← Minnesota boating laws›Boater Education Card
Minnesota Boater Education Card (2026)
Conditional: Watercraft operator's permit required — phasing in by age: as of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000 need the permit; expands to born after June 30, 1996 (July 2027) and June 30, 1987 (July 2028).
Watercraft operator's permit required — phasing in by age: as of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000 need the permit; expands to born after June 30, 1996 (July 2027) and June 30, 1987 (July 2028). Non-residents boating in Minnesota fewer than 60 days may operate under their home state's requirements.
Official source: dnr.state.mn.us →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free appWe watch the official sources behind Minnesota boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.