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Illinois Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dnr.illinois.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Illinois

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

IndianaConditional
In Indiana, an operator of a motorboat over 10 hp must have a valid driver's license, or be at least 15 and have passed a Boater Education Course with a BMV-issued ID card (IC 14-15-11).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: faqs.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
IowaConditional
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.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa rule →
KentuckyConditional
In Kentucky, those 12-17 may operate a motorized vessel over 10 hp only if they passed an approved boating safety course and carry the certificate, or are accompanied by a person 18 or older.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky 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 →
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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