Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Quick answer: In West Virginia, anyone born on or after December 31, 1986 must complete an approved boating safety education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on West Virginia waters. After you successfully complete the course requirements, you’ll receive a Boater Education Card (often called a “boating license”) that you should keep with you when you operate.
Start by selecting a boating safety education course that West Virginia recognizes. West Virginia accepts boating safety instruction administered by approved organizations and instructors, including state-run options and nationally recognized boating safety organizations.
If you’re taking a course to satisfy the legal requirement (for operators born on or after December 31, 1986), make sure the course completion results in a boating safety education certificate/card that is accepted in West Virginia.
Course formats vary, but most approved programs cover the same core topics, such as:
Online courses typically require you to study the material and pass a final exam. In-person classes may include instructor-led training and a test or skills assessment at the end.
After you successfully complete an approved course, you’ll receive proof of completion (your Boater Education Card/certificate). Keep it accessible—many boaters store a protected copy with their boating documents and carry their card (or an acceptable proof) whenever they operate.
If you later lose your card, West Virginia provides a process to request a duplicate.
An online boating safety course can be a convenient way to complete the requirement on your schedule. Approved online options generally include interactive lessons followed by a final exam. Online providers often charge a vendor fee, and the total time to complete can vary depending on the student.
Online courses are a popular choice for adults and teens who need flexibility and want to complete the course from home.
West Virginia also offers in-person boating education options. These classes are typically instructor-led and are often available at scheduled times and locations around the state. In-person courses can be a great fit if you prefer classroom learning, want the ability to ask questions in real time, or are new to boating.
Some in-person boater education classes may be offered at no cost, depending on the program.
Before you enroll, verify that the course is accepted in West Virginia by using at least one of the following checks:
This step matters most if you’re taking an online course or an out-of-state course and want to ensure your card will be valid on West Virginia waters.
West Virginia recognizes boating safety education certificates issued by other states, as long as the certificate was earned through an approved course. This is helpful for visitors who already completed a boating safety course at home.
Even if your out-of-state card is accepted, you must still follow West Virginia’s operating rules (including age-related operation restrictions and any local waterway rules).
If you’re visiting West Virginia and plan to rent a boat or PWC, rental businesses may have additional requirements. Depending on the type of rental, you may be asked to:
For personal watercraft rentals, renters should expect stricter rules and age limitations. If you’re planning a trip, check with the rental facility in advance so you know what documentation you’ll need on arrival.
In West Virginia, the boating safety education requirement is based on your date of birth and the type of vessel you operate.
This requirement applies to operation of motorboats and PWCs. Non-motorized paddling activities may have different rules, so confirm requirements if you’re using a canoe, kayak, or similar craft—especially if you’re renting equipment or boating in a regulated area.
West Virginia also has age-based restrictions for operating motorboats and personal watercraft:
These age rules apply in addition to the boater education requirement. In other words, a younger operator may need both adult supervision (or qualify for a narrow exception) and the appropriate education documentation depending on the situation.
West Virginia requires boating safety education for operators born on or after December 31, 1986 who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on West Virginia waters. If you meet that requirement, you must complete an approved course and carry your Boater Education Card (your “boating license” for practical purposes).
You can complete a boating safety course at a young age, but West Virginia’s operating rules matter most on the water: operators must be at least 12 years old to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft, and ages 12–14 generally require an adult (18+) aboard, with a limited low-horsepower exception for certain motorboats.
The cost depends on the course option you choose. Some in-person courses may be offered free, while approved online courses typically charge a vendor fee. If you need a replacement/duplicate Boater Education Card later, there is usually an additional fee for the duplicate card process.
Yes. West Virginia allows approved online boating safety education courses that meet the state’s requirements. After completing the online course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive proof of completion/your Boater Education Card that can be used to satisfy West Virginia’s boating education requirement (if you are required to have one).
