--- title: North Carolina Boating Rules and Regulations description: Do I need a boat license in North Carolina? - Registration Requirements - Numbers & Stickers - Age restrictions - PFDs - Operating under the influence image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/global/marketing/safe-boating-regulations-north-carolina.png --- ![North Carolina Boating laws and Regulations ](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/global/marketing/safe-boating-regulations-north-carolina.png?width=1584&height=656&name=safe-boating-regulations-north-carolina.png) ## Do you need a boating license in North Carolina? You **do need a Boater Safety Education Certificate** if: - You were born on or after **January 1, 1988** - You operate a motorboat of **10 horsepower or more** - You operate a **personal watercraft (jet ski)** ![north-carolina-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/agencies/north-carolina-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha.png?width=500&height=500&name=north-carolina-card-angle2-hr-500-alpha.png) ![age-restrictions-hr](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/age-restrictions-hr.png?width=1100&height=696&name=age-restrictions-hr.png) ## Boating minimum age rules in North Carolina - Under **14**: cannot operate a jet ski (PWC) - Ages **14–15**: can operate a jet ski only if: - You passed a safety course, and - You either have adult supervision or meet certification rules - Age **16+**: can operate a jet ski with required safety certificate ## Life jacket (PFD) rules - One life jacket per person is required on all boats - Must be US Coast Guard approved - Must fit each person properly and be easy to access Special rules: - Kids under **13 must wear life jackets** while boat is moving - Jet ski riders must always wear a life jacket - Anyone being towed must wear a life jacket ![pfd-tag-us-on-pfd-type-5-bk](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/pfd-tag-us-on-pfd-type-5-bk.png?width=1100&height=907&name=pfd-tag-us-on-pfd-type-5-bk.png) ![Jet ski (PWC) rules North Carolina](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/boater/on-the-water/03_PWC_zrs_3474.jpg?width=1100&height=733&name=03_PWC_zrs_3474.jpg) ## Jet ski (PWC) rules North Carolina - Minimum age is 14 (with restrictions) - Must follow safety certificate rules - No one under 16 can operate without meeting requirements or supervision rules - Life jacket is always required - Must follow all boating laws ## Boat registration rules You must register: - All motorboats (including jet skis) - Sailboats longer than 14 feet - Out-of-state boats staying in NC over 90 days - Coast Guard documented boats staying over 90 days You do NOT need to register: - Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or paddle boats - Boats used only in private ponds - Out-of-state boats visiting less than 90 days Registration is usually valid for **1 or 3 years** ## Buying or selling a boat To transfer ownership: - Get the signed title from the seller - Complete a bill of sale - Fill out NC Wildlife form VL-1 - Have seller signature notarized - Pay fees - Submit documents to Wildlife Resources Commission or agent ## Alcohol and drugs - It is illegal to operate a boat under the influence - BAC limit is **0.08%** - This applies to boats, jet skis, and towing activities ## Accident rules If an accident happens: - Stop immediately - Help anyone in danger if safe to do so - Exchange information - Report serious accidents to authorities ## Safe operation rules You must: - Operate at a safe speed for conditions - Avoid reckless or careless driving - Stay away from swimmers, docks, and congested areas ## Other important rules - Stay at least 50 feet from dive flags - Follow no-wake zones near ramps and crowded areas - Follow all posted speed limits and signs - Allow law enforcement to stop and inspect your boat - [** 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/north-carolina-state-specifics#top) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "breadcrumb" : { "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "/en-us", "@type" : "WebPage", "name" : "Home" }, "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/en-us/north-carolina", "@type" : "WebPage", "name" : "North Carolina Boating License" }, "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : { "@id" : "https://aceboater.com/en-us/north-carolina-state-specifics", "@type" : "WebPage", "name" : "North Carolina Boating Rules and Regulations" }, "position" : 3 } ] }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-17T09:26:39.114-0400", "datePublished" : "2022-04-14T15:05:59.000-0400", "description" : "Do I need a boat license in North Carolina? 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