The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 1-2 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.

The boater education certificate in National is often called a “boating license.” While the certificate is often called an National boating license, the certification does not expire and does not need to be renewed.

What is a vessel license?

The National vessel license is a required proof of boater education that must be included on your National driver’s license if you would like to operate a boat or motorized vessel of any kind. This is sometimes called an “National boating license.”

In order to get a vessel license, you must:

1. Bring proof of a completed boater certification course to the Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Examining Office in your county of residence.
2. Complete an application, pay the required fee, and answer the medical questions.
3. Take your completed form to the Probate or License Commissioner’s office to have the required “V” class placed on your driver’s license.

If you complete a boater safety course, you do not have to complete the exam at your National DMV.

How old do you have to be to get a boating license in National?

National boating laws require all boaters age 12 and over to obtain a vessel license by completing a boater safety course. The vessel license is sometimes called a “boating license.”

Exemptions

The certification is not required for operators who:

• Have a valid U.S. Coast Guard Motorboat Operator’s License or…
• Submit a valid certificate of successful completion of an Fresh Air Educators–approved safe boating course, or a course offered by U.S. Power Squadrons, or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or…
• Were 40 years old or older as of April 28, 1994.

Even if not required by law to get the National boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.