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Missouri Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Missouri

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

  • ArkansasConditional

    Arkansas requires anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1986 (and of legal operating age) to complete an approved AGFC Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat or sailboat.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: agfc.com · Full Arkansas rule →

  • 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 →

  • 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 →

  • KansasConditional

    Kansas requires any person under age 21 who wants to operate a vessel without direct and audible supervision to complete an approved boater education course (KSA 32-1125e).

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ksoutdoors.com · Full Kansas 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 →

  • 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 →

  • OklahomaConditional

    Oklahoma requires anyone 12-15 operating a boat over 10 hp, a sailboat 16 ft or greater, or a PWC to complete a boating safety education class; not required for adults.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma 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 →

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