GA · State boating guide
Georgia
boating laws
Last verified
At a glance
- Boater card
- Required for specified operators
- anyone born after January 1, 1998 operating a motorized vessel
- Operating age
- Under 12: may not operate a vessel 16 feet or longer, and may operate a vessel under 16 feet only if it is non-motorized or 30 hp or less with a competent adult on board. Ages 12 to 15: may operate a vessel under 16 feet, including a PWC, only after a DNR-approved course or with a competent adult on board, and may not operate a vessel 16 feet or longer. 16 and older: may operate any vessel with proper ID and education.
- Life-jacket age rule
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on any moving vessel unless inside a fully enclosed cabin.
- BUI / BAC limit
- 0.08 BAC (0.02 under 21)
- Registration fee
- $10.00–$210.00
- Published categories; see fees and exceptions below.
- Registration term
- 3 years
The short answer
Do I need a boating license in Georgia?
Boater Education Card is required for anyone born after January 1, 1998 operating a motorized vessel.
Confirm with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division ↗Georgia requires anyone born after January 1, 1998 to complete a DNR-approved boater education course before operating a motorized vessel. All mechanically propelled boats and sailboats over 12 feet must be registered, and registration lasts three years. Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on any moving vessel, and the legal limit is 0.08 BAC.
Before you operate
Boater education & operating age
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education required | Yes — see who needs a card below |
| Who needs a card | anyone born after January 1, 1998 operating a motorized vessel |
| Card or certificate | Boater Education Card |
| Minimum operating age | Under 12: may not operate a vessel 16 feet or longer, and may operate a vessel under 16 feet only if it is non-motorized or 30 hp or less with a competent adult on board. Ages 12 to 15: may operate a vessel under 16 feet, including a PWC, only after a DNR-approved course or with a competent adult on board, and may not operate a vessel 16 feet or longer. 16 and older: may operate any vessel with proper ID and education. |
| Out-of-state cards | Non-residents who have completed a NASBLA-approved boater education course are exempt, according to the DNR boating handbook. |
Your boat’s paperwork
Boat registration & fees
All mechanically propelled vessels and all sailboats over 12 feet. Exempt: non-motorized canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rafts, boats used only on private ponds, and out-of-state boats for up to 60 days. Registration is valid for three years and expires on the last day of the owner's birth month.
- Less than 16 feet$35.00
- 16 to less than 26 feet$70.00
- 26 to less than 40 feet$140.00
- 40 feet and over$210.00
- Transaction fee$10.00
Registration fee data and sources
| Boat / fee category | Fee | Term | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | $35.00 | 3 years | Official source: Less than 16 feet ↗ |
| 16 to less than 26 feet | $70.00 | 3 years | Official source: 16 to less than 26 feet ↗ |
| 26 to less than 40 feet | $140.00 | 3 years | Official source: 26 to less than 40 feet ↗ |
| 40 feet and over | $210.00 | 3 years | Official source: 40 feet and over ↗ |
| Transaction fee | $10.00 | 3 years | Official source: Transaction fee ↗ |
Personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rules
- Everyone on a PWC must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket; inflatable life jackets are not allowed.
- The engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the operator, or the PWC must have a self-circling device.
- No PWC operation between sunset and sunrise.
- Operate at idle speed within 100 feet of any moored or anchored vessel, dock, pier, bridge, person in the water or shoreline.
- No jumping the wake of another vessel within 100 feet of it.
- A PWC towing a skier must be rated for at least three people and carry an observer; a mirror does not substitute.
- PWCs may not be rented to anyone under 16.
Towing & watersports
- No towing from sunset to sunrise.
- Stay at idle speed within 100 feet of docks, piers, moored vessels and people in the water.
- Each person towed must wear a ski belt, ski jacket or USCG-approved Type I, II or III life jacket.
- The boat must carry an observer in addition to the operator, or have a wide-angle rear-view mirror.
Life jacket rules
- Carry one wearable USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board; Type V devices count only when worn.
- Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry a throwable device (canoes and kayaks are exempt).
- Children under 13 must wear a life jacket on any moving vessel unless inside a fully enclosed cabin.
Boating under the influence
Published limit: 0.08 BAC (0.02 under 21). Read the linked official guidance for the full rule and any age-specific provisions.
At a glance
- Born after January 1, 1998? You need boater education to run a motorized boat.
- Registration lasts three years and starts at $35 for boats under 16 feet.
- Kids under 13 must wear a life jacket on any moving boat.
- PWCs must stay at idle speed within 100 feet of docks, shore and people.
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.
- Who Can Operate a Boat ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
- PWC Requirements ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
- Boating Rules and Regulations ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
- Boating Education ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
- Register a Boat or PWC ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
- Boat Registration ↗Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division
- Georgia Boating Handbook ↗Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division
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