Official Michigan Boating License Online
Take this Michigan–approved online boating course to complete your boaters safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Do you need to take a boaters safety course to get a Michigan boating license?
You need education if you were born after June 30, 1996, and will be operating a vessel in Michigan. Most PWC operators also need education.
How to Get your Boating License in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1
est. 2–3 mins
Sign Up
Getting started is easy, simply sign up for a Boat Ed student account, pay for the official, state-approved course, and visit your student dashboard.
Step 2
est. 3–4 hrs
Study & Pass at Your Own Pace
Take the course on any desktop, tablet or mobile device, and don't worry about completing everything in one sitting. We save your progress after each lesson!
Step 3
est. 1–5 mins
Print Your License Immediately
After successfully passing the final exam, you're able to print your boating certificate and go boating right away!
Step 4
est. 0 mins
Get on the Water!
That's it! You're ready to confidently and legally drive a boat. Also you'll now have access to exclusive offers on additional courses and products!
Do you need a Boating License in Michigan?
Any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. In addition, boater education is also required for all PWC operators born after December 31, 1978.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Michigan 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 Michigan boaters Safety Course
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Michigan. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
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.
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.
Michigan Approved Boating License
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
Is it the Boating safety license?
Boating safety education certification is not the same thing as a Boating license. What you really need is the Boating Safety Certificate. You can get the Boating Safety 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.
Get Certified
Protect your on-water adventures
Relaxing on the water is easy when you’re protected with a leader in boat insurance. Progressive has the coverages you need to explore carefree and full of adventure! Discover how we can protect your boat today with coverage we offer to the 1 million+ watercraft we already insure.
Get a Quote
A Wavve of Savings
Get your first year FREE!
Complete your course and get the first year of Wavve Boating for FREE.
Learn More
Michigan Boating FAQs
Price and Payment
How much does the Michigan Boat Ed Course cost?
The Michigan Boat Ed Course fee is $29.50.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Michigan?
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. All pay-up-front courses are available for 90 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Michigan Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Michigan to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Michigan Boat Ed Course approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources?
The Michigan Boat Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Michigan Boating Safety Certificate accepted elsewhere?
For visiting boaters, all states, territories, and provinces will recognize boating education cards that meet NASBLA requirements and Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards that meet Transport Canada’s requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 70% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Online Course 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 permanent Michigan Boating Safety Certificate?
The Boating Safety Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. You can print the Boating Safety Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Boating Safety Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost or destroyed Boating Safety Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.
We’re people, not robots.
Visit our Boat Ed help center for frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, or for further customer support!
