Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: North Dakota does not have a single “boating license” requirement for all recreational boaters. However, youth ages 12–15 must have passed a North Dakota Game and Fish Department–approved boating safety course to operate a motorboat (including a personal watercraft) with more than 10 horsepower without an adult (age 18+) onboard. Boater education is also strongly encouraged for adults and may qualify you for an insurance discount.
In North Dakota, the most commonly recognized “boating license” is a boater education card earned by completing an approved boating safety course. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department offers the Boat North Dakota boater education program with multiple approved ways to complete it (online or paper home-study).
Work through the required lessons and take the final exam. Approved courses cover core safety topics like navigation rules, required equipment, state boating regulations, and responsible operation. Make sure you meet the course requirements and pass the final exam to earn completion.
After you pass, you’ll receive proof of completion (your boater education card/certification). If you complete an approved online course, you can typically print a temporary card right away, and the permanent card is mailed. If you complete the paper manual and mail-in exam, your boater education card is mailed after your passing exam is processed.
North Dakota’s Boat North Dakota program includes approved online course options. Online courses are convenient because you can complete them at your own pace from anywhere. A fee is commonly charged for online courses, and costs depend on the approved provider.
In-person boating safety instruction may be available through local organizations or community programs, but availability varies by location and season. If you choose an in-person class, confirm before enrolling that it is accepted as a North Dakota Game and Fish Department–approved boating safety course.
To ensure your course counts for North Dakota’s boating education requirements:
North Dakota generally recognizes valid boater education cards issued by other states when they are issued by a state agency and based on recognized boating safety education standards. This is especially important for visiting youth ages 12–15 who want to operate a boat or personal watercraft with more than 10 horsepower without an adult onboard.
If you’re visiting North Dakota:
North Dakota’s mandatory boater education requirement is focused on youth operators:
Even if you are not required by law (such as many adults), completing boater education is strongly recommended for safety and confidence on the water.
North Dakota’s key operator rules depend on the operator’s age, engine horsepower, and whether an adult is onboard:
North Dakota’s Boat North Dakota course is intended for students as young as 11½, but a boater education card is not issued until the student is 12.
Most adults do not need a statewide “boating license” to operate a recreational boat in North Dakota. The main mandatory requirement is for youth ages 12–15 operating a motorboat or PWC with more than 10 horsepower without an adult (18+) onboard—they must have passed an approved boating safety course.
The minimum age to be issued a North Dakota boater education card is typically 12 years old. The Boat North Dakota course is intended for students as young as 11½, but a certification card is not issued until the student turns 12.
Costs depend on the option you choose. North Dakota’s paper home-study manual and mail-in exam is offered at no charge. Approved online courses typically have a course fee, and pricing varies by approved provider.
Yes. North Dakota offers approved online boater education options through the Boat North Dakota program. After completing the online course and passing the exam, you can usually print a temporary certification card, and the permanent card is mailed to you.
