How to Get a Boating License in Maryland
In Maryland, boaters born on or after July 1, 1972, are required to carry a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. Those outside this age group should verify their eligibility through the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, as requirements may vary by vessel type or operation.
To obtain the credential, an individual must complete a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). After finishing the course, the person takes a test; upon passing, they receive the Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education. The card is valid for life and is non-revocable. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Police division, oversees the boating education program.
The specific list of approved courses and any updates to state requirements should be confirmed directly on the official Maryland DNR website, as course options and rules may change.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education (NASBLA-approved course); lifetime, non-revocable.
- Pass the test and receive your card or certificate.
- Carry it aboard whenever you operate, and confirm the current rule on the official state page.
Carry the card every time you operate
Once you’ve earned the card, keep it aboard whenever you operate — many states require you to show it on request, and a card from one state is usually honored in another. If you’ll boat across state lines, check each state’s rule, since the covered ages and accepted credentials differ. Always confirm the current requirement on the official state agency page.
Course & fees for Maryland → · Full requirements →
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.