Hello boater! Effective July 17, 2009, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Boat Illinois online course—the official boating safety course of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Illinois Boater's License

• What is the Illinois boater education card?
• Do I have to get the Illinois boater education card (Illinois boater's license)?
• What is the minimum age to obtain the Illinois boater education card?
• How do I get my Illinois boater education card (Illinois boater's license)?
• How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Illinois boater education card cost?
• When will I receive my Illinois boater education card in the mail?
• How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

What is the Illinois boater education card?

• The Illinois boater education card (also referred to as the Illinois 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 the Illinois boater education card (Illinois boater's license)?

• The Illinois boater education card (commonly known as the Illinois boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course. Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft, only if they complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.

What is the minimum age to obtain the Illinois boater education card?

• The minimum age to take the online boat safety exam is 12 years of age.

How do I get my Illinois boater education card (Illinois boater's license)?

• The steps required to get your Illinois boaters license are as follows:
  • Study the Illinois boating safety course material;
  • Take the Illinois online boating exam
  • Pay $29.50—one time only, after you pass
  • Upon passing, you will receive your official Illinois boater education card by mail within 5-7 business days. This card is commonly known as the Illinois boating license.
• For a detailed explanation of the Illinois online boating exam process, please visit our Illinois boating license overview page.

How much does the online boater exam cost? How much does the Illinois boater education card cost?

• The online Certification Exam costs $29.50. There is no charge for the Illinois boater education card.

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

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

How do I replace my boater education card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?

• A duplicate can be issued for a $10 charge if the student took (and passed) the Boat Illinois online course. To obtain a duplicate Illinois card, mail the request with a check for $10, payable to BOAT ILLINOIS, to:

  BOAT ILLINOIS
  14086 Proton Rd.
  Dallas, TX 75244

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.