Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In Washington, what many people call a “boating license” is a Washington State Boater Education Card. If you are 12 or older, were born after January 1, 1955, and operate a boat with a 15-horsepower (hp) or greater motor, you are required to complete a state-approved boating safety course (or equivalency exam) and carry a Boater Education Card. After passing, your completion certificate acts as a temporary card for 60 days, and you then apply for the official Washington Boater Education Card through Washington State Parks.
Start by selecting a boating safety course that is state-approved for Washington. Washington State Parks recognizes multiple approved options, including online and in-person formats. The key is making sure the course is accepted for Washington’s Boater Education Card requirement.
Work through the course content and pass the final exam (or pass an approved equivalency exam). When you successfully complete the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Print it if it’s provided electronically.
In Washington, your Certificate of Completion serves as a temporary card for 60 days from the date you finish the course. To receive your permanent Washington State Boater Education Card, you typically submit a Boater Education Card application, a copy of your completion certificate, and the required fee to Washington State Parks. Some approved course providers can issue the Washington Boater Education Card directly, which means you may not need to mail an application separately.
Washington offers several state-approved online course options. Online courses are a convenient choice if you want to study at your own pace and complete the exam when you’re ready. Depending on the provider, you may either:
Washington also offers instructor-led boating safety classes. In-person courses are helpful if you prefer a classroom environment, want to ask questions in real time, or would like locally focused guidance. Course length, cost, and scheduling vary by instructor and organization.
If you have a valid boater education card from another state, Washington State Parks may accept it, but you may need to contact the state to confirm it’s valid in Washington. In many cases, visiting boaters can operate in Washington without obtaining a Washington card if they are boating in the state for less than 60 days.
Washington provides a few important visitor and rental-related rules to know:
You are required by law to carry a Washington State Boater Education Card if you:
You do not need to carry a Boater Education Card in certain situations, including (but not limited to):
Washington has clear operator age rules for powerboats and personal watercraft:
Washington does not issue a driver-style “boat license,” but many operators must carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. If you are 12 or older, born after January 1, 1955, and operate a boat with a 15 hp or greater motor, you are required to have it.
For Washington’s Boater Education Card requirement, the rules apply starting at age 12 (for those born after January 1, 1955) when operating a motorboat with 15 hp or more. For personal watercraft, you must be at least 14 to operate.
The Washington State Parks fee for a commission-issued Boater Education Card is $10, and the fee for a replacement card is $5. Course fees vary by provider, and some online options may add a small handling or processing fee.
Yes. Washington has state-approved online boating safety courses. After you complete the course and pass the exam, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion (temporary proof for 60 days), and then you either apply for the official Washington Boater Education Card through Washington State Parks or receive the card directly through an authorized provider.
