Missouri Boating Regulations and Laws

The Missouri Boater Certification Card (also referred to as the Missouri boating license) is proof that a boater has taken and passed an approved boater education course. The Missouri State Water Patrol currently has a mandatory boater education requirement that requires all boaters born on or after January 1, 1984 who operate a powered vessel to have the Missouri boating license on board when the vessel is underway to satisfy the Missouri boating regulations.

Many boating fatalities occur because boaters aren't educated about boating safety. The Missouri State Water Patrol believes that an educated boater is a safer boater.