AL · State boating guide

Alabama
boating laws

Last verified October 28, 2026

At a glance

Boater card: Required for specified operators; all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, except those born before April 28, 1954
Operating age: No one under 12 may operate any motorized vessel, including a PWC. Operators 12 or 13 with the certification may operate only with a licensed person 21 or older on board who can take immediate control. Operators 14 and older with the certification may operate alone.
Life-jacket age rule: Children under 8 must wear a life jacket at all times on board any vessel, except in an enclosed cabin.
BUI / BAC limit: 0.08 BAC
Registration fee: $20.00–$100.00; Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
Registration term: 1 year

The short answer

Do I need a boating license in Alabama?

Alabama Boater Safety Certification (vessel operator's license) is required for all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, except those born before April 28, 1954.

Confirm with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Marine Patrol Division ↗

Alabama requires everyone who operates a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft, to hold an Alabama boater safety certification (a vessel license on their driver license), unless born before April 28, 1954. No one under 12 may operate a motorized vessel, and 12- and 13-year-olds need a licensed adult 21 or older on board. Vessels must be registered every year, children under 8 must wear a life jacket, and the legal limit is 0.08 BAC.

Before you operate

Boater education & operating age

Alabama boater education requirements
Requirement	Details
Education required	Yes — see who needs a card below
Who needs a card	all operators of motorized vessels, including personal watercraft, except those born before April 28, 1954
Card or certificate	Alabama Boater Safety Certification (vessel operator's license)
Minimum operating age	No one under 12 may operate any motorized vessel, including a PWC. Operators 12 or 13 with the certification may operate only with a licensed person 21 or older on board who can take immediate control. Operators 14 and older with the certification may operate alone.
Out-of-state cards	Since October 1, 2024, nonresidents may operate with a valid boater safety or vessel operator's certification issued by their home state or country, or must obtain a Nonresident Alabama Boater Safety Certification.

Find an officially approved course

Your boat’s paperwork

Boat registration & fees

Every vessel on Alabama waters must be registered and numbered under state law, except vessels 12 feet or less used solely on farm ponds under 50 acres. Certificates are issued yearly, with renewal month set by the first letter of the owner's last name.

Class 1: less than 16 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)$20.00
Class 2: 16 to less than 26 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)$25.00
Class 3: 26 to less than 40 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)$75.00
Class 4: 40 feet and over (includes $2 issuance fee)$100.00

Registration fee data and sources

Alabama registration fees · USD
Boat / fee category	Fee	Term	Source
Class 1: less than 16 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)	$20.00	1 year	Official source: Class 1: less than 16 feet (includes $2 issuance fee) ↗
Class 2: 16 to less than 26 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)	$25.00	1 year	Official source: Class 2: 16 to less than 26 feet (includes $2 issuance fee) ↗
Class 3: 26 to less than 40 feet (includes $2 issuance fee)	$75.00	1 year	Official source: Class 3: 26 to less than 40 feet (includes $2 issuance fee) ↗
Class 4: 40 feet and over (includes $2 issuance fee)	$100.00	1 year	Official source: Class 4: 40 feet and over (includes $2 issuance fee) ↗

Published registration fees in USD. Bar lengths compare the listed amounts; terms and official sources appear in the data table below.

Registration details from the agency

Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules

Everyone on board a PWC must wear a properly secured USCG-approved life jacket.
The PWC must have an engine cut-off switch or self-circling feature; if it has a cut-off switch, the lanyard must be attached to the operator.
PWC operators have the same age and certification requirements as other vessel operators.
No weaving through congested traffic at high speed, following closely in the wake of a boat towing a skier, cutting between a boat and its skier, jumping wakes unnecessarily close, or buzzing other boats or swimmers.
A PWC towing a skier must have mirrors on both the left and right sides, at least 2.5 by 4 inches.

Towing & watersports

No towing on water skis or similar devices after sunset and before sunrise.
Everyone being towed must wear a properly secured USCG-approved life jacket.
Boats other than PWCs must carry an observer 12 or older besides the operator, or a wide-angle mirror of at least 78 square inches with a 170-degree field of view.
Keep a reasonable distance from other vessels, people and property.

Life jacket rules

Carry one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board or being towed.
Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a throwable Type IV device.
Children under 8 must wear a life jacket at all times on board any vessel, except in an enclosed cabin.
Everyone must wear a life jacket on any vessel within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam or navigational lock and dam.

Boating under the influence

Published limit: 0.08 BAC. Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.

At a glance

Every motorized vessel operator needs a boater certification unless born before April 28, 1954.
No one under 12 may operate a motorized boat or PWC.
The vessel license costs a one-time $5 application fee plus a $36.25 issuance fee.
Boat registration renews every year and starts at $20 for boats under 16 feet.

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