does not apply to personal watercraft (PWC). If you were born after January 1, 1984, you must complete an approved boater education course to operate a PWC, and you must be at least age 16 to operate a PWC in Louisiana. U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains are exempt from the mandatory boater education requirement for operating a motorboat or PWC.
If you were born after January 1, 1984, Louisiana generally requires you to complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower and to operate any personal watercraft (PWC). You must also carry proof of completion while operating. Some limited exceptions can apply for motorboats (such as the on-board adult exception described by LDWF and Louisiana law), but that exception does not apply to PWCs.
LDWF allows youth under age 10 to take a course, but they are not eligible to be certified until age 10 or older (and must retake the course to be certified). Separately, Louisiana requires PWC operators to be at least 16 years old.
Costs depend on the course option you choose. Louisiana offers free boater education options (including LDWF’s in-person course and an approved free online option), while other approved providers may charge a fee. If you need to replace your proof of completion, Louisiana generally directs boaters to manage replacements through their LouisianaOutdoors account, and any replacement fees (if applicable) depend on the credential type and issuance process.
Yes. Louisiana allows approved online boater education courses. You’ll complete the course content, pass the final exam, and receive proof of completion—then you must carry that proof while operating when Louisiana requires it.
