Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Missouri, a “boating license” typically refers to the Boating Safety Education Card (often called a boater identification card). If you were born after January 1, 1984 and you plan to operate a motorized vessel on Missouri lakes, you must complete a boating safety course that is accepted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Water Patrol Division, then obtain the appropriate proof of education before you operate. Missouri also has minimum-age rules for operating motorboats and personal watercraft (PWCs). Always verify current requirements with the MSHP Water Patrol Division before you go boating.
Select a boating safety course that is accepted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division. Missouri accepts approved classroom courses offered by boating safety organizations and approved course options offered online, as long as the program is recognized/accepted for Missouri boater education.
Work through the course content and pass the final exam (or required assessment). Missouri boating safety courses generally cover:
After you pass an accepted course, obtain your Boating Safety Education Card through the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (or its authorized agent). When you are operating where Missouri’s education law applies, you must have your required proof on the vessel.
Missouri requires boaters who are subject to the education law to carry a valid photo ID along with their Boating Safety Education Card. Missouri also offers an optional “boater identification indicator” that can be added to a Missouri driver license or nondriver ID so you can carry one card instead of two.
If you need a flexible schedule, an accepted online course can be a convenient option. Online courses typically let you study at your own pace, then take the final exam when you’re ready. Pricing varies by provider, and there may be additional state-related card fees when you request your Missouri Boating Safety Education Card.
Missouri offers in-person boating safety instruction through the MSHP Water Patrol Division and other recognized boating-safety organizations. Classroom courses may be offered at scheduled times and locations and often require registration in advance. The MSHP notes that there is typically no fee to take a classroom course conducted by a marine trooper (though you may still need to pay to obtain a state-issued education card).
Missouri’s mandatory boater education law applies to out-of-state boaters operating on Missouri lakes. If you are from another state, you can generally comply by carrying a valid boater education card from your home state, or proof that you completed a boating safety course that meets national standards recognized by state boating agencies.
If you’re visiting Missouri to rent or operate a boat on a lake:
In Missouri, if you were born after January 1, 1984 and you operate a motorized vessel on the lakes of the state, you must possess an appropriate boating safety education credential on the vessel (such as a Missouri Boating Safety Education Card, or another accepted equivalent for visitors).
Also, some boaters may be required to complete or re-take an approved boater education course due to certain boating-law violations or court requirements, even if they have taken a course previously.
Missouri has separate age rules for operating motorboats and personal watercraft (PWCs):
Remember: if you fall under Missouri’s boater education requirement (based on your birthdate and where you’re operating), you must also have the required proof of education available on the vessel.
Missouri does not issue a driver-style “boating driver’s license,” but it does require boating safety education for certain operators. If you were born after January 1, 1984 and you operate a motorized vessel on Missouri lakes, you must have an accepted boating safety education credential on the vessel and carry the required identification.
Any person may take a Missouri boater education course as long as they can understand the material, but Missouri’s operating laws set minimum ages for operating:
Costs can vary depending on how you complete your education:
Yes. Missouri accepts approved online boater education courses. You can complete an accepted online course and pass the exam, then obtain the appropriate proof of education (such as a Missouri Boating Safety Education Card or another accepted credential, depending on your situation) before you operate on Missouri lakes where the education law applies.
