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Official Wisconsin Boating License Online

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Take this Wisconsin–approved course to complete your online safety education.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources logo
NASBLA logo
US Coast Guard logo

Get your boating license in 3 steps.

Wisconsin law requires those born on or after January 1, 1989, to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card if operating a motorboat or PWC in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.

You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.

What to Expect From the Boaters Safety Course

Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos

Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.

Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.

Comprehensive Instruction in Wisconsin boaters Safety Course

This official training program is developed to meet the standards for safety education established by Wisconsin. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for laws and regulations.

Pages from a boat handbook

Learn Your Way on Any Device

Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Boat course displayed on various devices
Course outline displaying progress

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
101 S. Webster Street . PO Box 7921 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921

Made in the U.S.A.

This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.

Is it the safety license?

safety education certification is not the same thing as a license. What you really need is the Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate. You can get the Wisconsin Boating Safety Education Certificate by taking this boat safety course at boat-ed.com. Find out if you need the card.

Did you lose your card? Replace it here.

Start the Course
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources logo

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Wisconsin Boating FAQs

Price and Payment

How much does the Wisconsin Boat Rental Course cost?

The Boat Wisconsin Rental Course fee is $10.

Taking the Course

Do I have to complete the course all at once?

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days.

What is the minimum age to take the Wisconsin Boat Rental Course?

You must be at least 16 years old to take this online course.

Do I have to be a resident to take the Wisconsin Boat Rental Course?

You do not have to be a resident of Wisconsin to take this online course.

Course Approval and Acceptance

Is the Boat Wisconsin Rental Course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources?

The Boat Wisconsin Rental Course is approved and accepted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Quizzes and/or Exams

Do I have to take an online exam?

The Temporary Boating Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.

About Your Certification

What is the proof of online Boat Wisconsin Rental Course completion?

Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Boating Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Boating Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you. This certificate EXPIRES the end of the calendar year after course completion.

We’re people, not robots.

Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!

Boat Ed Help Center

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