Who is Exempt from California Boating License Requirements in 2025?

You're looking forward to taking the boat out on the waterways where you live or vacation in California this season. It's almost time (if you haven't already launched this season), and we believe it's going to be an excellent boating season this year!

One thing before you head out: do you have your California Boater Card?

You might not realize that as of January 1, 2025, the question of "who is exempt from California boating license" requirements becomes very simple. If you plan to operate a vessel with a motor (including a jet ski), you need a boater education card.

How can you get your card quickly? What can happen if you take your pontoon or fishing boat out without a boating license? Keep reading to find out!

California Boater Card Requirements in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, all motorized boat operators in California, regardless of age, must possess a California Boater Card. This means if you plan to ride your jet ski or enjoy any boat with a motor, you need a boater card.

2025 ends the previous phased-in approach for boaters to "ease into" the boater education and card requirements. Previously, specific age groups had to get a card, starting with younger boaters first at the start of the phases in 2018.

So, if you were waiting until the last possible moment to get your card, the time is now.

Who Is Exempt from California Boating License Requirements?

While the state doesn't refer to a boater card as a "license," it is essentially a permit allowing you to drive a motorized vessel legally. The card shows that you've passed a state-approved boater education safety course and you understand how to navigate the waters responsibly.

However, there are a few exemptions from the boater card requirements:

• Non-residents with a boater card from another state
• Boaters renting a motorized boat and operating it on a short-term or temporary basis (less than 60 days)
• Anyone operating a commercial vessel with a valid maritime, commercial fishing license, or Coast Guard license
• Government personnel operating watercraft for official duties, like rescue or law enforcement
• Young boaters under the age of 18, while supervised by an adult who has a valid California Boater card
• Anyone driving a vessel in an organized boat race, regatta, or water ski race

Exemptions also apply to boaters on non-motorized craft, like a canoe, fishing kayak, or paddleboard.

What's the Age Requirement?

The California Boater Card age requirement is 16 years old and older for operating vessels with motors of 15 hp or more.

However, kids between the ages of 12-15 can operate vessels with motors of 15 hp or more as long as they are accompanied and supervised by someone 18 or older with a boater education card.

So, essentially, if you're old enough to have a driver's license, you need a boater education card if you live and boat in California.

How to Get Your California Boater Card

The good news is, it's easy to get your boater card!

In fact, it's as easy as taking an online boater course through BOATERexam, passing the final exam, and applying for the card.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Complete a state-approved boater education course (like BOATERexam). You can also take an in-person course if you prefer.
• Pass the final exam.
• Submit your application to get your card through the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW)
• Pay the one-time fee of $10
• Get your card!

The California Boater Card is good for life — it never expires! So, you only have to go through the course and exam once; then, you're "licensed" to operate a boat in California for as long as you want to enjoy the waterways — whether you prefer ocean waters or any of the state's beautiful lakes that allow boating.

What Happens if I Boat Without a Boater Card?

Until this year, some California boaters could still boat without a boater education card. However, that is no longer the case (as we mentioned above).

So, if you still don't have your card and you head out for a day on the water with your jet boat, you could face serious penalties.

Violators could face:

• Fines: For your first conviction, you could be fined $100. If you continue boating without a card, you'll face fines of $250 for your second offense and up to $500 for a third offense.
• A Boater Safety Course Requirement: If convicted, you'll also be required to pass a boater safety course (so you might as well take it, get your card, and avoid the potential of fines)!
• Dangerous Situations: The goal of the boater card requirement in California is safety. The more boaters that have passed a safety course and can prove it with a boater card means everyone is safer on the water.

Without what you'll learn through a boater course, you could face dangerous situations on the water (or create dangerous situations) that lead to injuries or even death.

If you think you can risk it and boat without a card, just know that law enforcement officers actively patrol the waters and check for compliance. So, after you get your card, make sure you carry it with you every time you're out on a PWC (personal watercraft) or motorized boat.

BOATER exam Helps You Get Your California Boater Card for the 2025 Requirements

If you already have a boating adventure planning (and it's coming up soon), don't worry! You can work through an online boater course and pass the exam within a matter of hours. It's a fun way to learn everything the State of California requires boaters to know to stay safe and protect others when on the waterways.

Then, after completing your exam, you can print out a temporary card while you fill out the application for your California Boater Card and wait for it to arrive.

Don't risk fines or safety issues on the water!
Take our online course for California and get your boater education card this season.