Minnesota Boating License Law Update for Summer 2026

Last year, a new law went into effect in Minnesota requiring people of a certain age to get a boating permit if they were to operate a boat in Minnesota. That officially launched on July 1st, 2025. Now, this summer, that requirement will be expanding to require even more people to get their boating license.

ALSO READ: The Most Google Acronyms in Minnesota (How Many Do You Know?)

Minnesota's Boating License Requirements

If you missed it or if you don't recall this new law, I wrote about it last summer, so here's a quick rundown of the law:

This new law now requires you to have a valid watercraft operator's permit, AKA, the Minnesota boating license or boater's license.

This goes for a motorized boat, but also non-motorize watercrafts that are longer than 10 feet (like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards). Also, the license is required for any age 12 and older.

As of July 1st, 2025, people born on June 30th, 2004 or after need to have this boating license.

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Minnesota Boating License Law Update for 2026

The new law is being rolled out slowly, which is why last year it was only required for a select group of people.

That law is now expanding, and starting July 1st, 2026, people born on June 30th, 2000 or after will be required to have this boating license.

How to Get Your Minnesota Boating License

It looks relatively simple to get your boating license, though, so don't fret!

The Minnesota DNR has laid out just how to get your boating license:

1.Visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/education.html
2. Pay the one-time fee of $34.95 – free unlimited retries of the final exam
3. Study the Minnesota boater’s safety course, and pass the final exam
4. Print your Certificate of Completion, and receive your permanent Minnesota watercraft operator's permit in the mail within 3 weeks

That's it! And your boating license is valid for life, so no need to renew it.

When the Rest of the Minnesota Boating License Law Will Roll Out

The requirements for this law will continue to expand over the coming years. Here's what to look out for, because eventually everyone will be required to get this boating license if you plan to operate a boat.

July 1st, 2027, anyone born on June 30th, 1996 or after will need to get a permit. And finally, on July 1st, 2028, anyone born on June 30th, 1987 or after will need to get a permit.

What if Your Kid Wants to Drive the Boat But They Don't Have a License?

Luckily for the kiddos who like to drive the boat every once in a while, they're totally allowed to do that under these stipulations:

1. It's a personal boat.
2. Someone on the boat has their permit.
and
3. That person with the permit is within immediate reach of the controls at all times.