Kentucky Jet Ski License: Do you need a license to drive a jet ski?

Quick Answer: If you are 12-17 years of age and want to drive a jet ski, you will need to take a boater safety course and carry the boater education certificate with you.

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Article Key Takeaways

Ages 12–17 must complete a boater education course and carry the certificate
Minimum age to operate a jet ski: 12 years old
All riders must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket
Towing requires a rear-facing observer (12+) or rearview mirrors
No insurance required by law, but strongly recommended

If you’re planning to ride a jet ski on Kentucky’s lakes and rivers, you might be wondering if you need a special license. Kentucky doesn’t issue a separate “jet ski license,” but there are clear age and boater education requirements you must follow to legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC). This guide covers everything you need to know about the Kentucky Jet Ski License rules, including age limits, safety laws, and other requirements.

Do you need a license to drive a jet ski in Kentucky?

Kentucky does not have a separate license just for jet skis. Instead, the state requires certain operators to carry a Boater Education Certificate.

If you are 12 to 17 years old and operating a motorized vessel (including a jet ski) with more than 10 horsepower, you must complete a state-approved boater safety course.
Once you pass the course, you’ll receive a Kentucky Boater Education Card, which is accepted as your “jet ski license.”
This certificate is valid for life and is recognized in many other states through NASBLA reciprocity agreements.

Adults 18 and older are not required to hold the card, but completing the course is still strongly recommended for safety.

How old do you have to be to drive a jet ski in Kentucky?

To legally operate a jet ski in Kentucky, you must be at least 12 years old.

Ages 12–17: Must complete the boater education course and carry the certificate while operating.
Under 12 years old: Cannot legally operate a jet ski or other motorized vessel over 10 horsepower.
18 and older: No course required, though safety training is encouraged.

This ensures that young operators have the knowledge to safely handle PWCs on Kentucky waterways.

Jet ski laws in Kentucky

Kentucky has additional laws in place to promote safe jet ski operation:

Supervision: Operators under 18 who do not yet have their Boater Education Card must be directly supervised by someone at least 18 years old who has completed the course.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a PWC with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
Right of Way: Jet ski operators must follow the same navigation rules as other vessels, including yielding and safe passing practices.
Registration: All PWCs used primarily in Kentucky must be registered with the local county clerk’s office.

Other jet ski requirements in Kentucky (lifejackets, towing requirements, etc.)

Kentucky law also sets safety equipment and towing rules for jet ski use:

Life Jackets (PFDs):
- All riders on a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
Towing Skiers or Tubers:
- When towing a person on water skis, a tube, or similar device, the jet ski must either have a rear-facing observer at least 12 years old, or be equipped with wide-angle rearview mirrors.
Cut-Off Switch (Lanyard):
- Jet ski operators must attach the engine cut-off lanyard (safety key) to themselves while operating.
Hours of Operation:
- PWCs may not be operated between sunset and sunrise, even if navigation lights are installed.

Do you have to have insurance on a jet ski in Kentucky?

Kentucky law does not require insurance for jet skis or other personal watercraft. However, many owners choose to carry PWC insurance to cover accidents, injuries, or property damage. Some marinas and lenders may also require proof of insurance.