Boating License Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires boaters born on or after July 1, 1972, to hold a Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft. The certificate is obtained through a NASBLA-approved course and remains valid for life without renewal. Operators of personal watercraft must be at least 16 years old to use the certificate; motorboat operators born on or after the specified date must carry the certificate regardless of age, though no statutory minimum operating age applies to motorboats themselves. Maryland recognizes boating safety certificates from other states under reciprocity agreements.
Regulations governing boating licenses and education requirements change periodically and vary by jurisdiction. Anyone planning to operate a vessel in Maryland should confirm the current requirements and any recent updates on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or by contacting the Natural Resources Police directly. This overview is factual information only and does not constitute legal advice; operators should verify all applicable rules before getting underway.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Education card required? | Education card required |
| Who needs it | born on or after July 1, 1972 |
| Minimum operating age | PWC: 16 (with certificate); motorboat: no statutory minimum but operator must hold the certificate if born on/after July 1 1972 |
| Accepted credential | Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education (NASBLA-approved course); lifetime, non-revocable |
| Reciprocity (other states' cards) | yes |
| Rental / livery rule | Non-resident renters covered by visitor exemptions (out-of-state numbered vessel 60 days or less; foreign visitor 90 days or less); liveries must provide rental-vessel safety information |
| Fees | no state certificate/application fee; course cost varies by vendor (~$40; BoatUS free option) |
| Administering agency | Maryland DNR, Natural Resources Police |
Confirm before you operate. This is informational only, not legal advice. The official state boating-law agency page is the authoritative source for who needs a card and how to get it.
What a boater-education card proves
A boater-education card shows you’ve passed a NASBLA-approved safety course covering navigation rules, required equipment and emergencies — it is not a driver’s-license-style test of skill. Most states accept an approved card from any state, but who must carry one, and from what age, is set state by state. Check the rule below, then confirm it on the official state agency page before you head out.
Full requirements for Maryland → · Course & fees → · How to get licensed →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Maryland DNR, Natural Resources Police page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.