Do You Have Your California Boater Card?

What Is A California Boater's Card?

The California Boater Card shows that its holder has successfully taken an approved boating safety course and passed the corresponding exam.

On Sept. 18, 2014, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 941, which prohibits the operation of motorized vessels in California without a valid operator card developed and issued by the Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW).

Who Needs A California Boater's Card?

As of the dates shown below, these boaters will be required to carry a boater card issued by DBW, unless they meet certain exemptions.

• • January 1, 2018
    • Persons 20 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2019
    • Persons 25 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2020
    • Persons 35 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2021
    • Persons 40 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2022
    • Persons 45 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2023
    • Persons 50 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2024
    • Persons 60 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2025
    • All persons regardless of age

How Do You Apply For One?

1. Visit www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com. This card has a lifetime cost of $10. Any lost card replacements will cost $5.

2. Take the online boating safety course and pass the corresponding exams.

   You can find a list of approved courses at: www.californiaboatercard.com/courses

What Happens Next?

Once DBW has received your application, proof of education and payment, you will receive a 90-day temporary boater card by email. You should receive your official boater card by mail within 60 days.

Have More Questions?

Visit www.CaliforniaBoaterCard.com/faqs-2/ for exempt boaters, pre-qualified boating courses, and more frequently asked questions.

+Please note: California age restrictions for operating a motorized vessel: According to California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658.5, NO person under 16 years of age may operate a boat with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, except for a sailboat that does not exceed 30 feet in length or a dinghy used directly between a moored boat and the shore (or between two moored boats). The law allows children 12-15 years of age to operate boats with a motor of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age. Violating these provisions constitutes an infraction.