Do Boating Licenses Expire? What Each State Says

Do boating licenses expire? In the 9 states covered here, education cards are good for life in California, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. Utah has annual course requirements, New Jersey requires a separate license for non-tidal waters, and Connecticut still accepts an older certificate.

A boater education card and a separate operator’s license can have different rules. Check the rule for the state where you plan to operate, especially if you boat on non-tidal waters or in Utah.

Key Takeaways

• Six states covered here issue education cards that are good for life.
• Utah’s annual course rules are separate from its youth personal watercraft certificate.
• New Jersey has a separate license for non-tidal waters, and Connecticut still accepts an older certificate.

The Short Answer

In the states covered here, six boater education cards are good for life, while Utah and New Jersey have additional requirements and Connecticut recognizes an older certificate.

The lifetime cards are issued in California, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington. Utah’s annual courses and New Jersey’s separate license have their own rules, so check those requirements before you head out.

States Where the Card Is Good for Life

You get a lifetime boater education card in six states covered here: California, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.

California’s lifetime California Boater Card has a one-time $10 fee after you pass an approved course. Since January 1, 2025, everyone who operates a motorized boat in California needs the card.

Illinois certificates, Maryland’s Certificate of Boating Safety Education, Pennsylvania’s Boating Safety Education Certificate, Vermont’s Certificate of Boating Education, and Washington’s Boater Education Card are also good for life. Pennsylvania’s permanent certificate fee is $10, and Washington’s card costs $10.

Exceptions: Annual Courses and Separate Licenses

Utah’s annual courses and New Jersey’s separate non-tidal operator’s license have requirements beyond the boater education card.

In Utah, every boater must take the annual mussel-aware course. From January 1, 2027, every motorboat and sailboat operator must also complete the annual watercraft operator course; inflatable motorboats are exempt.

Utah accepts a NASBLA-approved course from another state for the youth personal watercraft requirement, but that course does not count for the annual watercraft operator course. The youth personal watercraft certificate never expires.

For New Jersey non-tidal waters, you also need an MVC power vessel operator’s license. The license is for people age 16 and older and costs $18 for 48 months, plus $6 for the photo.

Older Cards That Still Count

Connecticut still accepts the older Safe Boating Certificate (SBC), though the state no longer issues it.

The current credential is the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). If you hold an older SBC, it remains valid.

If Your State Is Not Shown Here

The rules for the other 41 states are outside the scope of this guide, so check your state’s boating page for its current card requirements.

Look for the state’s own guidance on card validity and any separate courses or operator licenses. Do not assume another state follows the rules described here.

Card Validity by State

The table below shows the card names and rules for all nine states covered here.