New Minnesota Boating Law That Could Impact Your Summer Plans

There's a new boating law in Minnesota that's going to take effect this summer, and it could seriously impact your summer plans. The law takes effect on July 1st, 2025, and limits who is allowed to operate a boat in the state.

I just learned about this new law yesterday, so, unfortunately, I think a lot of fellow Minnesotans have also missed the boat on this. (Pun intended.)

ALSO READ: The SE MN Bar That's the REAL First Bar in Minnesota

New Boating Law Coming to Minnesota

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

This new law will roll out over time, but yes, this means you are no longer legally allowed to operate any watercraft (personal or otherwise) unless you have a permit to do so.

Yeah, it could really put a damper on your summer plans! But before you panic, here's how this law is going to roll out and how you can (easily) get your permit.

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New Minnesota Boating Law Rollout Plan

Starting July 1st, 2025, anyone who was born on July 1st, 2004 or after will need to have a permit to operate a boat.

Then, on July 1st, 2026, anyone born on July 1st, 2000 or after will be required to have a permit.

July 1st, 2027, anyone born on July 1st, 1996 or after needs a permit.

And finally, on July 1st, 2028, everyone will need a permit to operate a boat in Minnesota.

It sounds annoying, but trust me, it seems super easy to get your permit. Plus, the law is to making boating safer, which I'm all for.

How to Get Your Boating Permit / License in Minnesota

So, how do you get this boating permit?

The Minnesota DNR lays out just how easy it is to do:

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 guess what? Your boating permit is valid for your whole life, so you don't need to worry about renewing it.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Boating Permit / License in Minnesota

In order to get a permit, you have to be 12 or older.

Also, if you're out on the boat and, let's say, your kid wants to drive the boat for a little bit but they don't have their permit, that's still totally ok as long as:

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.

With the boating permit, you may want to hit up one of these stunning Minnesota small towns this summer.