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Minnesota Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: 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).

ConditionalVerified Jul 20, 2026

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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.

Official source: dnr.state.mn.us →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Minnesota

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

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 →
North DakotaConditional
North Dakota requires youth ages 12-15 to pass the state boating course to operate a boat or PWC with at least a 10-hp motor by themselves; no requirement for adults.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gf.nd.gov · Full North Dakota 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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