CA · State boating guide
California
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- all operators of motorized boats, regardless of age (since January 1, 2025)
- Operating age
- No one under 16 may operate a boat with a motor over 15 horsepower (including a PWC), except a sailboat up to 30 feet or a dinghy going between a moored boat and shore. Children 12 to 15 may do so if supervised on board by a California Boater Card holder aged 18 or older.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving recreational boat of any length, unless in an enclosed cabin.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC (0.01 for operators under 21)
- Registration fee
- $20.00–$49.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 2 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in California?
California Boater Card is required for all operators of motorized boats, regardless of age (since January 1, 2025).
Confirm with California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways ↗Since January 1, 2025, everyone who operates a motorized boat in California needs a California Boater Card, a lifetime card that costs $10 after you pass an approved course. No one under 16 may run a boat with more than 15 horsepower, though children 12 to 15 may do so with a card-holding adult aged 18 or older on board. Motorized boats and sailboats over 8 feet must be registered with the DMV, and registration renews every two years. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving boat, and the alcohol limit is 0.08 BAC for adults and 0.01 for operators under 21.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | all operators of motorized boats, regardless of age (since January 1, 2025) |
| Card or certificate | California Boater Card |
| Minimum operating age | No one under 16 may operate a boat with a motor over 15 horsepower (including a PWC), except a sailboat up to 30 feet or a dinghy going between a moored boat and shore. Children 12 to 15 may do so if supervised on board by a California Boater Card holder aged 18 or older. |
| Out-of-state cards | Out-of-state residents temporarily boating in California for less than 60 days (foreign residents, less than 90 days) are exempt if they meet their home state's or country's requirements. California residents must get a California card even if they hold another state's card. Rental boat operators are also exempt. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All boats with a motor of any size and sailboats over 8 feet long, including on private lakes. Registration renews by December 31 of every odd-numbered year. Boats used in fresh water also need a separate Mussel Fee sticker.
- Original registration, bought in an even-numbered year$29.00
- Original registration, bought in an odd-numbered year$49.00
- Biennial renewal (due in odd-numbered years)$20.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original registration, bought in an even-numbered year | $29.00 | Not published | Official source: Original registration, bought in an even-numbered year ↗ |
| Original registration, bought in an odd-numbered year | $49.00 | Not published | Official source: Original registration, bought in an odd-numbered year ↗ |
| Biennial renewal (due in odd-numbered years) | $20.00 | 2 years | Official source: Biennial renewal (due in odd-numbered years) ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- If the PWC has an engine cut-off switch, the operator must attach the lanyard to their person.
- No PWC operation from sunset to sunrise, even with navigation lights.
- Operators under 16 need on-board supervision by a California Boater Card holder aged 18 or older (ages 12 to 15 only).
Towing & watersports
- When towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber, carry an observer at least 12 years old in addition to the operator.
- Anyone being towed must wear a USCG-approved life jacket; inflatable life jackets are not approved for water skiing.
- No towing of skiers from sunset to sunrise.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board, readily available.
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving recreational boat of any length, unless in an enclosed cabin.
- Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry one throwable Type IV device.
- Everyone on a PWC and anyone being towed must wear a life jacket.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC (0.01 for operators under 21). Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Every motorboat operator needs a California Boater Card as of 2025.
- The card is a one-time $10 fee and lasts for life.
- Registration renews every two years, in odd-numbered years.
- Kids under 13 must wear a life jacket on a moving boat.
Plan your day
Before you launch
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Sources and last checked
Sources
Official guidance is the final reference. Rules and fees may change after this guide’s verification date.
- About the Card ↗California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways
- California Boater Card FAQs ↗California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways
- ABCs of California Boating (2025 eBook) ↗California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways
- Life Jackets ↗California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways
- Register Your Boat/Vessel ↗California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Registration Fees (Vessel Fees) ↗California Department of Motor Vehicles
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