Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Virginia, what many people call a “boating license” is proof that you’ve met the state’s boating safety education requirement. Virginia requires a boating safety course for all operators (regardless of age) of motorboats with an engine of 10 horsepower (hp) or greater, and for personal watercraft (PWC) operators age 14 and older. After you complete an approved course, the course completion certificate or card you receive from the course provider is what you use as proof when operating.
Select a boating safety course that is approved/accepted for Virginia (commonly a NASBLA-approved course accepted by Virginia’s boating authority). This ensures your completion certificate counts toward Virginia’s education requirement for:
Finish the required lessons and pass the final exam (or course completion requirements). Courses typically cover:
If you are an experienced boater, Virginia also allows a proctored equivalency/challenge exam as an alternative to taking a full course.
After you successfully complete an approved course (or pass the challenge exam), you’ll receive a course completion certificate or card. In Virginia, that proof from the course provider is what you must have available while operating a vessel that is subject to the education requirement.
PWC reminder: If you are 14 or 15 and operating a PWC, you must carry proof of boater education on board.
Virginia accepts approved online boating safety courses offered by commercial vendors. These courses are designed to be self-paced and are commonly structured with short lessons, quizzes, and a final exam.
Online courses may be offered in different formats (such as timed courses that require minimum study time or interactive courses that use activities to ensure minimum study time). Always verify the course is accepted for Virginia before you enroll.
Virginia offers classroom-style boating safety education through approved providers. In-person learning can be a good fit if you prefer instructor-led teaching and live Q&A. Virginia may also offer a virtual classroom option that is instructor-led in real time.
Virginia generally recognizes boating safety education certificates from other states when they are NASBLA-approved and accepted for Virginia compliance. If you are visiting Virginia, bring your valid boater education certificate/card and keep it available while operating a vessel that is subject to Virginia’s education requirement.
If you are renting or leasing a motorboat in Virginia, the rental business may provide required training documentation for operation. Rental companies can also have additional policies (such as minimum age, supervision rules, or local operating restrictions) that you must follow.
If you recently purchased and registered a boat in Virginia, you may see a temporary operator’s certificate (TOC) indicated on a new boat registration, which can allow the registered owner to operate for a limited time while completing the education requirement. This is a short-term option and is not a substitute for completing boater education when required.
Virginia requires boating safety education (proof of course completion or an accepted equivalency option) for:
To comply, an operator typically meets the requirement by completing an approved course and carrying the course completion certificate/card while operating. Virginia also provides equivalency options for certain operators (such as a proctored challenge exam or other accepted credentials).
Virginia’s age rules are especially important for personal watercraft (PWCs):
For motorboats with 10 hp or greater, Virginia’s education requirement applies to operators regardless of age, so younger operators should ensure they can meet the education requirement and any additional supervision or rental policies that may apply.
Virginia doesn’t issue a driver-style “boat license,” but it does require boating safety education for certain operators. If you operate a motorboat with 10 hp or greater (any age) or a PWC at age 14+, you must complete an approved boating safety course (or meet an accepted equivalency option) and keep proof available while operating.
Virginia’s education requirement applies to motorboats with 10 hp or greater regardless of age. For PWCs, Virginia sets clear operator age limits: you must be at least 16, or you may operate at 14–15 only if you have completed an approved boating safety course and carry proof on board. Operators under 14 may not operate a PWC.
Virginia’s requirement is met through boating safety education, so the cost depends on the course option you choose. Some classroom options (such as Virginia’s Boat Virginia course and certain instructor-led offerings) may be available at no charge, while other providers (including many online courses) may charge a course fee. Your proof of compliance is typically the completion certificate/card from the provider.
Yes. Virginia accepts approved online boating safety courses from commercial vendors (when the course is accepted for Virginia compliance). After you complete the course and pass the final exam, you’ll receive a course completion certificate/card to use as your proof while operating.
