Boating Course & Fees in Mississippi
Mississippi requires boaters to complete an approved boater education course and obtain a Boater Education Certificate. The state accepts courses meeting Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) standards, including the Mississippi Boating Basics program. Completion of an approved course satisfies the state's boater safety education requirement.
The MDWFP-approved course is available at no charge. Prospective boaters should confirm current course availability and any enrollment details through the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website or by contacting the agency directly, as course offerings and procedures may change.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Accepted credential / course | MDWFP-approved Boater Education Certificate (Mississippi Boating Basics) |
| Fees | free (MDWFP course free of charge) |
| Card required? | Education card required |
Course costs vs. card fees
Two different prices are at play: the boater-safety course (often free or low-cost, set by the approved vendor) and any state card or processing fee. Several states offer a free NASBLA-approved course — for example through the BoatUS Foundation — so the card can cost little beyond a small state fee. Vendor prices change, so confirm the current course list and fees on the official state agency page.
Step-by-step: how to get licensed → · Do you need a licence? →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.