The requirement to carry a California Boating Card came in on January 1, 2018 for people under the age of 21. It is being phased in by age over the coming years:
- January 1, 2018: Anyone 20 years old or younger must have a Card.
- January 1, 2019: 25 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2020: 35 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2021: 40 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2022: 45 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2023: 50 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2024: 60 years old or younger.
- January 1, 2025 All persons regardless of age.
