California Boater Card: Everything You Need to Know
Beginning January 1, 2025, every person operating a motorized vessel on California waters—no matter their age—is required to hold a California Boater Card. This follows the state’s multi-year rollout of age-based requirements.
To obtain the card, you’ll need to finish a boater safety course approved by the state, successfully complete the final exam, and submit a $10 application fee to California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to receive your application ID number and official card.
Once issued, the California Boater Card remains valid for life, and you can apply for it online as soon as you finish your approved course.
