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Wisconsin Boater Education Card (2026)

Conditional: Wisconsin boating safety certification is required for operators born on or after Jan 1, 1989; required to operate at age 16.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: dnr.wisconsin.gov →

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

Boater Education Card in states bordering Wisconsin

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 →

  • 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 →

  • MichiganConditional

    Michigan requires boaters born on or after July 1, 1996 to have a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat, and it must be on board.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan 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 →

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