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California State Boating Card

As of 2018, the Department of Boating and Waterways is phasing in a Boating Safety Card by age group for operators of motorized vessels.

In California, each year a new age group is being added to those who are required to possess a valid card. By 2025, all persons who operate on California waters will be required to have one. Once issued, the card remains valid for a boat operator’s lifetime. California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 678.11(b) contains the following phase-in schedule based on operator age:

  • January 1, 2018 – Persons 20 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2019 – Persons 25 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2020 – Persons 35 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2021 – Persons 40 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2022 – Persons 45 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2023 – Persons 50 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2024 – Persons 60 years of age or younger
  • January 1, 2025 – All persons regardless of age

Because of this new requirement, everyone taking a keelboat class who will be operating the outboard engine must have a valid California Boating Card.

Here are the steps you should follow to start the process:

How to get a California State Boating Card

  1. Go to http://californiaboatercard.com/applynow/
  2. Follow the steps listed
  3. Pay the $10 fee
Once you receive your Application ID:
  1. Go to http://www.boatus.org/california/
  2. Register as a new user and complete an application for the free Online Boating Safety Course (you’ll need your Application ID from Department of Boating and Waterways)
  3. Take the online boating safety course through USBoats
Once you have completed and passed the course, go back to DBW (Department of Boating and Waterways) and print your temporary boating card. They will send you your permanent card by mail.