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Minnesota’s New Boating License Rules

Aug. 6 2025 How To By River Valley Marine

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Did you know significant changes to Minnesota’s boating laws have gone into effect? These new requirements are intended to make boating safer by ensuring people operating motorized watercraft know the rules and are properly trained. Here’s a clear summary of what’s new and how it affects boaters, renters, and families on the water:

1. New Boater Education Requirements

As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota has rolled out a phased approach to boating education and licensing:

2. Who Needs a Permit in 2025?

  • Anyone born after June 30, 2004 (ages 12–21) must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC).
  • The requirement expands each year:
  • Born after June 30, 2000: Required by July 1, 2026
  • Born after June 30, 1996: Required by July 1, 2027
  • Born after June 30, 1987: Required by July 1, 2028
  • People who already possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit from Minnesota or another state do not need to obtain a new permit unless they’re an “accompanying operator” and allow youth or person without a watercraft operator’s permit to operate a motorboat. Accompanying operators must be 21 years of age or older; in the boat or on the personal watercraft; within immediate reach of the motor controls; and possess a valid operator’s permit or be an “exempt operator” (possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard license for maritime personnel, for example).
  • If they’re renting a motorized watercraft. Renters must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit.

3. How to Get a Permit

  • Complete a state-approved boater safety course, pass the exam and pay a one-time fee of $34.95.
  • The boater safety course can be found here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html
  • Rental Restrictions
  • Anyone under 18 cannot rent a motorized watercraft in Minnesota.
  • Renters 18 and older must have a valid watercraft operator’s permit.

4. Youth Operation Limits

  • Under 12 Years Old: May operate a motorboat under 75 horsepower if accompanied by a permitted adult.
  • Cannot operate personal watercraft or boat with more than 75 horsepower, even with adult supervision.
  • Low-Powered Boats: The new law does NOT apply to boats with motors of 25 horsepower or less (unless it’s a PWC)

These requirements are similar to what other states have adopted, said Jesse McArdell, senior manager of Midwest government relations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 1,300 boat, trailer and accessory manufacturers. It was one of several boat industry groups that supported passage of the law. McArdell noted that Minnesota has more than 800,000 registered boats — nearly one boat for every six people. Violating this new law could result in a citation and about $130 fine.