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South Dakota Boater Education Card (2026)

Info: South Dakota has no mandatory boater-education requirement; a NASBLA/USCG-approved course is recommended but not required to operate a boat.

InfoVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: gfp.sd.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering South Dakota

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 →
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 →
MontanaConditional
Montana requires no education card for adults; youths 13-14 may operate a motorboat/PWC over 10 hp only with a Montana motorboat operator's safety certificate or if accompanied by someone 18+.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fwp.mt.gov · Full Montana 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 →
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 →
WyomingInfo
Wyoming has no mandatory boater-education card to operate a motorboat; operators must be at least 16, and safety courses are offered voluntarily.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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