How to Get Your Washington Boater Education Card
If you live in Washington State or plan to visit and want to enjoy the waterways, you must have the proper license, which is a Washington Boater Education Card.
Fortunately, getting this card is easy and can be done in just a few steps. Then, you'll be ready to take your boat out for a day of adventure.
Here's what you need to know about obtaining your card, who is eligible, and the costs associated with getting licensed.
How Do I Get My Washington Boater Education Card?
To get your license, you'll need to meet WA boating requirements, which include taking a safety course and passing a test.
Complete the Boating Safety Course
The first step is to complete an approved Washington boating safety course (like the one we offer here at ilearntoboat), which can be taken online or in person. You'll work your way through videos, quizzes, and study guides as you learn Washington-specific boating laws and safety rules.
Pass the Final Exam
Once you've completed the boating safety course, you'll need to take and pass the final exam. You have unlimited tries to pass the test, so if you don't succeed the first time, you can review the information and try again.
Print Your Temporary Card
After you pass the test, you can print your temporary boater education card, which will be emailed to you. Print it out and carry it with you on your vessel, as you won't be legal without it while boating.
Obtain Your Official Card
Within a few weeks, you'll get a permanent, wallet-sized card mailed to you, which you'll use to replace your temporary card. Again, carry it on the boat every time you hit the water so you stay in compliance. That's true if you're traveling, as well, as your WA boater card could allow you to boat in other states that have reciprocity with yours.
Is a Boater Education Card the Same as a Boating License?
The boater education card isn't really a boating "license," although many refer to it as a license. It's simply proof that you've completed a safety course on Washington state boating laws and related boating requirements.
Plus, unlike a driver's license, your boater education card doesn't expire. It's required for most boaters in Washington State and is also recognized as the legal equivalent of a boating license in numerous states that have reciprocity with Washington.
Who Needs a Washington Boating License?
You need a Washington Boater Education Card if you're operating a motorboat of 15 horsepower or more and you were born on or after January 1, 1955. You must be at least 12 years old to operate a 15-hp motorboat or higher.
Personal watercraft (like jet skis) operators also need to carry a boater education card.
Are There Exceptions?
There are a few exemptions for individuals who aren't required to carry this card, including those born before January 1, 1955, as well as visitors with a valid boating card or license from another state. If you fall in the visitor category, though, be aware that your license from another state is only valid for up to 60 days in Washington.
Commercially licensed operators (including those who are WA State certified) don't need a WA boating license, and neither do operators renting a boat, as long as they complete a temporary boating safety checklist when they rent their vessel. You also won't need a Washington boating license if you're U.S. Coast Guard licensed, such as a charter boat captain.
What Do You Need to License a Boat in Washington State?
Licensing a vessel in WA isn't the same as being authorized to operate that vessel. Think of it as a driver's license vs. a car registration. Your boat needs a separate registration (license).
To license and register your boat in Washington, you'll need:
- A completed application (either at a licensing office or online through DOL)
- Proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale, manufacturer's statement of origin, or out-of-state title or registration)
- Full payment of registration fees
- A Hull Identification Number (HIN) for verification
Once you get your vessel legally registered, your registration decals and certificate must be displayed on your boat.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Boating License (Boater Education Card) in Washington State?
The cost of getting a license varies depending on the Washington boating course you take. Most course fees range from $30 to $70.
As an example, our ilearntoboat online interactive course is $59.95, it's a lot of fun to learn, and it's the fastest (and a really easy) way to get your card.
Washington State also charges a one-time fee of $10.50 for processing and issuing your card.
What Happens if I Lose My Card?
If you lose (or damage) your card, you can fill out a Boater Education Card Replacement Affidavit to get a new one. The cost is $5.
Then, send the completed affidavit, along with a check or money order for $5 (payable to Washington State Parks) to:
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating Programs
P.O. Box 34333
Seattle, WA
98124-1333
Allow up to four weeks to receive your replacement card in the mail. To make sure you never have to delay a boating adventure waiting for a new card to arrive, many boaters order extra cards to keep on hand.
Meet WA Boating Requirements (and Hit the Water Safely) with ilearntoboat
Taking a boater education course is not only required for getting your license to meet Washington State boating laws, but it's also an excellent way to increase your safety on the water. You'll be protecting yourself and others, while gaining valuable knowledge you can use to boat with confidence.
ilearntoboat makes it fun, easy, and fast to learn boating safety essentials and meet Washington State's requirements!
Take our course for Washington boaters before your next (or first) launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about getting a Washington boater education card!
Q: How do I get a Washington Boater Education Card?
A: Complete an approved boating safety course and submit your course certificate with an application and small fee to the Washington State Parks Boating Program.
Q: How do I get my boater’s license in Washington State?
A: Washington doesn’t issue a “license.” However, the boater education card serves the same purpose. Pass a state-approved safety course (like ilearntoboat), then apply for the card.
Q: How hard is it to get a boating license?
A: It’s not difficult at all! Courses are designed for beginners. An accredited course usually takes 3-6 hours and includes a final test you can retake if needed.
Take our course for Washington boaters before your next (or first) launch.
