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California Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: California requires operators of a vessel with a motor of 15 hp or more to be 16+ and hold a California Boater Card; as of 2025 all motorized-vessel operators must carry the card.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: parks.ca.gov →

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Boater Education Card in states bordering California

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaInfo
Arizona has no statewide boater-education card requirement to operate; AZGFD courses are voluntary except when ordered by a court after a boating conviction.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: azgfd.com · Full Arizona rule →
NevadaConditional
Nevada requires boaters born on or after Jan 1, 1983 to complete an NDOW-approved boater education course before operating a boat on Nevada's interstate waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndow.org · Full Nevada rule →
OregonConditional
Oregon requires a Boating Safety Education Card for anyone 16 or older operating a powerboat (including PWC) over 10 hp; youths 12-15 only if accompanied by a card-holder 16+.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: oregon.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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