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Interactive Minnesota Boating License Course

The fastest Minnesota boaters safety course—no timers! ilearntoboat.com is a delegated boating safety provider for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources logo United States Coast Guard logo National Association of State Boating Law Administrators logo

You need education if you are 12 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a boat over 25 hp in Minnesota. You also need education if you are 14 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a PWC.

iLearnToBoat characters holding Minnesota safety education card

This course is approved by the state of Minnesota and, once successfully completed, will result in your Minnesota Boating License.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources logo
Minnesota Boater Education Card

How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1

Boat step 1

est. 2–3 mins

Sign Up

Sign up for your ilearntoboat® student account, pay for the course, and get started right away.

Step 2

Step 2 image

est. 3–4 hrs

Study & Pass the Online Course

Learn at your own pace on any device. We automatically save your progress, whether you take the course on desktop, tablet or mobile.

Step 3

Boat step 3

est. 1–5 mins

Print Your Temp Card Immediately

You're able to print your temporary boating license as soon as you've passed the online exam.

Step 4

Boat step 4

est. 0 mins

Go Boating!

Time to make waves! You can now legally and confidently operate a boat.

Get Started

Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.

Why Take This Course?

Feature iLearnToBoat iLearnToBoat Other Courses
Minnesota-Approved boater education
No minimum time requirements
Complete the course in under 3 hours
Real-life situations
Role-playing simulations
Final exam
Boater Education Certificate

The Boater Education Certificate

The Boater Education Certificate (often referred to as "Minnesota Boating License" or "Minnesota Boater Education Card") is proof that you have successfully completed all state-mandated boater education requirements.

Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Certificate must carry their card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by enforcement officers.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources logo

The Only Approved Interactive Boater Safety Course in Minnesota

This interactive course was developed in accordance with the standards set forth by NASBLA as well as meets the requirements of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Official course provider approved by:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040

Interactive devices

Get Started

Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.

The Only Gamified Interactive Course


Minnesota-Approved Boater Safety Education

Our interactive boater safety course satisfies all boater education requirements established by NASBLA and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

No Minimum Time Requirements

Students complete our interactive courses faster than our traditional courses. Why? There are no timers—ever!

Complete the Course in Under 3 Hours

Instruction that engages the brain using both words and images has been shown to significantly increase student retention and comprehension. When you combine interactive learning with no minimum time requirement, it’s easy to understand why many of our students complete their boater education in under 3 hours!

Real-Life Situations

Make choices for your character that will earn you awards and allow you to move through levels by applying what you’ve learned about boater safety throughout the challenges.

Role-Playing Simulations

We made sure to include plenty of mini-games and realistic simulations to keep you engaged along the way. Earn achievement badges as you master trip planning, emergency preparation, and safety operations. Crack all of the levels, and you will be awarded your boating education certificate.

Watch ilearntoboat in action!

Minnesota Boating Laws and Regulations

Minnesota law requires boater education for all boaters at least 16 years old who operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 25 horsepower or a ski craft.

Minnesota Age and Operator Restrictions

  • Motorboat operators 12 to 17 years of age who wish to operate engines more than 25 hp must have either a Boater Education Certificate, or they must have someone at least 21 years of age on board within immediate reach of the controls.
  • PWC operators less than 13 years of age may not operate a PWC, even with an adult on board.
  • PWC operators 13 years of age must have either someone at least 21 years of age on board, or they must have a Boater Education Certificate and be under visual supervision by someone at least 21 years of age.
  • PWC operators 14 to 17 years of age must have either someone at least 21 years of age on board, or a Boater Education Certificate.

Exemptions to Minnesota Boater Education Requirements

Motorboat operators 12 to 17 years of age, who are visiting Minnesota and who already possess a valid watercraft operator’s certificate/permit issued by their home state don’t need to obtain another one from Minnesota.

Get Started

Start your interactive Boater Safety Course now and get your boating license 2–3 times faster than other courses.

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For additional information and resources related to best boating safety practices, read through our latest blog posts.

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Minnesota Boating License FAQs

Price and Payment

How much does the Minnesota ilearntoboat Course cost?

The Minnesota ilearntoboat Course fee is $54.95.

Taking the Course

Do you need Minnesota Boating education?

You need education if you are 12 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a boat over 25 hp in Minnesota. You also need education if you are 14 to 17 years old, are unsupervised, and will be operating a PWC.

Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Minnesota?

What is the minimum age to take this online course?

You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Minnesota ilearntoboat Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Minnesota to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the Minnesota ilearntoboat Course approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources?

The Minnesota ilearntoboat Course is approved and accepted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Is my Minnesota Boater Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?

For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada's requirements.

Quizzes and/or Exams

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online Minnesota ilearntoboat Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Boater Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Boater Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES 30 days after course completion.

What is the permanent Minnesota Boater Education Certificate?

The Boater Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Boater Education Certificate will arrive within 3-5 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents

How do I replace my Boater Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Boater Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.

Customer Service

Your ilearntoboat course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.

We’re available to help you:

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST, and
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)

Members of the Kalkomey Support Team
Support