How to Get a Boating License in Washington
Individuals born after January 1, 1955 who are at least 12 years old and operate a motorized vessel of 15 horsepower or greater—including all personal watercraft—are required to obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card before operating such vessels in Washington waters. Those unsure whether they fall within the covered population should verify their eligibility with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Recreational Boating Safety Program.
To obtain the card, eligible boaters must complete an accepted NASBLA-approved boater education course or pass an equivalency exam. Upon successful completion of either pathway, boaters receive the Washington State Boater Education Card. The card must be carried at all times while operating a qualifying vessel. For current information on approved courses, testing options, and specific regulatory requirements, boaters should consult the official Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission webpage.
- Confirm whether you're in the population this state covers (cutoff / age band).
- Take the accepted course: Washington State Boater Education Card (state-approved course or equivalency exam).
- 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 Washington → · Full requirements →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Recreational Boating Safety Program) page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.