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Pennsylvania

How to Replace a Lost Pennsylvania Boating Certificate

Quick Answer

To replace a lost Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate, submit the PFBC’s Duplicate Safety Certificate Application Form with a $5 fee. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. Contact the PFBC at (888) 723-4741 for help verifying your certification status in the meantime.

Learn more about the Pennsylvania boating license and certificate requirements.

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

  1. Download the Duplicate Safety Certificate Application Form from the PFBC website at pa.gov.
  2. Fill out the form with your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and the approximate date you completed the original course.
  3. Include a check or money order for $5, payable to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
  4. Mail the completed form and payment to the address on the form.
  5. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing and delivery of your replacement card.

What to Do While You Wait

While your replacement card is being processed, you may need to operate your boat. Here are your options:

  • Contact the PFBC at (888) 723-4741 or (717) 705-7851 to request verification of your certification. They may be able to provide documentation you can carry on board temporarily.
  • If you completed your course through an online provider like Recademics, check whether the provider can reissue your temporary certificate or provide a digital copy of your completion record.
  • Keep any emails, receipts, or records from your original course completion. While these may not satisfy a formal inspection, they demonstrate good faith.

Replacement Fees and Payment

The PFBC charges a flat $5 fee per replacement certificate. Payment must be by check or money order — the PFBC does not currently accept online payments for replacement cards.

There is no limit on the number of replacements you can request, but each one costs $5 and requires a new application.

Preventing Future Loss

  • Take a clear photo of both sides of your card and store it on your phone.
  • Keep a photocopy in your boat’s document holder alongside your registration card.
  • If your course provider offers digital access to your certificate, save that information.
  • Consider laminating or using a protective sleeve if you carry the card frequently.

Do You Need to Retake the Course?

No. Your certification record is maintained by the PFBC permanently. Losing your card does not invalidate your certification, and you do not need to retake the boating safety course. The replacement card confirms your existing certification.

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Recademics

Recademics is a nationally recognized provider of outdoor recreation safety education, offering online certification courses for boating, hunter education, bowhunter education, off-highway vehicles (OHV/off-road), snowmobiles, and personal watercraft (PWC). Our courses are built around nationally established standards and regulatory frameworks, with alignment to NASBLA (boater education) and IHEA-USA (hunter and bowhunter education).

We currently have more than 26 state-approved courses issued directly by state agencies across the United States, including approvals in Texas, New York, Florida, California, Georgia, Alabama plus many more & with additional states pending. Every course is developed and maintained by subject-matter specialists, instructional designers, and state-reviewing authorities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and a high-quality learning experience.

Recademics focuses on clear instruction, accuracy, and straightforward pathways to certification for outdoor enthusiasts across multiple disciplines. Our goal is simple: make it easier to get certified, stay compliant, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

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