West Virginia boating license

Who needs to take a boating safety course in West Virginia?

More than 500 000 boaters have trusted us

FAQ - Boating in West Virginia

Do I need a boating license if I'm only operating a jet ski/PWC in West Virginia?

Anyone born on or after December 31, 1986, must obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a personal watercraft (or other motorized vessel).

Who is exempt from having to acquire a boating license in West Virginia?

• Anyone born before December 31, 1986 (however, many boaters complete the course in order to be eligible for discounted boat or PWC insurance)

• Residents of other states who are at least 15 years old and who hold and are carrying a boating safety education certificate for a NASBLA-approved course in his or her state of residence

• Anyone who is not a resident of the United States and who is visiting for a maximum of 90 days

• Anyone who purchased the motorboat or PWC within the last 45 days, provided the person has never been charged with any boating violations.

I do not have a driver's license. Can I still get the West Virginia boating license?

You are not required to hold a state driver's license in order to obtain a boater education card.

Is West Virginia boating license accepted in other states?

Yes. All states that require boater education certification will recognize the West Virginia Boat Operator's Certificate, due to NASBLA-approved course reciprocity for non-residents.

What are the age restrictions to operate a powerboat in West Virginia?

Anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel in West Virginia must be at least 12 years old.

People aged between 12 and 15 years old may operate a motorboat with less than 10 horsepower on their own, provided that they hold and are carrying a boating safety education certificate proving they have passed an approved boating safety education course.

People aged between 12 and 15 years old may operate a motorboat with 10 or more horsepower if accompanied on board by a person at least 18 years of age and who hold a boating safety education certificate (unless exempt).

What form(s) of identification does an operator have to carry on board?

Anyone subject to the mandatory education requirements must carry a boating safety education certificate.

How long are boating licenses valid in West Virginia?

Forever - they do not expire.

Why should I choose ACEBOATER.com?

• we have hundreds of illustrations that will help you to better understand the content;

• our online course is available 24/7.

• you can access our online support by phone, email or chat.

• we offer multi-platform training.

• our Policy has always been, "Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back"!

What does the course cost?

Only $ 39.95 (online course, final test and online certificate included).

Do I need to register my boat in West Virginia?

To operate any vessel with a motor (whether or not the motor is the primary source of propulsion) on West Virginia waters it must be titled, registered and display valid registration decals. Boat registrations are valid for three years and expire on March 31.

What are the lifejacket (PFD) requirements in West Virginia?

Vessels may only be operated in or on West Virginia state waters if the vessel is carrying at least one US Coast Guard-approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) in good condition that is readily available, approved for the appropriate activity, and of the correct size for every person aboard.

How can I get a replacement boating education card if I've lost it?

Before we can replace your boating card we must be sure that we originally issued it to you. Check with us by calling our toll-free number at 1 877 661-1938 to talk to an agent, or send us an email including your date of birth and we will contact you by email within 24 hours, during our office hours.

If you are certain that you took your online course with AceBoater.com, please log into your dashboard and click on "Order Replacement Cards".