Boating Laws and Regulations by State

There is no federal recreational boating license. States set their own boater‑education and operator‑card rules, and most require a NASBLA‑recognized safety course for at least some operators (often tied to age, vessel type, or horsepower). Reciprocity is common — many states honor another state’s NASBLA‑approved card for visiting boaters. In 2025, two large states require certification for all motorized‑vessel operators: California and New York. Check your state via the USCG State Boating Laws directory and NASBLA’s education-by-state resource to confirm who needs a course/card, accepted providers, and visitor rules.

Minimum ages and supervision rules vary by state and by vessel type, with stricter rules for personal watercraft (PWC). Representative examples: California requires a safety certificate for all motorized‑vessel operators in 2025 and sets a firm minimum age 16 to operate a PWC (no supervision exception) (program; age & operator restrictions). New York’s Brianna’s Law requires a boating safety certificate for all motorboat operators in 2025; PWC operators must be at least 14 with a certificate (NYS Parks). Florida requires an education ID card for anyone born on/after 1/1/1988 operating a 10 hp+ motorboat; PWC operators must be at least 14 to operate and 18 to rent (FWC). Texas requires education for anyone born on/after 9/1/1993 operating a PWC, powerboat over 15 hp, or sailboat over 14 ft; minimum age to operate alone is 13 with education (PWC under 13 prohibited) (TPWD). For your specific state, confirm rules via the USCG directory.

All states register motorized vessels (motorboats and PWCs); many also register certain sailboats. Rules for non‑motorized craft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) vary widely: some states require registration or decals for specified lengths or uses, while others exempt them entirely. Registration isn’t always handled by the DMV — in many states it’s through Natural Resources, Parks, or a boating agency. Use the USCG State Boating Laws directory to find the official state agency, registration forms, and fees. If you trailer across state lines, also check for aquatic invasive species (AIS) permits, decals, or inspection requirements — common in western states such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington (details via each state listing in the USCG directory). For more detail about the registration process and pricing, see your state’s Boating and Registration Instructions on DMV.org.

Most states do not mandate insurance for private recreational boats, but a few do for specific vessels. Clear statewide examples include: Utah (liability insurance required for motorboats with engines ≥ 50 hp and for all PWCs, with minimum limits specified) and Arkansas (liability insurance required to operate any PWC). Facilities and permits can also require coverage — for example, Hawai‘i’s state‑managed boating facilities often require proof of insurance as a permit condition (DLNR DOBOR) — and lenders and marinas frequently set their own minimums (Insurance Information Institute). Rental businesses (liveries) may face separate statutory insurance minimums (e.g., Florida livery requirements). Even when not required, boat insurance can protect against liability, hull damage, medical payments, towing, and more. For plan options, see our review of the Best Boat Insurance.

Federal rules require one wearable, USCG‑approved life jacket of the correct size for each person onboard, plus a throwable device on most boats 16 ft and longer (except canoes and kayaks). Children under 13 must wear a USCG‑approved life jacket on federal waters while underway, with limited exceptions (e.g., below decks or in an enclosed cabin). States often set stricter child‑wear ages, and nearly all jurisdictions require PFDs to be worn on PWCs and by persons being towed (ski, wake, tube). Labels are changing: new USCG‑accepted life jackets use performance‑level icons instead of the old Type I–V scheme; older Type‑labeled devices remain valid if approved and in serviceable condition (USCG life jacket labels; see federal carriage rules in 33 CFR Part 175). If you need help choosing the right PFDs for you and your family, check out this helpful brochure from the USCG.

Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal on federal and state waters. Federal regulations set a per‑se standard at BAC ≥ 0.08% for operators on federally controlled waters and authorize chemical testing (33 CFR Part 95). All states prohibit boating under the influence (BUI), typically mirroring the 0.08% adult limit and including drug impairment. Many states apply implied‑consent rules (refusal to test can trigger penalties) and zero‑tolerance thresholds for under‑21 operators. Penalties vary by state and by offense history, and can include fines, jail, loss of boating privileges, or driver’s‑license consequences. Alcohol remains a leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents (USCG Recreational Boating Statistics). Enforcement surges around holidays via Operation Dry Water education and BUI patrols.

Passengers may lawfully possess open containers and consume alcohol on many recreational boats, but the operator must remain sober. Open‑container motor‑vehicle rules generally do not apply to watercraft; for example, Minnesota notes that open‑container restrictions don’t apply to boats — yet operating while intoxicated remains illegal and subject to testing and penalties (Minnesota DNR). Always verify local restrictions for specific lakes, parks, or dry jurisdictions, and never operate at or above the legal limit (33 CFR Part 95).