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Illinois Boater Education Card (2026)
Conditional: Illinois requires persons born on or after Jan 1, 1998 to hold a valid Boating Safety Certificate to operate a vessel powered by a motor over 10 hp.
Official source: dnr.illinois.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Boater Education Card in states bordering Illinois
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IndianaConditional
In Indiana, an operator of a motorboat over 10 hp must have a valid driver's license, or be at least 15 and have passed a Boater Education Course with a BMV-issued ID card (IC 14-15-11).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: faqs.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
- IowaConditional
In Iowa, any person 12-17 may operate a motorboat over 10 hp or a PWC only if they completed a DNR-approved boater education course or are accompanied by a responsible adult 18 or older.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa rule →
- KentuckyConditional
In Kentucky, those 12-17 may operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp only if they passed an approved boating safety course and carry the certificate, or are accompanied by a person 18 or older.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MissouriConditional
Any person born after Jan 1, 1984 must pass a Missouri boater education course before operating a motorized vessel on the lakes of the state and carry the Boating Safety Education Card.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- WisconsinConditional
Wisconsin boating safety certification is required for operators born on or after Jan 1, 1989; required to operate at age 16.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →
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