What state will you be boating in?
Step 1 of 5
What year were you born?
Many states use your birth year — not your current age — to determine whether a card is required.
Step 2 of 5
What type of vessel will you operate?
Step 3 of 5
Are you a state resident or a visitor?
Step 4 of 5
Are you renting the boat or using your own?
Step 5 of 5
Always verify with your state agency. Boating laws change. This tool reflects 2025 requirements. Links to official contacts are in each state guide.
How This Tool Works
The checker applies the exact birth-year cutoffs and vessel-type rules that state enforcement uses. States with no mandatory education requirement (Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) return an accurate "no card required" answer. The PWC path applies stricter minimum age rules that apply in nearly every state regardless of education status.
Rental Rules by State
What marinas actually check before handing over the keys.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Does your card work when you visit another state?
PWC Age Checker
Jet ski rules are stricter — verify before your trip.
Disclaimer: Results are for informational purposes only based on 2025 state laws. Always verify with your state's official boating authority before operating a vessel. BoaterCard.info is not affiliated with any state agency.