← North Dakota boating laws›Boater Education Card

North Dakota Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: North Dakota requires youth ages 12-15 to pass the state boating course to operate a boat or PWC with at least a 10-hp motor by themselves; no requirement for adults.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: gf.nd.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering North Dakota

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • MinnesotaConditional

    Watercraft operator's permit required — phasing in by age: as of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000 need the permit; expands to born after June 30, 1996 (July 2027) and June 30, 1987 (July 2028). Non-residents boating in Minnesota fewer than 60 days may operate under their home state's requirements.

    Verified Jul 20, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →

  • MontanaConditional

    Montana requires no education card for adults; youths 13-14 may operate a motorboat/PWC over 10 hp only with a Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or if accompanied by someone 18+.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fwp.mt.gov · Full Montana rule →

  • South DakotaInfo

    South Dakota has no mandatory boater-education requirement; a NASBLA/USCG-approved course is recommended but not required to operate a boat.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gfp.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →

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