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Iowa Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: In Iowa, any person 12-17 may operate a motorboat over 10 hp or a PWC only if they completed a DNR-approved boater education course or are accompanied by a responsible adult 18 or older.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: iowadnr.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boater Education Card in states bordering Iowa

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

IllinoisConditional
Illinois requires persons born on or after Jan 1, 1998 to hold a valid Boating Safety Certificate to operate a vessel powered by a motor over 10 hp.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
MinnesotaConditional
Watercraft operator's permit required — phasing in by age: as of July 1, 2026, operators born after June 30, 2000 need the permit; expands to born after June 30, 1996 (July 2027) and June 30, 1987 (July 2028). Non-residents boating in Minnesota fewer than 60 days may operate under their home state's requirements.
Verified Jul 20, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
MissouriConditional
Any person born after Jan 1, 1984 must pass a Missouri boater education course before operating a motorized vessel on the lakes of the state and carry the Boating Safety Education Card.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov · Full Missouri rule →
NebraskaConditional
Nebraska requires anyone born after Dec 31, 1985 to complete a boating safety course and carry the certificate while operating a boat or PWC; minimum operating age is 14.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: outdoornebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
South DakotaInfo
South Dakota has no mandatory boater-education requirement; a NASBLA/USCG-approved course is recommended but not required to operate a boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gfp.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinConditional
Wisconsin boating safety certification is required for operators born on or after Jan 1, 1989; required to operate at age 16.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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