West Virginia Boating Regulations and Laws

The West Virginia boater education certificate (commonly known as a West Virginia boating license) is proof that a boater has successfully completed a boating safety course.

In general, all persons born after December 31, 1986 must complete a boating safety education course before operating a motorboat or personal watercraft (PWC) on West Virginia waters. The course or exam must be one that is approved by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Even if not required by law to get the West Virginia boating license, many boaters take the boat safety course in order to save on their PWC or boat insurance.

Do your part to make boating in West Virginia a safe, enjoyable pastime! Become an educated, responsible boater by completing the Boat West Virginia course and practice what you learn.

How do I learn about the legal requirements of boating in West Virginia?

Laws and regulations concerning operating a personal watercraft or vessel, required equipment, vessel registration and much more can be found in Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating.

How do I take a safe boating exam and get my boater education card?

• Internet: You can study over the Internet then take the West Virginia online boating exam. Once you pass, the official boater education certificate issued by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is mailed to your home.

Where can I get the boater safety education course material?

You're at the right place, because the Boat West Virginia online safe boating course is the official course developed specifically for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. All the required safe boating course material to get your boater education certificate is available for free online. Please visit our West Virginia safe boating course introductory page to find out about the boater exam process.

Where can I get more information about the West Virginia boater education certificate?

• Read Frequently Asked Questions about the West Virginia boater's license;
• Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources;
• Contact Boat Ed, and we'll be glad to answer any of your questions about the West Virginia boater's license or boating license requirements in other states.

Who needs a West Virginia boat license, and what can they operate once they get their boater education certificate?

West Virginia'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.