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Kentucky Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: fw.ky.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Kentucky

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 →
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 →
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 →
OhioConditional
Ohio requires boaters born on or after Jan 1, 1982 to complete an approved boating course or proficiency exam to operate a boat powered by more than 10 hp.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
TennesseeConditional
Any Tennessee resident born after Jan 1, 1989 must pass the TWRA Boating Safety exam and carry the Boating Safety Education Certificate.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaConditional
Virginia requires all operators (any age) of motorboats with a 10 hp or greater engine, and all PWC operators 14+, to carry a boating safety course completion card.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia requires anyone born on or after Dec 31, 1986 to obtain a certificate of boating safety education before operating a motorboat or PWC.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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