Rounder
Official Colorado boating safety course Colorado State Parks Logo

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colorado Boater's License

What is the Colorado boating safety certificate?

  • The Colorado boating safety certificate (also referred to as the Colorado Boaters License) is proof that a boater has demonstrated basic boating knowledge by passing an approved boating safety course and exam.

Do I have to get a Colorado boating safety certificate (Colorado boater's license)?

  • Youth ages 14 and 15 must get the certificate to legally operate a motorboat in Colorado. It is obtained by passing a proctored exam in a classroom setting.

What is the minimum age to obtain a Colorado boating safety certificate?

  • You must be 14 years of age to take a proctored exam in a classroom setting and get the state-issued boating safety certificate.
  • You must be 16 years of age to take the online boat safety exam and get a boater education card.

How do I get my Colorado boating safety certificate (Colorado boater's license)?

  • The steps required to get your Colorado boaters license are as follows:
    • Study the Colorado boating safety course material;
    • Take the Colorado online boating exam (ages 16 and older) or schedule a proctored exam (14 - 15 years of age)
    • Upon passing the online course, you will receive a Boat Colorado boater education card in the mail. This card is commonly known as the Massachusetts boating license.
  • For a detailed explanation of the Colorado online boating exam process, please visit our Colorado boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Colorado boating safety certificate cost?

  • The online Certification Exam costs $$24.50—one time only, after you pass. There is no charge for the Colorado boater education card.

When will I receive my Colorado boater education card in the mail?

  • Your Colorado boater education card will be mailed to your home within 5-7 days after you pass the exam.

Do I get a temporary card or certificate until my permanent boater's license arrives?

  • Upon passing the exam, you will be able to immediately print out a temporary boater education card online.

How do I replace my boating safety certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

  • A duplicate can be issued for a $5 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat Colorado online course. To obtain a duplicate Colorado card, mail the request with a check for $5, payable to Boat Colorado, to:

    Boat Colorado
    2906 Ladybird Ln.
    Dallas, Texas 75220
  • Be sure to include the student's full name and date of birth in the mailed request for a duplicate card. You may also phone Customer Service to request the duplicate and pay by credit card.

Is anyone exempt from getting the Colorado boating safety certificate (Colorado boater's license)?

  • Any exemptions from the mandatory boater's license requirement are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.

What are the minimum age and boater education requirements to operate a personal watercraft or motorboat on Colorado waters?

  • Colorado's boating safety education requirements and laws about operating a boat or PWC are explained in detail on the Who May Operate a Vessel page.
Separator
Colorado State Parks

Boat Ed, provider of official boating safety courses for more than 40 states
Find Another
Boating Safety Course

Course Material
Boating Terms
Get Certified
  Table of Contents  
 
Online boating license and certification course last modified: April 22, 2008
Email concerning this boat safety course.
NASBLA logo Questions? Call Boat Ed at 1-800-830-2268
Copyright © 1998-2008 Boat Ed. All rights reserved.
Review Boat Ed's privacy policy.
Approved by NASBLA and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard logo
Rounder