---
title: Do I need a License to Operate a boat in California?
description: To operate a motorized boat in California you need to complete an approved online boating safety course...
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa/california-departement-of-boating-and-waterways-large.png
---

To operate a motorized boat in California you need to complete an approved online boating safety course – such as aceboater.com – and pass a test. You will then receive a California Boater Card that allows you to go boating.

It is mandatory for **all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age,**

![california-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/agencies/california-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha.png?width=500&height=500&name=california-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha.png)

## 3 easy steps to get certified

Step 1

### STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE

- Start the course for free.
- Only  (online course, final test and online certificate included).
- Complete and easy-to-read study guide.

Step 2

### TAKE THE FINAL TEST

- The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions.
- Free exam retries - Risk free!

Step 3

### PRINT YOUR BOATING CERTIFICATE

- Print your certificate and start boating now!
- You'll receive a wallet-sized card from the State within 4-6 weeks.

## More than 500 000 boaters have trusted us

Ace Boater is the best way to get your boating license and to have the freedom to go boating when you want, by yourself or with friends and family!

![15 000 + reviews](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/global/rating-stars.svg)

15 000 + reviews

[See all reviews](https://www.shopperapproved.com/reviews/aceboater.com)

## More boaters, more savings

We want to facilitate access to our boating safety course for groups and families. The more you are, the less you pay!

-

+

[Buy now](https://course.aceboater.com/usa/en/checkout/index/coursename/usny2018)

Save  $ - Pay only  $

$

### A complete 3-hour course… well organized in 7 chapters

Available 24/7

Online Support

On all your devices

- Study at your pace
- The card is valid for life
- Exam retries are free

- [** Follow Ace Boater on YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJABNcQHyTGe3ta_lZJ4exw)
- [** Join Ace Boater on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/AceBoater)
- [** Contacts Us ](https://aceboater.com/usa/en/contact)

[![Ace Boater - Boating license and exam online](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/aceboater/brand/ace-boater.svg)](https://aceboater.com/en-us)

#### Boating safety course and boating exam accredited in USA

[↑](https://aceboater.com/en-us/need-take-test-operate-boat-california#top)

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