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Virginia Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dwr.virginia.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaConditional
Anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways must have a Boating Safety Certificate, issued on completing the MPD Harbor Patrol boating safety course.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia 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 →
MarylandConditional
Maryland requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 to hold a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate any mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina requires anyone born on or after Jan 1, 1988 to complete a NASBLA-approved boating education course before operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 hp or greater.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina 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 →
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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