But, if you’re not a California resident, it doesn’t matter (as long as your boating on California waters lasts less than 60 days). Get ready for the official California Boating License Test by trying your boating knowledge. Applicants cannot apply for a boat registration online. Pay the fee. New California Law Requires Boating Licenses, Except For Renters. It’s not a boating license per se. Qualifications to Operate a Boat. Do you need a california boating license/education card when you operate a water vessel or only for court-order? Do boating licenses expire? The state’s boating regulations must be adhered to at all times. While applicants under the age of 20 are the only bracket currently required to take classes, after 2025 all boaters will need to pass the examinations. California boating law requires boaters to obtain and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. Learn and test your boating knowledge while you venture through this fun, interactive course. No. Boating is produced by Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Choose one of the above methods to satisfy the educational requirements. Enter your safety course boat certificate ID number. Registration and title fees vary. A boating license or boating education certificate is proof that you have completed a boater safety certificate. The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) recommends taking a boating safety class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons, or certain chapters of the American Red Cross before you begin boating. The Department licenses the operators but local law enforcement agencies does the day to day enforcement . CALIFORNIA BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST. Paying the Mussel Fee does not entitle vessels to bypass inspections or fees for inspections conducted by individual reservoir owners or managers. A boating safety class can lead to getting your boating license or boating certificate. A temporary license will be emailed to you with three to five days of your application being received. White Water. SUPs are considered vessels and must have a personal floatation device. Coast Guard or local law enforcement officers patrol the waterways to make your boating experience safe and pleasant. Right now, almost anyone in California can hop on a boat and drive away without any training or a license. In possession of a marine operator license. A California boating license or Boater Card is required for all applicants under the age of 20 operating a motorized vessel on state waterways. DMV.com is a privately-owned website and is not affiliated with government agencies. California boating safety courses are designed to provide boaters with state specific boating laws and federal navigation requirements in many different environments to suit individual boater needs. Boats and vessels registered in California are included in property taxes by the county tax collector, depending on where the boat/vessel is stored or moored. Knowing how to swim doesn't make you drown proof!California Life Jacket Info. Once the application and payment has been received, you will be emailed a temporary card within three to five days. California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). California doesn't require you to have a boater license in order to operate a boat. Declare that you have not taken the course. All applicants, regardless of age, will be required to hold a boater card after 2025. Get Your California Boating License in 3 Easy Steps. Step 1: Select Your State The laws related to the need to get a boaters license and regulations for the types of boats that require licensure differ from state to state. California law requires that every child under age 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while on a moving vessel of any length. DMV might deny registration renewal or transfer if the county tax collector tells DMV that you have not paid your personal property taxes. A California fishing and boating adventure can fulfill both dreams. You must choose one of the following methods during the application process: Once you have chosen the method of submitting your boaters safety course records, you may finish the application online. There are exceptions to this rule. The new California Boater Card requirements can be found in the links below. Applicants may also apply by mail. Follow the below steps to complete the process. Any person convicted of any moving violation in the Harbors and Navigation Code, the Federal Rules of the Road and regulations adopted by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways while operating a vessel must be ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. Further restrictions are placed on minors operating vessels without an adult present. Carry the Card: Vessel operators who are required to have a Boater Education Card must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer. … Application for Registration Number, Certificate of Ownership, and Certificate of Number for Undocumented Vessel, State By State: Differences In How States Handle Driver’s License Renewals, Washington State Passes New Distracted Driving Law That Bans Holding a Cellphone While Driving. 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